5 Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Right now is prime mosquito season. As temperatures rise, mosquitos come out to eat, breed, and live. As mosquitos increase, they’re more likely to bite. And while most mosquito bites are harmless or only irritating if a person has to scratch them, some mosquito bites are harmful or even deadly, carrying diseases like malaria, Zika virus, or West Nile virus. Protect yourself with these five prevention methods.

1. Get Rid of Standing Water
Standing water is where mosquitos go to lay their eggs. Especially after wet winters, standing water can prove to be a constant hindrance in your quest to prevent mosquitos from biting. Be proactive this spring in eliminating stagnant and standing water. Where are standard places where you can find standing water? Discover just a few:

• Puddles on the ground
• Buckets or watering cans
• Birdbaths
• Garbage cans
• Boats
• Tarps

Make sure to check thoroughly throughout your property to ensure that you have no items that could collect water.

What if you have ponds or swimming pools? The best way to prevent mosquitos from complete infestation is routine maintenance or moving water. A pump or fountain will help water moving, and maintenance will keep the pond or pool clean from algae and any equipment working right.

2. Put Up Natural Barriers
Before mosquito season begins seriously, put natural protective barriers around your yard to keep mosquitos at bay. These barriers and methods help to protect your family from mosquitos swarming your yard. For example, you can:

• Put up candles or lanterns with mosquito-repelling essential oils
• Put up mosquito traps
• Put in vegetation that naturally repels mosquitos
• Sprinkle coffee grounds on any spots of standing water

These are especially helpful if you want extra methods besides mosquito spray or if you can’t eliminate all sources of standing water on your property.

3. Cut Down Grass and Vegetation
Besides standing water, mosquitos flock to moist, shady spots in your yard. If your grass, plants, and shrubs have grown thick and moist from wet winter or early spring rains, then prevent mosquitos from swarming with effective lawn control.

For example, mow your lawn regularly to an acceptable length. Make sure to keep the grass as short as possible to discourage mosquitos from resting there. Also, trim back shrubs and plants enough so that they can bloom or grow without hindrance — but also enough so that mosquitos won’t find a great place to relax.

If you’re unsure what length your grass or vegetation should be for effective mosquito control, then speak to a mosquito control expert.

4. Apply Bug Spray
If you live on property where you simply can’t get rid of mosquitos, at least protect yourself from them swarming you. Bug repellant proves an effective means of guarding yourself against mosquito bites. The bug spray works by vaporizing on your skin and blocking a mosquito’s sense of smelling you. They won’t be able to smell your sweat, body heat, or carbon dioxide.

You have various types of bug spray. Many people rely on DEET, which uses the method described above, as DEET works for several hours. Additionally, some people like to use essential oils that repel mosquitos, such as citronella or lavender.

5. Get Professional Treatment
A surefire way to repel mosquitos and their bite is with professional mosquito control. Mosquito technicians can evaluate your property, recommend the best products for mosquito prevention or elimination, and provide services as often as necessary for effective treatment. Sprays, foggers, and mists are some popular means of professional treatment.

If you don’t want to deal with mosquito bites this season, turn to the experts at PermaTreat Pest and Termite Control. We can provide the relief from mosquitos you need. Call us today to get started.