How to Tell Mosquitoes to Go - Mosquito Prevention

Mosquitoes carry a variety of diseases, including EEE and West Nile virus, that can be dangerous to you and your family. These bugs were one of the most common pest problems we saw this spring, but they don’t have to bug you through the summer. Here’s how to tell mosquitoes to go, so you can enjoy your summer — pest-free.

How to Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites

When it comes to protecting yourself from mosquito bites, some things are out of your control, like having Type O blood, and some things are in your control. Here are some ways to reduce your risk of getting bitten by Massachusetts mosquitoes this summer.

Use Bug Spray

This is an obvious one but an important one! The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. Apply sunscreen first and insect repellant second on a sunny day. Like sunscreen, check the can to see how long the spray will last before requiring reapplication.

Be Mindful of Time Outdoors

In beautiful Massachusetts summers, it’s hard to stay indoors after the sun has gone down. But being mindful of when you plan to partake in outdoor activities can help minimize your chances of getting bitten. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes, so consider moving some of your night outdoor activities to the daytime and take precautions when spending time outdoors after dark.

Cover Up

When weather permits, cover anywhere you frequently get bites. Bringing a pullover can add an extra layer of protection on your skin, preventing mosquito bites. By wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks when outdoors, you can decrease your risk of getting bitten. This is especially helpful for children.

Work Out Inside

Carbon dioxide and body heat attract the mosquito population and increase when exercising. Working out inside instead of outside can stop you from accidentally attracting mosquitoes.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Yard

Individual measures can be helpful situationally, but bug-proofing your yard is best done holistically. Here are some tips to keep bugs out of your outside space.

Remove Standing Water

Mosquitoes can start laying eggs in any water that has been sitting for more than four days. Check for stagnant water anywhere it may be collecting (consider optimizing your sprinkler schedule, cleaning out your gutters, or checking landscape borders for moisture buildup) — mosquitoes can breed up to 3,000 eggs in a lifetime! The CDC also recommends adding tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, and trash containers to your standing water checklist.

Use Scents

Essential oils and other scents are great ways to naturally repel mosquitoes from your space and create a fresh aroma. Try these scents to find what works best for your yard.

Lavender
Peppermint
Citronella
Eucalyptus

Install a Mosquito Net

Installing a mosquito net can be a cost-intensive investment, but may be worth it. Screening in your porch, pool, or backyard using aluminum screens can provide tremendous benefits. By physically keeping mosquitoes away from your yard and adding privacy, bug screens allow you to enjoy time outside, worry-free. If you have a screen but are still experiencing mosquito issues, check for holes or rips.

Garden Strategically

Did you know plants can act as natural mosquito control? If mosquitoes created problems in your yard last year, try gardening strategically this season. Consider incorporating these Massachusetts-proof plants that naturally repel pests, and reap the added benefits of improved aesthetics and fresh herbs!

Marigold
Lavender
Mint
Rosemary
Basil

Get Rid of Mosquitoes with F&W

While these methods do a good job at controlling mosquitoes, they do not kill them. As with any disease risk, professional help is always your best option.

F&W’s integrated pest management approach (IPM) provides the professional quality you need with the environmentally responsible quality of a DIY approach. Trust the expert exterminators at F&W to get rid of your mosquitoes this season. Get a free quote to start debugging your space today.