11 Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Now that summer is in full swing, many of us are spending a lot more time outdoors enjoying picnics, beach days, and just hanging out in the backyard. Unfortunately, outside activities can expose us, and our loved ones, to all kinds of dangerous situations—some minor and some not so minor.

One of those situations that may seem minor, but sometimes isn’t, are Mosquito bites. Mosquitos carry and spread all kinds of diseases such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, West Nile virus, and Zika—to name a few. Over one million people worldwide die from Mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitos also transmit diseases and parasites to dogs and horses.

PREVENT MOSQUITO BREEDING

One of the best ways to control Mosquitos is to prevent them from breeding in the first place. Because thousands of Mosquitos can breed in only a few inches of water, one of the best ways to control this insect is by keeping your property free of standing water. Here are some tips to accomplish this.

1. Regularly clean out birdbaths and fountains and replenish with fresh water.
2. Change water in outdoor pet bowls daily.
3. Maintain pools and spas at all times—even when not in use. Brush standing water off pool and spa covers. Empty children’s plastic pools when done with them for the day.
4. Keep lids on trash bins.
5. Flush out excess water from the saucers of potted plants or drill holes in them to allow for drainage.
6. Keep boats covered with tight-fitting tarps when not in use.
7. Repair leaky faucets and hoses.
8. Keep rain gutters clear.
9. Fill in low-lying areas in the yard whenever possible.
10. Drill holes in tire swings.
11. Fill in the holes of rotted trees and stumps.

Always be on the lookout for any container or containment that will collect water and find a way to eliminate this possible Mosquito breeding ground.

Related: Eco-Friendly Landscaping Practices

CONTROLLING EXISTING MOSQUITOS

While the best way to keep Mosquitos away from your property is by preventing them from breeding in the first place, a good second line of defense is to use sound Mosquito repellent measures. Here are a few:

1. Stock ornamental ponds with Mosquitofish, which can consume large amounts of insect larvae.
2. Keep plants that attract Mosquitos away from the entryway to your home or office.
3. Use plants in your garden that repel Mosquitos naturally such as Citronella or Lemon Balm.

While all these methods will go a long way in the prevention of Mosquitos on your property, it’s always a good idea to use insect repellent when the need arises. After all, you can’t control Mosquitos in other locations. Be sure to use organic insect repellents such as Babyganics.

Once you’ve done everything you can to protect yourself and your family against these insects, go out and enjoy yourself!

Please share your Mosquito fighting tips in the comments section.

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Lisa

Lisa is a mother of three lovely young women and is a new grandmother to a baby boy! She has been married to her high school sweetheart for more than thirty years. Lisa is originally from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, but has lived in the Tampa Bay area since 1984. Running a small business for over 25 years and raising a family has made for a busy, busy life with many ups and downs; it’s definitely been an adventure.

Lisa’s always involved in one project or another whether it’s work related or serving her community. She also recently went back to school to finish her bachelor’s degree in American Studies. Lisa tries to make every day a good day—that means learning something new, practicing kindness, and enjoying the present moment.