As summer quickly approaches, temperatures start to rise, and day-to-day life starts to shift outdoors. Picnics, barbecues, days out by the lake. Everyone wants to enjoy the beautiful weather and summertime activities (including the mosquitoes).
There are very few things that can put a serious damper on a glorious summer’s day. But if there’s anything that sits at the top of our list, it’s most definitely mosquito bites. Not only are these pesky critters incredibly annoying, but they can even be dangerous!
Mosquitoes can carry serious diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. Although these conditions are not commonly diagnosed in areas like the United States, it’s still imperative to look out for mozzies and avoid their itchy bites at all costs.
If you’re someone that gets hounded by these small yet persistent pests, it’s vital that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself during the summer months. Not sure how? You’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll share our top tips to ensure you enjoy a mozzie-free season. Keep reading to find out what they are…
8 Ways to Avoid Mosquitoes This Summer
Get Rid of Standing Water
Standing water is the optimal breeding ground for mosquitoes, so make sure to eliminate whatever pool of water you see forming. This includes places like old flowerpots, bird baths, and even underneath leaky faucets. Another way to reduce the likelihood of mosquitoes multiplying is by making sure your gutters are working properly.
Install Bug Nets
How do you ward off these creepy crawlies when you’re at your most vulnerable state? If you’re one of those people that wake up with hundreds of bites, it’s probably a good idea to mosquito-proof your room. We recommend you install bug nets on your windows and consider hanging an insect repellent net over your bed.
Mosquito Spray
One of the most common ways to avoid being bitten by bugs is by using a repellent lotion or spray. Make sure that the brand you purchase includes essential ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil. This will help confuse the mosquito’s sense of smell and make it more difficult for them to bite you. Make sure to reapply as you go about your day.
Avoid Peak Hours
Just like learning how to avoid the highway during peak traffic hours, it’s wise that you learn when to stay away from mozzie prone areas during peak mosquito hours. Commonly, mosquitoes like to make an appearance during dusk and dawn. If possible, it’s best to stay inside during early morning and late afternoon.
Treat Bites Efficiently
No matter how hard you try, you may still find a bite or two somewhere on your body. In this case, it’s imperative that you learn how to treat mosquito bites as effectively as possible. This involves treating the affected area quickly with a topical cream or ointment. However, the best form of treatment is prevention.
Keep It Clean
Strong scents such as perfumes, lotions, sweat, or even smelly bins are incredibly attractive to mosquitoes. Therefore, one of the best ways to avoid swarms of mosquitoes from trailing you is by ensuring you always keep clean and fresh. The same goes for communal areas that can often get dirty, such as kitchens.
Wear Protective Clothing
One of the simplest ways to minimize the risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes is by wearing long-sleeved and protective clothing. If you are covered up, these pesky pests are less likely to attack and bite you. However, if it’s hot and you’re planning on being outside, make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing that will help you keep cool. For an extra layer of protection, lather plenty of bug spray onto your skin.
Bring in a Professional
Sometimes it seems like mosquitoes simply won’t give up and leave no matter what you do. If you find yourself under these circumstances, this may be a sign that it’s’ time to request the help of a professional exterminator. You can hire a professional mosquito control and removal company that will rid your home of these pests.
At the end of the day, prevention is key. However, there’s always the chance that you’ll run into an unfortunate encounter with a set of malicious mosquitoes. Make sure to remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to keep them away. If you do happen to get bitten, simply treat your bite as quickly as possible. Once you’re fully prepared, you can start enjoying the great outdoors!
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