It’s summertime in Upstate NY, which means you, your pets and your kids have probably got the itch to spend more time outside. Unfortunately, all that outdoor activity can lead to another less appealing itch – from mosquito bites.
Aside from the redness and swelling, mosquito bites can cause allergic reactions and transmit mosquito-borne diseases. While the United States has done an excellent job of eradicating the most dangerous diseases, relatively new threats, such as the Zika Virus and West Nile Virus, have made it more important than ever to understand how to prevent mosquito bites.
Mosquito Bite Prevention Tips
Use an Outdoor Fan. Forego the fancy UV light traps and opt for a nice breeze instead. Although mosquitoes fly close to the ground, anything over 1 mph makes it hard for them to fly at all. If Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, use an outdoor fan and aim the air flow downward to block approaching mosquitoes.
Apply Insect Repellant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using EPA-registered insect repellants with active ingredients such as DEET. While wipes or lotions containing DEET are just as effective as sprays, and eliminate the risk of inhaling it, wearable DEET bracelets and anklets will not do the trick.
Plant Some Herbs. While citronella candles and coils have been proven ineffective in preventing mosquito bites, there are several plants that will naturally repel mosquitoes from your yard. Try planting lemon balm, catnip, basil, lavender and peppermint around outdoor activity areas, and burn a little sage or rosemary in the fire to prevent mosquitoes from crashing your s’mores party.
Seal Your Home. Unfortunately, it’s not just outdoors that we have to worry about mosquito bites. Avoid propping doors open and use air conditioning whenever possible. If you must open windows and doors, be sure to use screens, and repair holes or replace screens to keep out pests. If you have small children, mosquito netting for beds, cribs and strollers provides an added safeguard.
Treat Your Yard. Once a week, walk around your property and look for standing water where mosquitoes breed. Dump out stagnant water in bird baths, children’s toys and pools, planters, buckets, tires, wheelbarrows and garbage cans, and make sure gutters are clear. Use an outdoor inspect spray for your yard, or contact a pest control expert for a professional mosquito control program and proper application.
Need Mosquito Control in Glens Falls, Lake George & Saratoga?
Nature’s Way Pest control uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system to drastically reduce the mosquito populations on your property. Our mosquito pest control programs target adult mosquitoes that hang out in the shady spots in the woods surrounding your home. Contact us for information about mosquito control in Glens Falls, Lake George & Saratoga, or schedule a free inspection.
