What should I do first after a Marietta storm?

Start a dump & drain walk: empty planters, saucers, toys, lids, grill covers, wheelbarrows, and tarp pockets; tighten/angle tarps so water can’t pool.

How do I “dry the perimeter” effectively?

Clear gutters, extend downspouts with splash blocks so water moves away along the home’s perimeter/foundation, keep a 6" mulch gap, and trim dense vegetation.

My irrigation runs daily — could that be the problem?

Yes. Re-aim heads that mist walls/hardscape, shorten run times in shaded beds, and water early mornings so surfaces dry quickly.

Where do mosquitoes rest when it’s not raining?

On the undersides of leaves in cool, humid pockets — dense hedges, behind AC units, and under decks. Thinning vegetation 12 – 18" off walls helps reduce resting zones.

How quickly should I notice fewer bites?

With dump/dry plus a professional service, many yards see improvement in 24 – 72 hours; by 1 – 2 weeks, vegetation and irrigation tweaks further help reduce pressure.

How often do I need service in peak season?

A monthly day cadence typically helps ensure steady relief; we adjust timing based on storms, shade, and yard changes.

Do you treat standing water or just plants?

Where appropriate and permitted, we address select breeding sites and focus on resting vegetation with targeted, environmentally responsible applications, plus clear re-entry guidance.

What if mosquitoes keep coming back even after I follow the steps?

We’ll inspect, note hotspots, and adjust treatments to fit your property’s storm and shade pattern.

Marietta’s 72-Hour Mosquito Protocol

Late-day thunderstorms and dense canopy around Marietta Square, East Cobb, Sope Creek, Kennesaw Mountain, and Whitlock Heights create perfect storm-and-shade conditions for mosquitoes. Use this 72-hour plan after each rain to cut breeding and resting zones fast — then pair it with our seasonal program for steady relief. For details and scheduling, see mosquito control in Marietta.

1
Hours 0 – 24 • Dump & Drain (the biggest win):
- Walk the yard right after rain. Empty planters, saucers, toys, lids, grill covers, wheelbarrows, and tarp pockets; tip standing water off folded furniture and hammock slings.
- Tighten or re-angle tarps so water can’t pool.
- Birdbaths & pet bowls: refresh now and every 2–3 days.
- Gutters & downspouts: clear debris and confirm flow; add splash blocks/extensions so water moves away along the home’s perimeter/foundation.
- Mulch gap: pull mulch back 6 inches from the foundation to reduce lingering dampness.
2
Hours 24 – 48 • Dry the Perimeter:
- Irrigation tune-up: re-aim heads so they don’t mist walls or hardscape; shorten run times in shaded beds; water early mornings so surfaces dry quickly.
- Vegetation spacing: trim shrubs 12–18 inches off walls; raise canopies for airflow under hedges and around seating.
- Low-spot fixes: note shallow puddles in turf; fill and re-sod thin areas that stay muddy. Where patios trap water against the house, cut a small channel or consider a drain.
3
Hours 48 – 72 • Deny Resting Spots:
- Focus on shade. Mosquitoes rest on the undersides of leaves in cool, humid pockets. Thin dense vegetation, especially behind AC units, under decks, and beside privacy hedges.
- Patio comfort: add a box/oscillating fan — moving air makes landing harder during peak hours.
- Recheck containers after the next afternoon shower; repeat dump/dry.

After the Storm: Marietta’s 72-Hour Mosquito Protocol

Marietta’s 72-Hour Mosquito Protocol

Frequently Asked Questions

R. Blake Edwards, ACE, PHE Certificate