Photo by Erik Karits on Unsplash
- Summertime is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and soak up some sun, but it can also be an annoying season with bugs buzzing around.
- Mosquitoes are especially pesky, making outdoor activities unpleasant at best and dangerous at worst due to their ability to transmit disease.
- Fortunately there are several tricks you can use to keep mosquitoes away this summer, so you can focus on having fun instead of swatting away pests.
Read on for our tips on how you can have a bug-free summer!
Identifying The Mosquitoes
The first step in keeping mosquitoes away is to identify the type of mosquito you’re dealing with. Mosquitoes vary greatly in size, color, and behavior. Some are bigger than others, while some have black and white stripes on their bodies or an orange-red hue. Some species are much more active during dusk and dawn while other mosquitoes are active during the day.
With so many species of mosquitoes, it can be hard to tell them apart. Knowing the type of mosquito you’re dealing with will help you decide how best to keep them away. For example, some species are attracted to certain types of plants while others prefer still water, so planting or removing these areas may help reduce numbers. Knowing the type of mosquito you’re dealing with can also help inform your choice of repellents.
Certain species prefer to bite certain animals (like humans or pets) so if you know which one is biting you, it may be wise to avoid that area when possible. Identifying the mosquitoes in your area will give you a better idea of how to keep them away.
Patio Covers
Utilizing patio covers for outdoor chairs serves as an effective strategy in mitigating mosquito presence in outdoor spaces. When chairs are left uncovered, they can accumulate water in their crevices and hollows, especially after rain or due to condensation, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. By covering your outdoor chairs with patio covers, you prevent water from pooling in these areas, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of mosquitoes breeding near your seating areas. Additionally, patio covers provide a physical barrier, deterring mosquitoes and other insects from settling on the furniture. This simple yet proactive measure helps maintain a more comfortable and mosquito-free outdoor environment, enhancing the enjoyment of your outdoor living spaces.
Keep Standing Water Away From Your Home
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so it’s important to do everything you can to eliminate standing water near your home. Look around for any still pools of water and be sure to empty them regularly. This includes bird baths, flower pots, children’s swimming pools, eaves troughs and other places where water may collect.
If you can’t empty the water, cover or fill it with rocks so mosquitoes can’t lay eggs in it. Make sure gutters and drains are free of debris and running properly so water doesn’t pool around your home. Check regularly for any signs of standing water on your property and get rid of them as soon as possible to keep mosquitoes away.
Use Citronella Candles And Insect Repellent Sprays
Citronella candles and insect repellent sprays are two of the most popular ways to keep mosquitoes away. Citronella candles can be placed around outdoor seating areas, decks, patios, and other spaces where mosquitoes may linger, creating a barrier that keeps them away. They work by releasing a strong scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Insect repellent sprays can also be used to keep mosquitoes away.
These products often contain natural oils like lemon eucalyptus and citronella as active ingredients, which have been proven to repel mosquitoes. When using these products, it’s important to follow the instructions on the label for optimal protection. Furthermore, make sure to apply the repellent on all exposed areas of skin and reapply it as necessary.
By using citronella candles and insect repellent sprays, you can make your outdoor spaces mosquito-free and enjoy a bug-free summer!
Dress In Long-Sleeved Clothing
When it comes to keeping mosquitoes away, dressing in long-sleeved clothing is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of getting bitten. Loose-fitting clothing can provide considerable protection against mosquito bites as mosquitoes are unable to penetrate the fabric. Wearing light colors can also help as dark colors tend to attract mosquitoes more than light ones. You can also opt for clothing specifically designed to keep mosquitoes away.
These products are usually treated with insect-repelling chemicals or infused with essential oils that help repel them. This type of clothing is especially useful when spending time outdoors in mosquito-prone areas as it offers much better protection than regular fabric. So, if you’re looking for an effective way to keep mosquitoes away, dressing in long-sleeved clothing is a great option.
Not only will it give you peace of mind that you won’t get bitten, but it can also help you avoid pesky mosquito bites!
Install Window Screens To Keep Mosquitoes At Bay
Installing window screens is an effective way of keeping mosquitoes at bay. Window screens are made of a mesh material that prevents mosquitoes and other insects from entering your home. These screens can be placed on all windows, doors, and vents in your home to provide protection against pesky bugs.
They come in a variety of materials for different levels of protection, so you can choose a screen that best suits your needs. When installing window screens, make sure they are properly sealed on all sides so they don’t allow any gaps for mosquitoes to get through. Check the condition of the screens regularly and replace any damaged or worn-out ones as soon as possible.
By taking these precautions, you can keep the mosquitoes out and enjoy the outdoors without worrying about getting bitten. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to keep your home mosquito-free, installing window screens is a great solution!
Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Planting mosquito-repelling plants is an effective and natural way to keep mosquitoes away. These plants contain essential oils and compounds that act as a natural pest repellent, providing protection against pesky bugs. Some of the most popular mosquito-repelling plants include lemon balm, lavender, marigolds, rosemary, and citronella grass.
These plants should be placed around the perimeter of your home and any outdoor living areas to create a barrier that will keep mosquitoes away. Being around these plants can also make your outdoor space smell nice, as most of them have pleasant fragrances. So, if you’re looking for an easy and natural way to protect yourself from mosquitoes, planting mosquito-repelling plants is a great option.
Not only will it provide much-needed protection against pesky bugs, but it can also add an element of beauty to your outdoor space!
Before You Start Getting Rid Of Mosquitoes
Overall, there are many effective ways to keep mosquitoes away and enjoy a bug-free summer. Whether you opt for commercial insect repellent sprays or choose natural solutions like planting mosquito-repelling plants, these strategies can help reduce your risk of getting bitten by pesky bugs. With the right precautions in place, you can make sure that you and your family stay safe from pesky mosquitoes without having to worry about them bothering you while outdoors!
