How to Keep Mosquitos Away: A Comprehensive Guide

Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be a time of year when mosquitoes are rampant. These pesky insects can not only be annoying but can also transmit serious diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and the Zika virus.

You can do several things to keep mosquitoes away, both at home and when you’re out and about. This comprehensive guide will give you all the information you need to protect yourself from these pests.

Manage Water Sources

Mosquitoes need water to breed, so it’s important to eliminate any standing water around your home. This includes birdbaths, clogged gutters, and any other containers that may collect water. It’s also important to change the water in your pet’s bowls frequently.

Here are some tips for managing water sources around your home:

• Empty birdbaths and other water features every few days.
• Clean out your gutters regularly to prevent water from pooling.
• Cover any containers that collect rainwater, such as rain barrels.
• Repair any leaky faucets or pipes.
• Trim back any overgrown vegetation that may be creating shady areas where mosquitoes can breed.

Put A Screen On It

Screens on your windows and doors are a great way to keep mosquitoes out of your home. Be sure to check your screens for any holes or tears, and repair them promptly.

You can also purchase screen kits for doors and windows that don’t already have screens. If you have a fireplace, be sure to use a screen when it’s not in use.

Maintain That Lawn

It gets hot in the summer, which automatically makes some of our everyday yard work much less appealing–but keeping the grass, bushes, and trees trimmed can also cut down the number of mosquitos that call your yard home. Much like humans, mosquitos favor shady spots and assemble in the shadows (this is also why we tend to see more of them in the evenings and at night). Let the sun in and level the playing field by keeping up with your lawn this summer.

Keep your grass trimmed and your bushes and trees pruned. This will help to reduce the number of shady spots where mosquitoes can breed.

You should also remove any debris from your yard, such as leaves and branches. This will help to eliminate potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Wear insect repellent

When you’re outdoors, be sure to wear insect repellent. Choose a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. These ingredients are all effective at repelling mosquitoes.

Be sure to reapply insect repellent every few hours, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.

Tips for using insect repellent safely

• Avoid using insect repellent on broken skin or irritated skin.
• Do not apply insect repellent near your eyes or mouth.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying insect repellent.
• Do not apply insect repellent to clothing or other fabrics.

Cover your skin

If possible, wear long sleeves and pants when you’re outdoors. This will help to protect your skin from mosquito bites.

You should also wear a hat and gloves to protect your face and hands.

What types of clothing should you wear?

When choosing clothing to protect yourself from mosquitoes, it’s important to select loose-fitting garments made from breathable fabrics. Avoid wearing dark colors, as mosquitoes are more attracted to dark clothing.

Here are some specific types of clothing that can help to protect you from mosquitoes:

• Long-sleeved shirts
• Long pants
• Hats
• Gloves
• Socks

Use a mosquito net

If you’re sleeping outdoors or in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes, consider using a mosquito net. This will help to protect you from mosquito bites while you sleep.

Mosquito nets can be purchased online or at most outdoor retailers.

These tips will keep the mosquitos at bay so you can enjoy summer the right way–outside! If your summer to-do list has you in a bind, we have a list of contractors that can help! We only allow the very best to be on The List, and we back their work with a $10,000 guarantee! Click here for a list of Pest Control Contractors