When dealing with mosquitoes, your priority should be avoiding mosquito bites versus treating bites once they happen. Why? Mosquitoes can carry and transmit a number of serious illnesses such as Zika, West Nile Virus and even Chikungunya. Here are some helpful tips on avoiding mosquito bites before they happen.
1. Avoid peak mosquito hours – The hours around dusk and dawn are the peak mosquito hours. It’s when winds tend to be calmer and mosquitoes can fly more easily in search of their next meal. To avoid being a meal, stay inside during these peak mosquito hours.
2. Use mosquito repellent – The bug experts recommend DEET-based repellents as a first line of defense against mosquitoes (when applied properly). If you can’t use DEET or prefer not to, Picaridin is the next best choice according to the pros. Other options include IR3535 and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE). To ensure you’re choosing a safe and effective repellent, just look for the EPA’s symbol on the label.
3. Wear light colors and tightly-woven fabrics – Mosquitoes can’t bite through tightly-woven fabrics such as the fabric used for athletic gear. They’re also attracted to dark fabrics so opt for light colors to keep them away.
4. Plan your sweat session – Avoid exercising or sweating outside during peak hours. Pheromones in your sweat can attract mosquitoes as well as the higher amount of CO2 you breathe out during a workout. Schedule your sweat sessions for non-peak hours to avoid mosquito bites.
5. Avoid scents during peak hours – Perfume, cologne and scented lotions and potions can entice mosquitoes and attract them to you. Avoid wearing anything scented if you’ll be outside for a long period of time or during peak mosquito hours.
6. Add mosquito-repelling plants to your garden – Include plants such as lavender, lemongrass, basil, marigolds and of course, citronella to create a garden that helps repel mosquitoes.
7. Have your yard treated – Have your yard treated for mosquitoes. Having your yard treated for mosquitoes is perhaps one of your best defenses against being bitten aside from just staying indoors. If you love the outdoors and want to enjoy your yard sans mosquito bites, call The Pest Force to treat your yard.
When it comes to dealing with mosquitoes, avoiding their itchy, dangerous bites is the name of the game. These seven tips will get you well on your way to avoiding mosquito bites this spring and summer.