It’s summertime and that means lots of time outside! Spending time outdoors is a wonderful way to connect with nature, relax, and enjoy time with family and friends. However, pesky mosquitoes can quickly turn a positive outdoor experience into an itchy and frustrating one. (Not to mention that mosquitos carry diseases such as Zika virus and West Nile virus.) We have some tips to help you enjoy the outdoors without mosquitoes bothering you:
- Time of Day: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Plan your outdoor activities during other times of the day when mosquito activity is lower, such as late morning or early afternoon.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Cover up exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks. Choose light-colored clothing, as mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors. Some clothing has been treated with repellents to give added protection.
- Natural Repellents: Try repellents such as Citronella candles, incense, & newer technologies such as Thermacell to keep mosquitoes away from areas you are enjoying.
- Apply Insect Repellent: Use an effective mosquito repellent on exposed skin. Look for repellents either containing DEET or a blend of essential oils that repel mosquitos. For children, choose repellents with lower concentrations of active ingredients.
- Keep Areas Clean: Remove any debris or clutter in your outdoor area where mosquitoes may hide or breed. Trim tall grass, bushes, and shrubs regularly to eliminate potential resting spots for mosquitoes.
- Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so regularly inspect your outdoor area for any sources of stagnant water, such as birdbaths, flower pots, or clogged gutters. Empty, clean, or cover these areas to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
- Utilize Fans: Mosquitoes are weak fliers and have difficulty flying in windy conditions. Using outdoor fans can help create airflow, making it harder for mosquitoes to fly near you. Consider setting up fans on your patio or outdoor sitting area.
- Choose Mosquito-Repelling Plants: Plant mosquito-repelling plants such as citronella, lavender, lemon balm, and marigolds in your garden or outdoor space. These plants emit natural scents that mosquitoes dislike, helping to keep them at bay.
- Create a Protected Outdoor Area: Set up a screened-in porch or patio to create a mosquito-free zone. Use fine mesh screens to keep mosquitoes out, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without being bothered.
- Use Mosquito Nets: If you’re camping or sleeping outdoors, use mosquito nets to create a protective barrier around your sleeping area. Make sure the nets are properly secured and cover the entire sleeping area.
You can also use biological products such as Mosquito Dunks or Bit in areas such as standing ponds, rain barrels, or other areas of standing water. These kill mosquito larvae before they get the chance to hatch and are not toxic to other organisms. You can use other broad purpose insecticides and foggers but please keep in mind that insecticides cannot only target mosquitoes and should be used as a final resort to avoid killing beneficial insects.
Hopefully these tips will help you enjoy your outdoors more than the mosquitoes do!