Few things can ruin your outdoor fun like a bunch of itchy mosquito bites. And, in addition to being a major annoyance, mosquitoes are capable of spreading serious diseases such as malaria and the Zika virus. While an outbreak of these pests may seem inevitable, there are actually a few steps you can take to prevent them from taking over your yard. Here are a few ways that you can avoid mosquitoes during this spring break:
- Eliminate any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes use stagnant pools of water to reproduce, which is why it’s important to go through your property and disrupt any puddles you find. Since mosquitoes only need about half an inch of water to lay eggs, be sure to look for things like playground equipment, buckets, tires, and other items that could be collecting small amounts of water.
- Make sure your door and window screens are intact. Even if you are able to limit the number of mosquitoes on your property, a few of these pests will likely still buzz around. To avoid itchy bites, make sure your door and window screens are undamaged and working properly. Repair any holes and look for gaps that mosquitoes could fly through to get indoors.
- Minimize time outdoors during dawn or dusk. Mosquitoes are crepuscular insects, meaning they are most active at dawn or dusk. If you want to avoid these pests as much as possible, then it may be best to remain indoors during sunrise or sunset.
- Wear long pants and sleeves to avoid bites. Long pants and sleeves can prevent mosquitoes from reaching your skin. Though mosquitoes are able to bite through thin clothing, thicker fabrics can act as an extra barrier. For even more protection, it may be useful to consider wearing a mosquito repellant with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Consider calling a professional. Serious mosquito outbreaks can make it impossible to enjoy the outdoors without fear of itchy or painful bites. If you are struggling with a large number of mosquitoes near your home, a pest control expert may be able to help. They can use their experience to identify the root cause of your infestation and find fast and effective solutions while preventing future mosquito outbreaks on your property.
