Summer is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate its arrival than by spending time outdoors. Unfortunately, pesky mosquitos can put a damper on summer fun. In the United States, there are more than 200 types, and 12 can make people sick.
But, you don’t have to stay indoors! There are plenty of ways to prevent mosquito bites, and in this post, you’ll learn five. So, keep reading to learn more and enjoy outdoor activities more this year!
1. Apply Mosquito Repellent
Mosquito repellent is effective when you use the right kind. Look for the following ingredients:
- DEET
- Picaridin
- IR3535
- P-Menthane-3,8-diol
- Lemon eucalyptus
All of these are long-lasting and offer similar levels of protection. For best results, you should reapply repellents frequently and always follow the instructions on the label.
2. Wear Protective Clothing
Popular summer clothes, such as shorts and sleeveless shirts, leave your skin exposed and increase your chances of getting itchy mosquito bites. Rethink your wardrobe and protect yourself by wearing long-sleeve shirts, pants, and socks.
Tucking your shirt into your pants eliminates gaps where mosquitos get into your clothing. If you want to err on the side of caution, you may also wish you tuck your pants into your socks.
3. Clean Up Your Yard
Lawn maintenance goes a long way when it comes to controlling mosquitos.
Mosquitos love to hide in tall grass and overgrown shrubs, making mowing your lawn and pruning hedges essential for keeping them under control. You may also wish to surround your yard with plants that deter mosquitos, such as:
- Catnip
- Lavender
- Basil
- Peppermint
- Marigolds
Mosquitos also love areas with standing water and use them as breeding grounds. It’s important to remove items that may create this environment, such as buckets, old tires, or plastic tarps. If you have birdbaths or rain barrels, empty them often.
Swimming pools do not attract mosquitos if you treat them properly and keep the water circulating.
4. Consider Insecticides
The most effective way to prevent bites is to exterminate mosquitos before they have a chance to get to your skin. Pest control companies can help you kill both mosquito larvae and adults.
They may even help you use your sprinkler system to spray for mosquitos, so read here for more info.
5. Use Mosquito Screens
Mosquito screens keep pests from entering your home or porch. Yet, they need to be free of gaps or tears for the best results.
If you leave the windows open at night, installing mosquito nets above beds will further protect you while you sleep. Doing so is especially important in tropical areas where mosquitos are more likely to spread diseases.
Use These Tips to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Mosquitos don’t have to ruin your summer fun! You can prevent mosquito bites no matter where you go with the help of these tips. So be sure to bookmark it so you can refer back to the ideas!
If you want to make the most of your summer, check out tips related to travel and entertainment on our blog!
