Did you know that mosquito-borne diseases are one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide? And despite efforts to keep the population safe, the number of West Nile Virus cases in the continental United States in 2018 was 25% higher than in previous years.
Even if mosquito-borne illnesses are uncommon in your area, protecting yourself is important, especially during warmer months or while traveling.
In this post, you’ll learn how to stop mosquitos at home and some tips for repelling mosquitos no matter where you are, so keep reading!
1. Avoid Stagnant Water
Standing water attracts mosquitos and serves as a breeding ground for them. So, if you want to keep mosquitos breeding on your property to a minimum, you’ll need to drain stagnant water, such as:
- Ponds
- Kiddie pools
- Plates under flowerpots
- Buckets
Even small puddles of water can attract mosquitos, so it’s better to dump any standing water you find in your yard. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about your swimming pool if it’s chlorinated and the filter works properly.
2. Call in the Professionals
If you can’t seem to find the source of your mosquito problem, it’s time to call exterminators. They’ll inspect hidden areas around your home, such as drains and gutters, to determine where mosquitos are breeding.
In addition, landscaping companies, such as RDS Lawn Care can help you design a mosquito-proof yard using plants that repel these pests. Some examples include:
- Basil
- Peppermint
- Lavender
- Sage
- Lemon balm
And, they’ll even return periodically to inspect your yard and apply treatments that repel mosquitos.
3. Use Mosquito Repellent
If you’re traveling or at an outdoor event, wearing mosquito repellent is the best way to avoid getting a mosquito bite.
Lotions and sprays that contain DEET are safe for children and adults, but if you prefer natural mosquito repellent, you can use lemon or eucalyptus oil. Just be sure to reapply the formula every few hours since it’ll eventually wear off.
4. Wear Protective Clothing
Most of us tend to wear shorts or short-sleeve tees in the summer, leaving our arms and legs exposed and vulnerable to mosquitos. So, if you know that you’ll be outside in an area with a lot of mosquitos, be sure to wear lightweight clothes that cover as much of your skin as possible.
Moreover, avoid dark-colored garments since these attract mosquitos. Instead, aim for light shades like pastels or white.
5. Turn on Fans
If you plan on having dinner on the patio, make sure you turn on some fans. Since mosquitos aren’t strong fliers, they’ll be blown away by the wind created by the fan. And, you’ll be able to eat your meal in peace.
Now You Know How to Stop Mosquitos!
After reading this post, you know what attracts mosquitos and five simple steps that will help you prevent them.
So, don’t let mosquitos prevent you from enjoying barbecues and outdoor parties! Instead, apply the tips in this post on how to stop mosquitos once and for all!
And, if you found these mosquito control tips helpful, check out more of our content related to the great outdoors and nature!
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