By Emma Sturgis
Enjoying the great outdoors is one of the best things about summer. However, mosquitoes can really put a damper on your time outside. Not only are their bites itchy and painful, these insects also carry deadly diseases like West Nile Virus and malaria. Being proactive about mosquito bite prevention is the best way to avoid itchiness and illnesses this summer.
Repellant
Use an insect repellant with at least 30% DEET. Applying insect repellant to exposed skin and clothing is one of the most effective ways to keep mosquitoes away. The more DEET there is in a product, the longer it will last. Repellants with lower amounts of DEET will need to be applied more often in order to remain effective.
Lawn Care
Mow the lawn on a weekly basis. Mosquitoes typically rest in tall grass, so cutting your lawn frequently and keeping it as short as possible will help keep them away from your property.
Protective Clothing
The best way to keep mosquitoes off of your skin is to cover up. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and wear socks at all times to prevent bites on your ankles and feet.
Candles
Place lighted citronella candles around your patio or deck. Place several candles on patio tables, or set up tiki torches with citronella oil around the perimeter of your patio or deck to keep mosquitoes away.
Habitat Control
Remove any standing water from your property. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so keeping your property dry is one of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away. Empty any buckets of water and cover any pools when they are not in use. Unclog any storm drains and repair any leaking outdoor faucets to prevent water from building up in these areas. A Sherwood Park plumber from EZ Plumbing reports that many mosquito breeding grounds in residential areas are the result of septic systems. If you have a septic system, make sure the tank has been pumped and the system is working properly to avoid any backups that could result in standing water.
Netting
Install mosquito netting. Mosquito netting or curtains can be hung around your patio or porch and are easily removed at the end of the summer.
Following these safety tips will help protect you and your family from irritating and potentially life-threatening mosquito bites this summer. Keeping mosquitoes at bay by maintaining your property and wearing the proper bug repellants and clothing will offer you and your family the best chance at a mosquito-free season.
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