Slurp…suck…ouch, that hurt! Can you guess what bit you? You got it, a mosquito! Mosquitos are a prevalent concern during the summer season as they come out in droves. While an abundance of summer pest life is ordinary, unfortunately, mosquitos can potentially carry a long list of diseases, which we all want to avoid. To do so, here are our top tips on how to prevent mosquito bites.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
#1: Remove Mosquito Habitats
The best way to prevent mosquito bites is to remove as many mosquitos as possible from your environment. To do this, you must reduce their habitat. You will want to eliminate standing water, clean up debris from the yard and gutters, and plant mosquito-repelling plants.
#2: Use Insect Repellent
Whether out and about or in the comfort of your backyard, you can use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites. Essentially, insect repellent turns you from a tasty snack to an icky flavor! When choosing a repellent, you want one registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Use the EPA’s search tool to find out which insect repellent is right for you.
P.S. Keep in mind that you should apply sunscreen 20 minutes before using insect repellent as it can decrease efficiency if not properly absorbed into the skin.
#3: Wear Long-Sleeves and Pants
Long sleeves and pants act as a barrier to prevent mosquitoes from latching onto your skin. If you are going out, we recommend wearing light-weight long-sleeved shirts and pants that are tight around the ankle and wrists. Just be sure there are no fashionable holes in your clothing, or it defeats the purpose.
#4: Use Mosquito Netting
Sometimes there is nothing you can do about the surrounding environment, which shouldn’t stop you from spending time outside. Therefore, we recommend using netting around your outdoor living areas like porches and balconies. You will still be able to enjoy the ambiance, just with an added layer of protection.
P.S. Remember to check your netting for holes regularly.
#5: Use Bug Lights or Candles
There are a variety of bug lights and candles out there. Some are designed to not attract bugs, and some are designed to attract and zap the pests away. Keep in mind that not all candles and lights are created equal. We recommend double-checking your tools to ensure they have no harmful chemicals or byproducts that could hurt people, pets, or your environment.
#6: Be Wary of Natural Remedies
While we are great supporters of using natural remedies, not everything is what it says. Anyone can claim that a product is a “natural” remedy, but that doesn’t mean it is a safe, effective tool. Be careful of items not registered or approved by the EPA or other environmental agencies. Additionally, you always want to check if items could be dangerous to children or pets.
Reliable Pest Solutions
Are you struggling with your mosquito population despite using the tricks above? Please give us a call today to discuss your pest control options.