With summer time fun comes the pesky mosquitoes we all dread to have around.
But, there are tips and tricks to keep them far away from you and your property.
News Now Warsaw has compiled a list of the ways you can avoid mosquito bites this summer season.
- Wear bug repellent. This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s well-known for a reason! The products that include “DEET” are known to be most effective. Don’t forget to apply frequently.
- Purchase mosquito-repelling plants. Mosquitoes are attracted to certain odors in human skin – but, there are several plants with strong scents that can mask your smell and keep mosquitoes at bay. Mosquito-repellent plants include:
- Lemon Balm
- Catnip
- Basil
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Citrosum
- Avoid mosquito hot-spot areas. There are some areas that are known to have a larger mosquito population during certain times of the year. You can find this information at Centers for Disease Control and The World Health Organization.
- Wear the right type of clothing. One of the best ways to avoid mosquito bites is to cover your skin. Loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are the best option when outdoors. And always wear shoes.
- Avoid areas with standing water. Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water such as lakes, creeks, bogs, marshes, and swamps. Most mosquitoes are known to lay their eggs in the stagnant water, creating an immense breeding ground.
- Keep standing water away from your home. Heavy rains can cause water to collect in discarded tires or containers, ditches, pools, low areas on property, flowerpots, birdbaths, trash cans and clogged storm drains. Clear these areas out once a week to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
- Wear light colors. Mosquitoes are known to be attracted to dark colors, as they stand out the most against the rising or setting sun.
- Avoid certain times of the day. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn.
- Keep your house shut tight. Use screens on windows and doors, and always repair holes in screens to ensure mosquitoes stay outside. It’s also suggested to use air-conditioning when available.
- Take a shower after you sweat. Mosquitoes have been known to be attracted to sweat, but science has disproved that it’s sweat itself. Instead, they are drawn to chemical changes found in sweat as bacteria begins to form. To avoid this, it’s best to freshen up before heading outside.
- Spray your outside property the day before hosting an event. If you’re expecting company, spray down your yard/deck areas 24 hours before people arrive to get the best results.
