Of course we all want to avoid mosquito bites, but how many of us actually take the proper precautions? Apart from just spraying your skin with a repellent when you're spending time outside, there's a lot of simple things you can do to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes this season.
According to the American Mosquito Control Association, when it comes to avoiding mosquito bites you've got to remember the 3 D's; Drain, Dress and Defend.
Drain
Mosquitoes breed in water, so it's crucial to eliminate possible breeding areas. Draining standing water gives mosquitoes less opportunity to breed, which gives you less chance of getting bitten by one.
They don't need much water at all to lay their eggs, so scan the area and drain any water filled containers that you can find. Here's a quick checklist;
- Get rid of any tires lying around the house - they're notorious for breeding thousands of mosquitoes.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers.
- Remove debris from gutters to avoid water collection.
- Keep your pet dishes clean and change the water regularly.
- Empty water from kids' toys.
- Change water in bird baths.
- Turn boats or canoes over.
- Avoid water collecting on top of pool covers or tarps.
- Drain water from bottles, buckets, barrels, lids - anywhere water collects.
Dress
Our customers have mosquitoes under control at their own homes, but what happens when you're out and about? There's nothing worse than a party pooper that's scared of going outside, but at the same time, you've got to protect yourself.
Dressing appropriately is a simple way to deter mosquitoes from your personal space. Mosquitoes tend to be more attracted to dark clothing, so if you're going to an outdoor party or a patio bar, don't wear all black. Opt for light colours - they're more difficult for mosquitoes to see, so they're less likely to bite you. They can also easily bite through tight fitting clothing, so opt for loose fitting and long sleeved clothing, if you can.
Defend
Probably the most common mosquito control practice is defending yourself with mosquito repellent and surface sprays. But it's important to know what you're buying; the best mosquito repellent is an effective one, and only three repellents are approved and recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency, so be sure to check the label for one of these active ingredients;
According to AMCA, it's also important to follow a few guidelines when using these repellents;
- Only apply repellent to exposed skin, not clothing
- Keep them away from eyes, nostrils and lips
- Avoid applying repellents to kids' hands, since they often come in contact with the eyes and mouth
- Pregnant and nursing women should minimise the use of repellents
- Wash repellent off once you go back inside
If you're looking for peace of mind, season-long mosquito control by our licensed technicians is the answer. Making repeat visits to your property means you're protected throughout the season, and so are your guests.
For more tips, download our Mosquito Control Guide.
