Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, relax and have fun in the sun. Unfortunately, it is also the season for mosquitoes to thrive, and they can take the pleasure out of any outdoor activity with their itchy bites.
If you are a homeowner or an everyday person trying to protect your family from these pesky insects, here are some helpful tips and tricks to eliminate unwanted pests and enjoy your summer.
Understanding These Pests Better
Before learning how to protect yourself from these awful insects, it is essential to understand what they are, how they live, and how to identify them.
– Mosquitoes are tiny, blood-sucking insects that can be identified by their thin, fragile-looking bodies and narrow wings.
– They are most active during dusk and dawn but can also bite during the day.
– They breed in stagnant water such as ponds, fountains, birdbaths, and any other container that can hold water.
The Dangers of These Insects
Their bites can be annoying and itchy but can also lead to serious health problems. They carry diseases like Malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika virus, which can be life-threatening.
– Malaria is a severe and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite infecting red blood cells.
– West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, and diarrhea.
– Zika virus is a disease that can cause congenital disabilities in pregnant women, including microcephaly, a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than average.
Tips for Eliminating These Unwanted Guests
It can often be very daunting to get rid of these unwanted guests in your home, but there are multiple ways to get a solution to this problem.
Remove Any Standing Water
Mosquitoes need stagnant water to breed, so removing standing water around your home is crucial.
This could involve removing old tires, cleaning out rain gutters, draining any standing water in flower pots or pet dishes, and ensuring your swimming pool is properly chlorinated.
Use Specific Repellent
These specific, strong repellents are an effective tool to help protect against mosquito bites. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 are the most effective.
Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing, following all label instructions. Be sure to wash off any repellent at the end of the day.
Dress Appropriately
When spending time outdoors, wearing protective clothing can help prevent attacks and bites. Clothes should be light-colored, long-sleeved, and long-legged to provide maximum coverage.
They can bite through tight-fitting clothing, so wearing loose-fitting garments is best.
Install Mosquito Traps
Mosquito traps are a great way to control the growth and populations on your property. There are a variety of traps on the market, from battery-operated to propane-powered models that mimic human scent to attract and trap these insects.
Maintain Your Yard
Maintaining your yard is crucial to reducing the overall breeding and population. Ensure that all grass and foliage are trimmed, and remove any debris, such as fallen leaves or piles of branches.
These pests like to hide in shady, moist areas, so try to keep your yard as dry as possible.
Make Use Of Professional Services
If all else fails and you cannot get rid of this issue, then it’s vital to use mosquito control services to give you an expert, professional opinion.
Natural Solutions You Can Use To Combat These Insects
In addition to the above suggestions, there are natural solutions that you can use to keep these pests at bay. Here are some effective natural solutions:
- Citronella Candles: Citronella candles produce a strong scent that can help keep these pests away. Place citronella candles in areas where you spend most of your time outside.
- Lavender: Lavender has a strong scent that mosquitoes dislike. Planting lavender in your yard can help prevent these menaces from entering your home.
- Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural repellent against these horrible insects. Mixing neem oil with coconut oil and applying it to your skin can help repel these insects.
- Garlic: Eating garlic can help keep them at bay and away from your body. You can also make a garlic spray by mixing chopped garlic with water and spraying it on your plants and outdoor areas.
Closing Thoughts
By following these simple tips and tricks, you can help protect your family against these nasty bites this summer and reduce your risk of diseases and illnesses that these insects could carry.
Remember, these irritants breed in stagnant water, so remove any standing water around your property and use repellent when spending time outdoors.
In case of any concerns, seek medical attention immediately. Enjoy your summer mosquito-free!
