Mosquitos Are Out! Steps to Avoid Getting Bitten

In our last blog, we discussed the need for mosquito and tick treatments to safeguard your family throughout the spring, summer, and fall. In today's blog, we would like to take a closer look at simple ways every family can deter these pests from interrupting your outdoor entertaining. No one wants the buzzing in their ears or the itchy bumps that come with mosquito bites. But add to the annoyance of the bites is the fact that these pests can carry diseases such as West Nile virus. This makes it even more important to protect yourself and your family. Here are a few steps you can take this year to make your yard less of a haven for these nuisance and dangerous pests.

Remove Standing Water

Take a walk around your yard, and see if there are any toys, bowls, planters, or other items that could be holding rainwater. Dump out the water and remove the items. Standing water can be a major breeding ground for mosquitoes."Something as small as a bottle cap can be a breeding spot for mosquitoes," says Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association. "The good thing is that they can't fly very far, so if you can eliminate breeding spots on your property, you can greatly reduce the number of mosquitoes near your house."

Plant Natural Repellents In Your Yard

Most insect-repelling plants do so with their natural fragrances, which helps to keep annoying mosquitoes away and introduce wonderful scents throughout your garden. Mosquito-repelling plants include lavender, marigolds, citronella grass, rosemary, basil, and scented geraniums. Plant these right around the perimeter of your entertaining area, grill, or deck to give the area better coverage.

Dress for Protection Against Mosquitos

Keep yourself covered while you are outside. This includes wearing shoes and socks, because we all know how mosquitoes love ankles. Mosquitoes also love sweat, so wear light, long-sleeved clothing to keep your skin covered.

Choose Your Timing

Mosquitoes love both dawn and dusk. Try to avoid being out at those times if at all possible. When you are planning a party at dusk, at least try to keep the food indoors so that it does not attract mosquitoes. In addition, try using fans to keep mosquitoes from landing and bothering your guests. These little steps can mean the difference between your guests remembering the great time they had or the bugs that bit them. As we mentioned in our last blog, treating your lawn and property for mosquitoes with one of our treatment options can greatly reduce the number of pests that can ruin your entertaining. Call one of our specialists and see what a treatment program would look like for your yard. Call Pest-End Exterminators now at 1-800-287-4321, 603-382-9644, or 978-794-4321.