How To Fight Mosquitos: Summer Bite Prevention and Homeowner Tips

With the summer come the skeeters.

As the summer kicks into high gear and outdoor activities increase, the presence of mosquitos becomes an itch that many people can’t seem to scratch.

Here are some mosquito prevention tips that you can put to immediate use in your war against the unwelcome pests.

HOW TO PREVENT BITES

Sometimes the best offense is a good defense.

The Essex County Department of Public Works gives the following tips for preventing mosquito bites.

• Use repellents - Some insect repellents are extremely effective at preventing mosquito bites and, when used correctly, do not pose a health concern. Repellents containing DEET, Picaridin or IR3535 have been shown to be the most effective. Some example repellents commercially available are Off, Cutter, and Skin So Soft.
• Wear protective clothing - Cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, socks and pants. Repellents such as Permethrin are available to treat clothing, but be sure to follow all labeled directions for use. Wearing long sleeved clothing and pants will also reduce your exposure to mosquito bites during peak times.
• Avoid mosquitoes - While some mosquitoes may bite during the day, most are active between dusk and dawn. Avoid outdoor activities in the 2-3 hours around sunset and sunrise may help avoid mosquitoes. During the day, mosquitoes rest in shaded humid areas, and will feed if you are in their habitat. Keeping adult mosquitoes out of the home is another important step in avoiding mosquito bites. Homeowners should ensure that window and door screens are properly fitted and do not have any holes that would allow mosquitoes into the home.

HOMEOWNERS

“Any container holding water is a potential mosquito-breeding source and is likely to cause problems around the house,” the Essex County Department of Public Works advises.

“Of particular concern are clogged gutters and scattered tires. Both tend to collect leaves, then fill with water and provide very attractive sites for mosquitoes to breed. Since these containers are water tight, they dry out very slowly and are generally the cause of mosquito problems around the home. Gutters should be kept clean and other containers removed or overturned to limit mosquito-breeding sites.”

In addition, homeowners can take the following steps, according to the ECDPW.

• Dump all standing water from containers around the home. This includes children’s pools, flower pots, tarps, garbage cans, and anything else that may hold water.
• Clean out bird baths once a week.
• Eliminate standing water or low areas in your yard.
• Clean the gutters on your house.
• Use an aerator or fish in any ornamental ponds,
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside. Drainage holes that are located on the sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed in.
• Remove any discarded tires from your property and recycle them.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, even if they are not being used. A swimming pool left unattended can cause a mosquito problem throughout the whole neighborhood.

ADD PLANTS

Certain plants contain mosquito-repellent properties, experts say.

Natural Living Ideas suggests these:

• Citronella is a beautiful perennial clumping grass that emits a strong aroma.
• Lemon balm, a member of the mint family also known as horsemint and beebalm, is a very easy plant for beginning gardeners to grow even if you don’t have a green thumb!
• Catnip, the favorite of felines everywhere, was found in a 2010 study to be 10 times more effective than DEET, the ingredient commonly found in bug repellents
• Marigolds, a hardy annual, contain Pyrethrum, an ingredient found in many insect repellents, and they have a unique aroma which bugs find repulsive.
• Basil isn't simply yummy to eat -- it repels mosquitoes and is one of the easiest herbs to keep alive
• Lavender is a gorgeous purple flowering plant with a soothing, calming scent that bugs simply hate
• Peppermint is fragrant and a smell and taste most bugs despise.
• Rosemary is not just a fragrant herb for your kitchen; it is a natural mosquito repellent with beautiful flowers that attracts butterflies.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons