There’s nothing better than Spring and Summer after a long cold winter. But with warmer temperatures also comes outdoor pests, like mosquitos. They’re extremely annoying and almost impossible to stay away from.
There are a few things you can do to prepare for mosquito season so that you don’t have to worry about getting bitten each time you step outside. The mosquitos will appear sometime just after the last frost and they’ll remain until late fall. You definitely don’t want to be caught in a swarm without proper protection and preparation.
So, what can you do to prepare for the inevitable? In this article, we’re discussing ways to keep mosquitos away. Keep reading to learn more.
Stagnant Water
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for mosquito season is to remove any standing water from your property surrounding your home and yard. This could include a swimming pool or other water habitats that you have in your yard.
Mosquitos breed and lay their eggs in water and it doesn’t take long for them to multiply by the dozens. Removing standing water from areas that they may find habitable will make great strides to prevent mosquitos from taking over.
Repellants
There are several mosquito repellents available in stores and online but some of them may not work as well as others. You might also try more homeopathic methods to prepare for the little pests’ arrival this spring.
Citronella Candles
Keep in mind that citronella candles don’t actually keep mosquitos away. It’s the smoke from the candle that the mosquitos don’t like.
Invest in a few candles, citronella, or otherwise, and place them throughout your patio area. You can also find citronella torches that can be strategically placed throughout your yard to repel mosquitos. It also adds a nice ambiance to your outdoor setting on those warm summer nights.
Geraniol
Geraniol is a type of alcohol that is usually used as a fragrance or flavor. It comes from plant oils just like Citronella and it’s effective for repelling mosquitos for up to four hours depending on the species of mosquito. You can find it in stores and online in the form of moist towelettes and spray.
Lavender
Crushed lavender features analgesic, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities as well as producing a fragrance that mosquitos can’t stand. You can grow your own lavender in an outdoor garden or use indoor planters to prepare for summer. Simply crush the flowers and apply the oil to your skin where you’re most likely to be bitten, including ankles and arms.
Oils
There is a variety of natural oils that you can use to repel mosquitos, too. Get your supplies ready for summer and pick up a few of the following:
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
One of the more well known natural repellents, lemon eucalyptus oil is an extremely effective ingredient to prevent mosquitos. In fact, the CDC or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have approved eucalyptus oil as a natural mosquito repellant.
Cinnamon Oil
More than just a repellent, cinnamon oil can be used to kill off mosquito eggs. Use it on your skin to keep mosquitos away and pour some into any standing water that you see around the house, like little puddles. It will kill the eggs and prevent the adults from biting you.
Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is another great mosquito repellant on its own. You can also burn thyme leaves to keep mosquitos away. The flame, smoke, and burning thyme leaves can offer up to 85 percent protection for about an hour.
Greek Catnip Oil
Greek Catnip Oil is a member of the mint family and also related to catnip. It’s an oil extracted from natural flowers. Greek Catnip oil has been noted to be more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitos.
Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is a vegetable oil made by cracking soybeans that are adjusted for their moisture content. You can add lemongrass oil to your soybean oil for added protection but on its own should last about 3-4 hours.
Tea Tree Oil
Also known as melaleuca oil, Tea Tree Oil is a popular essential oil that originated in Australia. It’s known for its antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties so it could also work to relieve itching and pain from bites.
Neem Oil
Neem oil can cause skin irritation so it’s not approved as a topical repellent. If you’re still game you can dilute 50-100 milliliters of neem oil with water, oil, or lotion. Look for extra virgin or cold-pressed neem oil for the best results.
Long Sleeves
Make sure you have a long sleeve shirt and pants that aren’t too hot if you’re someone that is notoriously bitten by mosquitos. Mosquitos are actually attracted to some people because of their distinct odor and natural bacteria on their skin. If you’re one of these people, long sleeves, and long pants might be one of the only ways to keep mosquitos away.
DEET
As a final protocol to prepare for mosquito season, make sure to invest in a few cans of DEET. DEET is short for N-diethyl-meta-toluamide and it’s the most popular and accessible form of mosquito repellant available on the market. It’s also approved by the EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency.
When purchasing DEET you should look for higher concentrations. A higher concentration will hold its effectiveness longer and therefore you won’t be forced to reapply as often.
Cortisone Cream
No matter how many ways you may be prepared for mosquito season, you’re most likely to get bit at least a couple of times over the course of the season. Be prepared for those bites with a low-potency hydrocortisone cream. Just a small application can help the pain and itching associated with the bite.
Mosquito Season Is Near
In recent years, mosquitos have been found to carry the deadly Zika virus that attacks pregnant women most significantly. If you’re not ready for mosquito season it’s time to prepare, now. Besides viruses, those nasty mosquito bites are extremely uncomfortable.
Doing everything you can to prevent mosquito bites will benefit your health and peace of mind. You can also consider investing in a bug or mosquito zapper that will prevent the little pests from entering your personal space in the first place. Mosquito zappers attract the mosquitos to keep them away from your skin.
If you’re looking for ways to prepare for mosquito season, or if you still have questions, contact us. We’re here to help you make the best choice when it comes to repelling and controlling mosquitos.
