Mosquitoes are the unwanted party guests of the summer, with their constant buzzing, itching welts, and disease-carrying potential. But do not let these small terrors ruin your backyard barbecues and evening picnics. With a little know-how and effective countermeasures, you can recover your outdoor oasis and send the mosquitos packing. Consult a Ferguson Pest Control agency to learn more.
The mosquito lifecycle
These backyard blitzkriegers reproduce rapidly in standing water. Think about birdbaths, tires, and even bottle caps as possible mosquito breeding grounds. Female mosquitos, the bloodsuckers of the species, require that valuable blood meal to grow their eggs. And guess what? You, with your delectable carbon dioxide breath and alluring body heat, are ideal targets.
Mosquito control tactics
Drain and fill
Remove any standing water on your property. Empty and clean containers at least once a week. Think flower pots, buckets, and even discarded toys; no puddle is safe!
Treat standing water
If you have a pond or other water feature, try using mosquito dunks or larvicides to prevent larvae from developing into adult biters.
Trim the jungle
Mosquitoes prefer dark, secluded areas. Keep your grass manicured and overgrown plants trimmed to allow sunlight in while keeping mosquitos out.
Light up the night.
These twilight terrors are like the darkness. Enjoy your nights outside, but if nightfall arrives, use an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.
Bite prevention strategies
Cover up
The best defense is to wear long sleeves, slacks, and socks. Consider them your anti-mosquito armor, especially at dawn and twilight, when these vicious bandits are most active.
Go light
Get rid of the gloomy duds! Mosquitoes are attracted to dark hues, so wear light-colored clothing when outside.
Repel the attack
Do not forget the bug juice! Apply an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil on any exposed skin. To provide optimal protection, follow the label directions.
Fortress your home
Screens on doors and windows are your first line of protection against mosquitos. Keep those pesky proboscis away and enjoy the cool wind, mosquito-free!
After bite treatment
Scratching may feel pleasurable, but avoid the desire! It can exacerbate swelling and irritation, as well as cause infection. Wash the bite carefully with soap and water, then use a cold compress to decrease swelling. Over-the-counter anti-itch lotions can also help you deal with the unpleasant aftermath.
While these do-it-yourself mosquito control methods can be effective, the bite-and-buzz struggle needs reinforcements at times. If the mosquito army appears overpowering, or if you simply want a professional piece of mind, hiring a registered pest control company is a wise decision. These mosquito exterminators have the knowledge and specialized equipment to target breeding sites, eradicate adult populations, and offer long-term mosquito control.
When should you see your doctor after a mosquito bite?
After a mosquito bite, you should pay attention to these symptoms:
- Body pain and aches
- High fever
- Infection signs
- Severe headache
- Extreme swelling at the bite area
- Trouble swallowing and breathing
Mosquito bites can cause various allergic reactions, which you need to pay attention to. Make sure to speak to your doctor.
