Products and Techniques That Keep Mosquitos Away
The mosquito is the most deadly animal in the world—more dangerous than sharks, bears, and snakes combined! Mosquitos infamously spread Malaria, one of the most dangerous diseases in the world. While Malaria outbreaks in the United States are exceedingly rare, mosquitos can still spread a wide variety of dangerous ailments including West Nile Virus, Zika virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
In addition to threats to people, mosquitos are also dangerous for pets. Mosquitos are an infamous cause of heartworm in dogs.
How To Keep Mosquitos Away
Mosquito repellent helps keep mosquitoes and ticks from biting you by blocking your scent. Some people like using natural sprays, but the CDC says not all of them are safe for children or nursing mothers. For example, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus shouldn’t be used on kids under 3. But repellents with DEET or Picaridin are safe when used as directed—even for kids.
Always choose a repellent that’s registered with the EPA. These have been tested to make sure they are safe and effective. If you’re going somewhere with a lot of mosquitos stick with products like DEET or Picaridin—especially ones that are over 25% strength. Natural repellents usually don’t last as long and need to be used more often. If you have sensitive skin, you can spray repellent on your clothes instead of your skin. Another option that avoids skin contact is also clip-on devices that can help keep mosquitoes away. Some claim that noise machines can scare off mosquitoes. This is a myth. Don’t waste your money.
Traps that use carbon dioxide (CO2) can help, but they have to be placed in the right spot. If you put them too close to people, they might attract more mosquitoes than they repel! Bug zappers that use lights don’t work very well for mosquitoes and might hurt beneficial insects instead. Some plant-based sprays made from oils can work, but they don’t last as long and can smell strong. Don’t spray them on flowers, because that can hurt bees.
How You Can Prevent Mosquitos In the First Place
The most crucial step is to get rid of standing water. That’s where mosquitoes lay eggs. Even a small puddle or a bucket of water can become a mosquito nursery!
Check inside clogged gutters, birdbaths, toys, planters, and old tires. If you can’t dump out the water, you can treat it with special products that kill baby mosquitoes—just make sure it’s allowed in your state. Always read the label and wear protective gear like long sleeves, pants, gloves, and maybe even goggles or a mask, depending on the product.
Another trick? Use fans! Mosquitoes aren’t great flyers, so air from a fan can help blow them away from where people are sitting. This works just like the air curtains you feel when you walk into a store.
Some smells that keep mosquitoes away are citronella, thyme, clove, catnip, cinnamon, and geraniol.
How Professionals Get Rid of Mosquitos
If you’re unsure about doing it yourself, it’s a good idea to call a professional. They have the training and tools to do it safely and effectively. Professionals treat places where mosquitoes hide during the day, like under decks, in bushes, or in shady spots. They may use sprays that are either natural or synthetic, depending on what’s needed.
Viking Pest Control offers Last Bite Tick & Mosquito Control Service which creates a protective barrier around your yard during the spring that prevents both mosquitos and ticks. These treatments are repeated monthly from spring through fall to ensure that you get as much comfortable, worry-free outdoor time as possible. Viking also offers Last Bite Green if you are looking for a more natural, low-impact solution to your mosquito problems.
Call to schedule your first Last Bite treatment today!
