We all want to avoid mosquito bites in our own backyards, but how many of us actually take the proper precautions when push comes to shove? Apart from just blasting 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. Preparation is key, if you will.
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. Anyone else getting flashbacks to the 2004 hit film DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story?
To help ensure a mosquito-free backyard haven for you and your family, we've decided to go over the 3 D's in great detail. Take a look, and make sure to follow the 3 D's to a T this summer!
Drain
Mosquitoes breed in water, so it’s crucial to eliminate possible breeding areas around your backyard. Draining standing water gives mosquitoes less opportunity to breed, which gives you less chance of getting bitten by one.
Mosquitoes only need about a bottle cap’s worth of water to breed hundreds of eggs, so scan the area of your yard 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 leave your backyard for a summer hike or picnic in the woods? Swarm city, me thinks.
Dressing appropriately is a simple way to deter mosquitoes from your personal space when entering their territory. Mosquitoes tend to be more attracted to dark clothing, so if you’re going for a safe walk, 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
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Probably the most common mosquito control practice for backyard-loving home owners 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:
- DEET
- Picaridin
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus
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 minimize the use of repellents
- Wash repellent off once you go back inside
Stay Outside... Stay Healthy™ this summer with our season long Mosquito Control service. At mosquito.buzz, we professionally treat your property to control mosquitoes at your home, cottage, cabin, special event, or outdoor wedding. We offer both all-natural and synthetic control options to suit your preferences... it's like the three D's rolled into one!
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