Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance. They carry diseases and can cause many other issues. In fact, over one million people in the world die from mosquito-borne illnesses and diseases each year. Do you want to learn how you can prevent getting bit by mosquitoes in your backyard?
Keep reading these tricks and ticks to stay safe from mosquitos in the summer months.
1. Remove Standing Water
If you want to prevent getting big outside in the summer, you want to remove any kind of standing water in your yard. While many other pests are attracted to water sources, mosquitos are known to lay their eggs in any standing water.
Once mosquitos lay their larva in your standing water, it is likely that you will experience an infestation of mosquitoes in your backyard.
To prevent this, you want to remove any standing water. Even if you don’t have a pond or another water feature in your yard, you can have standing water in other containers. This can be water from rain, sprinklers, or anything else that collects.
Remove standing water and you will experience fewer mosquitos in your yard.
2. Use Screens and Mosquito Nets
One simple way to not get bit outdoors is by using screens and mosquito nets. For example, if you have a patio or a deck, you will still be outdoors and exposed. By installing screens on your doors and windows, you can prevent mosquitos from getting into your outdoor living spaces.
You can also use mosquito nets both indoor and outdoor. These nets are generally used in sleeping areas and may even be treated with insecticides. This will prevent mosquitos from getting through to you!
3. Wear the Right Clothes
Something you may not know is that mosquitos are attracted to certain colors. They use their eyes to locate potential food sources, so it is important to wear the right kind of clothing.
Make sure you wear colors that are less easy for mosquitos to spot. Don’t wear dark blue, black, or red. By wearing light colors, you won’t stand out as much to these pests.
You can also wear clothes that are more protective! Rather than wearing tight clothing, thick fabrics that fit more loosely will protect you from mosquitos. You can also wear long pants and long sleeves to prevent mosquito bites!
4. Use Bug Spray
An obvious solution to prevent mosquitos and other bugs is by using an insect repellant. However, this may not be a good solution for some. Bug spray isn’t a good solution for women who are pregnant or children.
It also may not be good for those with sensitive skin. However, it is an easy way to prevent bug bites!
5. Plant Natural Mosquito Repellant
If you can’t use bug spray or insect repellant, you can find plants that naturally repel mosquitos. if you wonder, “can dogs get mosquito bites,” the answer is yes! By planting these natural repellants, you can also protect your pets from bug bites.
There are many plants you can use to repel mosquitos. For example, lavender, citronella grass, basil, and even catnip are used as natural mosquito repellants.
Mosquitos do not like these strong-smelling plants and will stay away from you and your pets if you plant them in your backyard or outdoor living spaces!
6. Make Yourself Less Appealing
As was mentioned previously, there are many reasons that you may be appealing to mosquitos, including the colors of clothing you wear. However, there are many ways that you can make yourself less appealing to mosquitos in the summer months!
For example, mosquitos are attracted to CO2. If you do things that produce more CO2 on your body, you will be a better target for mosquitos. For example, people who are bigger produce more CO2.
This is also true for people who are more active and fidgety. By preventing CO2 emissions, you can prevent mosquito bites.
Some mosquitos are even attracted to smelly feet. If you prevent smelly feet or shower before you go outdoors, you can prevent mosquitos.
Heat and sweat are other things that attract mosquitos. Warmer, sweatier bodies are more appealing to mosquitos. This is also true of skin bacteria.
The places on your skin that have more bacteria, like ankles and feet, are more likely to get bitten by mosquitos.
7. Stay Inside During Peak Mosquito Times
Finally, if you can’t seem to prevent mosquito bites, you may need to stay inside during the peak mosquito times. This is generally any time from dawn until dusk in the summer months.
While it isn’t possible to entirely avoid mosquitos, there are steps you can follow to protect yourself!
How to Get Rid of Mosquito Bites
If you are unable to avoid mosquito bites, you may wonder how to get rid of bug bites. First, you want to stop yourself from itching your bites. This can make them worse and may make them last longer!
It is also helpful to lessen the itching. You can do this by using an ice pack or even by using an anti-itch cream. These steps will reduce the swelling and itching.
Prevent Getting Bit and Get Professional Pest Control Today!
Mosquitoes are a common summertime pest that can cause many issues and diseases. If you are worried about dealing with these pests in the summertime or getting bit, it may be beneficial to get help from a professional pest control company!
If you are looking for a reliable pest control company, Elevate Pest Control can help! Contact us today to learn more about our pest control services or for a free pest inspection!