With the warm days of summer comes mosquitoes and those dreaded itchy bites. The number of mosquitoes slowly increases during spring and as the hot weather of summer arrives, mosquito season reaches its peak.
You will no doubt be spending more time outdoors enjoying and making the most of these long hot days. That being said, we have put together some mosquito control tips to help reduce your chances of being invaded by these pests this summer and don’t worry, it doesn’t include dressing head to toe in protective clothing!
Reduce the Mosquito-Breeding Habitat in Your Garden
Warmer temperatures increase the duration of the mosquito life cycle. The insects tend to lay more eggs, which hatch much faster than any other time of year. One of the most important summer mosquito tips is to clean up your garden to prevent breeding grounds.
A working bee can do wonders to keep mosquitoes at bay, and this can include:
- Weeding and mowing your lawns
- Sweeping up fallen leaves and mulch areas
- Ensuring your compost is properly contained
- Discarding neglected flower pots, containers or any vessel that may hold still water
- Regularly replace the water in birdbaths or ponds
If homes near yours appear to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, perhaps arrange a community-working bee to share our tips and to clean up your neighborhood.
For longer results you can plant mosquito-repelling plants within your neighborhood are plenty of varieties on the market including marigolds, Thai lemongrass, garlic, and Citronella Grass. Not only will they look great in your flowerbeds, but they also give off an unpleasant odor to mosquitoes and other unsightly bugs deterring them from making a home in your garden.
Check Your Home for Mosquito Entry Points
Mosquitoes will take advantage of any available entry point into your home. It’s a good idea to clean up around the immediate vicinity of your home to remove any objects, which might attract mosquitoes.
Start from the top and clean out your home’s gutters to remove any excess leave or debris. As you will most likely be opening your house up during the warmer weather, check your flywire screens for any holes or tears that may allow mosquitoes access. For extra measures, you can use seal door gaps or weather stripping, especially under doors or windowsills.
If you live in a mosquito-prone area or like to sleep with the windows or doors open during the summer nights, you may want to sleep with a mosquito net draped around the bed. Be sure to check for holes regularly, as a net with even a tiny hole is pointless.
Avoid Spending Time Outdoors During Peak Mosquito Hours
Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn and generally start looking for places to sleep when daylight comes around. It is best to limit your activity and time spent outdoors during the peak mosquito hours especially in the middle of summer.
If you are enjoying your time outside during this period, our summer mosquito tip is to dress appropriately in loose, long sleeve tops and pants. Mosquitoes are attracted to warmer bodies, so avoid wearing dark, heavy or synthetic clothing on hotter days. They also love the smell of sweet scents, so it’s best not to mist perfume on your skin.
You can dress your entertaining outdoor areas with citronella candles or coils. This will create a festive atmosphere for you and your friends to enjoy on a hot summer night outside while keeping those pesky mosquitoes from nibbling at your legs!
Use Appropriate Insect Repellents
Finally, one of the most important and simplest mosquito control tips is to use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient such as DEET. Most repellents which use 30-50% DEET will give you protection for up to 3-6 hours, perfect for an evening meal outside. You can apply this to both your skin and clothing for maximum protection.
If you prefer a natural alternative, there are plenty of DEET free products on the market such as lemon eucalyptus or citronella oil.
Don’t let a mosquito invasion stop you from enjoying your summer outdoors in the garden. Preventative methods are key, and if you follow our summer mosquito tips, you’re more likely to be free of itchy bites this season. Get in touch with us for more advice or to discuss our barrier treatment techniques to repel and kill the mosquitoes living in your home.