Fed up of being bitten by mosquitoes? It’s time to bite back. Here are a few ways in which you can defend yourself from these pesky creatures.
A few facts about mosquitoes…
Let’s start by understanding these insects a little bit more. Knowing your enemy is key to fighting back. There are believed to be 3,600 species of mosquito. It is only the females that bite – they must drink blood in order to produce eggs. Mosquitoes only live for about 50 days, so they don’t have long to reproduce, which is why they’re so thirsty for blood.
When are mosquitoes most active?
Mosquitoes can be active all year round, however they tend to thrive more in the hotter months. For example, they are very common pests in Texas during summer. You’re most likely to experience them at dusk and dawn.
Where are mosquitoes most commonly found?
Sadly, there is no haven from mosquitoes – they can be found everywhere from the tropics to the Arctic circle. They are most commonly found in places with still water and little wind. These conditions are perfect for laying eggs (they lay their eggs in the water).
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
Mosquitoes kill more humans than any other animal on Earth. They can carry a range of diseases from malaria to dengue fever. While such diseases are less common in the US, many mosquitoes still carry viruses and have the potential to cause nasty infections.
How to defend yourself against mosquitoes
There are a few effective ways in which you can deal with ‘skeeters. Such measures are recommended for those who are mosquito magnets.
Remove standing water
Get rid of any still water around your property. Puddles, blocked gutters and buckets full of rain are all common mosquito breeding grounds. Ponds and pools can meanwhile be protected from mosquitoes by adding pumps or by covering them up during twilight hours.
Wear insect repellent
Slapping on some insect repellant will keep most mosquitoes away. DEET and picaridin are common chemicals used to ward off these bugs. This guide compares some of the best insect repellents to try.
Use natural scents
Research has found that a variety of natural scents can scare away mosquitoes. These include:
- Citronella
- Eucalyptus oil
- Lavender
- Cinnamon
- Peppermint
You can introduce such scents to your home via candles, air fresheners, oil diffusers or scented sprays.
Use mosquito nets
Mosquito nets can stop these bugs from entering certain areas. You can buy netted screens to go over your windows or you can buy nets to hang over your bed. These nets will also keep out other creepy crawlies.
Ventilate your home
Mosquitoes are more active when the air is still. You are less likely to see them when it is windy. Ventilating your home using fans or HVAC may put off some mosquitoes from entering your home.
Conclusion
Want to keep away mosquitoes? Start by eradicating them at the source by removing still water from around your property. Make sure to also wear insect repellent and introduce natural scents to your home – especially in the evening when they are most active. To keep them out of your home, you can also use mosquito nets and plenty of airflow.
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