We here at AAI know just as well as you how mosquitoes can ruin the perfect summer day. While we go to great extents to enjoy the sunny afternoons at the barbecue and warm evenings by the fire, pesky mosquito bites interrupt those pleasant moments. Not only that, but certain health risks turn irritation into danger.

Health Risks

Not only are mosquitoes considered pests who leave nasty, itchy bumps in place of their bites, but they are also capable of carrying and passing along harmful diseases. These diseases spread by mosquito bites are known as mosquito-borne diseases.

Some of the most commonly carried diseases are West Nile Virus, Chikungunya virus, Zika virus, dengue, and malaria. Illnesses brought on by mosquito bites are most often mild and short-term, but rare cases have seen severe, long-term illnesses along with death.

That being said, the risk of allowing mosquitoes to bite you can be considered too high to take, especially with the possibility of death in the equation.

Because of the prevalence of mosquitoes, anyone who spends time outdoors is at risk for mosquito bites. However, certain areas may have a higher probability of infected mosquitos than others. For that reason, it’s important to research your specific area.

There are several steps you can take to lessen your risk of getting bit by mosquitoes.

Tips to Keep Mosquitos Away

Use these tips and more to decrease your chances of getting bit by mosquitoes.

Dispose of Standing Water

Mosquitoes thrive around standing water. That’s why you’re more likely to get bit near a pond than in your dry front yard. In fact, a mosquito can breed in only 14 days with just a small amount of standing water. This includes water in a flower pot, a rain gutter, a full kiddie pool, and a bird bath.

To lessen your chance of attracting mosquitoes and providing breeding ground, ensure you dump out any standing water that you can. If you want to keep things like a pond or a birdbath, you can add mosquito-eating fish to help keep them away. Maintaining constant motion in the water will help as well, so try using a waterfall or a fountain.

Keep Mosquitoes Outside

Keep mosquitoes outside of your home to ensure you have a safe place to stay. Use screens on all of your doors and windows, or stick to air conditioning for the summer if you can. Make sure you check your screens regularly for tears or holes and make any necessary repairs in a timely manner.

Wear Light-Colored Clothing

Some experts say that darker clothing stands out to and attracts bugs, so wearing light-colored clothing can help keep your off of a mosquito’s radar. It can also help to wear thicker fabrics and looser fits.

Use Repellent

One of the most popular ways to deter mosquitoes is to wear mosquito or bug repellent. There are several effective types and brands on the market that you can buy at an affordable price. These repellents contain chemicals like DEET, picaridin, and PMD and are safe to use.

Stay Inside

Of course, you can always try staying inside to avoid mosquitoes. However, the best times to remain indoors are during dusk and dawn. This is a mosquito’s primary feeding time, so you are more likely to get bit if you’re outside at this time of day.

Watch What You Eat and Wear

Certain habits can make you more appealing to mosquitoes than other people. What you eat can affect how you smell, thus attracting more mosquitoes. Someone who drinks beer is more likely to get bit than someone who is drinking water. At the same time, if you have more bacteria on your skin and a strong body odor, mosquitoes are more likely to attack.

Our Services

Because California’s climate makes an excellent home for mosquitoes, we offer mosquito control services here at AAI. With our fully licensed professionals, you get full home treatment. With our environmentally safe solutions, not only will we handle your mosquito problem, but we’ll make sure your family stays safe and healthy. Contact AAI Pest Control today!