What really works to keep mosquitoes away?

While summer is a favorite time of the year for camping, swimming, and other outdoor activities; it is also the favorite time of year for the mosquito! Mosquitoes are pesky insects that carry diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and encephalitis. These insects can cause painful, itchy bites. Some people are very allergic to mosquito bites and can have severe reactions requiring medical attention.

What is the best way to protect yourself from mosquito bites? Avoiding mosquitos and the places where they live and the breed is one way. Never leave standing water around, this encourages the breeding of the mosquitoes. Keep your home and outdoor structures in good repair, making sure you have a proper screening on all doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out.

Avoiding mosquitoes doesn’t always work. They find their way into your home, patio and surrounding outdoor areas. For repellents, DEET contains the best protection, with products containing 20 to 30 percent DEET providing the most effective protection. Make sure to use according to directions. Inhaling the repellent or getting close to your eyes or mouth can be very harmful.

Picaridin is another effective repellent found is some products but without the same sticky texture as products containing DEET. You can also use lemon oil, but this doesn’t seem to be quite as effective. However, if you do not want to use chemical-based repellents, you could try this. Some people claim that the citronella plant naturally repels mosquitoes. You can rub the plant’s leaves on your skin or grow these plants on your patio to keep mosquitoes away. Wearing long-sleeves and pants offers some protection against mosquito bites as well.

If someone who is allergic to mosquito bites is bitten, get medical help immediately. Severe swelling and difficulty in breathing can occur without proper medical attention. For most people, washing the area with mild soap and water is sufficient. You can apply a cold pack to relieve swelling and use hydrocortisone cream for the itching. If the bite is painful, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease the pain. Antihistamines such as Benadryl or Chlor-Trimeton can help with allergy symptoms resulting from mosquito bites.

AJB Pest & Termite has a strategy to help you keep mosquitos today! Our philosophy is to provide a barrier around your home or office which will control pests from invading your space indoors. Contact us to discuss our treatment methods.