How to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay This Summer
- Written by
- On Wednesday, June 21, 2023
If you’re among the many humans that mosquitos just can’t seem to get enough of, then you know just how easy it is for these teeny tiny pests to ruin a good time. And many cabin locales happen to be major breeding grounds for mosquitos, which can make them even tougher to battle—but definitely not impossible.
In fact, there are quite a few simple measures you can take to keep these bloodsuckers from ruining the summer fun—and we’re not just talking about bug spray. From putting on light-colored clothing to wearing a certain kind of perfume, the following tips will make it a whole lot easier to enjoy all that the summer season has to offer.
Address Standing Water
Even a small amount of standing water in your yard, like water in a plant saucer or bird bath, can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. These little buggers only need a little water to make babies, so make a point to dump out standing water regularly, especially if you live in a rainy area.
If you have a pool or a pond, then consider adding some type of waterfall or fountain feature—it’s a lot tougher for mosquitoes to breed in moving water. You can also treat the water with a natural bacteria known as Bacillus thuringiensis, which kills mosquito larvae but is harmless for you and your kids, plants, and pets.
Wear Light-Colored Clothing
Believe it or not, the color of your clothing can play a role in just how much mosquitoes like you. They tend to be attracted to deep, dark colors, like maroon, navy blue, and black, so save these hues for another season. Opting for light-colored clothes from head to toe can definitely help to keep these pests at bay.
Use Bug Repellent
This probably goes without saying, but wearing repellent is a must for anyone concerned about mosquito bites. However, there are more types of repellent than you might think. In fact, a New Mexico State University study found that the Bombshell perfume by Victoria’s Secret worked better at repelling mosquitoes than many types of bug spray. That said, DEET was found to be the most effective, so your best bet is a repellent with this ingredient in it.
Many people have raised concerns about the safety of DEET over the years, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has deemed it safe to use at any age. When looking for DEET-based repellent, keep in mind that the percentages of DEET that you find speak primarily to how long it will last, so repellent with 30% DEET will protect you for a longer period of time than repellent with 10%.
Invest in an Outdoor Fan
In addition to keeping you cool during the hot summer months, an outdoor fan can work wonders at keeping mosquitoes away. But a flimsy fan that barely blows won’t do the trick; you’ll want the fan to blow hard enough that mosquitoes struggle to fly in its wind. You can also purchase a powerful fan with a mister (i.e. a fan that blows a light mist of water), which will work even better at keeping mosquitoes away.
Tidy Up the Yard
As we mentioned above, mosquitoes breed around standing water, so if you have kids who tend to leave their toys outside, you should remember to bring these toys inside each day since water can collect in any crevices. It also helps to keep your bushes trimmed and your grass short, since overgrowth can make it easier for mosquitoes to breed.
Use Technology
Technology has come a long way when it comes to mosquito prevention. We’re not talking about the messy business of bug zappers; brands like Thermacell offer devices that emit silent, scent-free repellent within a 15-20-foot radius, creating a protective bubble. This option, for example, costs less than $20 and will create a 15-foot protective shield that repels pests without the use of smoke, flames, or citronella. It also comes with a one-year warranty, so you can give it a try risk-free.
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