Mosquitoes can ruin an otherwise pleasant summer evening. They cause irritating bites and can transmit dangerous diseases. Protect your family and friends from these bothersome insects with these tips to repel mosquitoes.
Keep Insect Spray on Hand to Repel Mosquitoes
Prevent bites by using a chemical insect repellent formulated for outdoor use. Purchase spray-on or lotion repellents and apply them before spending time outdoors. Chemical formulas using DEET are most effective. Alternatively, you can purchase a natural, non-toxic repellent that uses essential oils to deter insect bites.
Set Mosquito Traps
Mosquito traps are an easy-to-use and convenient way to keep the mosquitoes on your property under control. These traps entice mosquitos to fly into them with heat, light, CO2, or a combination of these. Once inside a trap, the bugs get stuck in water or on a sticky paper, depending on the type of trap. The heat and carbon dioxide traps mimic the things that attract mosquitoes to humans and are most effective.
Eliminate Stagnant Water to Repel Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes reproduce in even the smallest amounts of water. Eliminate stagnant bodies of water around your property. Empty bins, buckets, and pet bowls. After a rainstorm, check your property and remove standing water. Fill depressions or holes in the yard where a puddle may form. Keep the guttering of your home clean. If gutters become clogged, water can pool in the channel, inviting mosquitoes to breed. Make sure that the water in birdbaths is changed every 2 or 3 days and that potted plants have adequate drainage.
Fix Gaps
Patch holes in window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out. Check around the edges of doors and windows. If air can pass through, insects can too. If sunlight can be seen around your door, it isn’t well-sealed. Install weather-stripping or use caulk to fill gaps.
Essential Oils
Some essential oils are useful in repelling mosquitoes, however, they may not be as efficient as standard pesticides. Oils that you may use include lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, and tea tree oil. The preparation is straightforward. Simply combine a few drops of your preferred essential oil with one cup of water in a spray container, shake well, and use on clothing and around outdoor living areas to repel bugs.
If your yard is already infested with mosquitoes and none of these tips worked, it’s best to call a local mosquito control company because these organizations tend to be staffed with professionals. Ask to see a license or certification, a label for the insecticide being used, and protective gear.
Low Keys Home Inspections offers inspection services to home buyers in Key West, Marathon, and Key Largo. Contact us to schedule an appointment.