In recent days, with all of the news stories warning of Zika virus, and other harmful mosquito-borne illnesses, people are concerned about the impact mosquitoes can have on a family. If you’d like to limit your exposure to mosquitoes, and reduce your risk of mosquito-borne illness, here are a few ideas that may help.
Backyard Exposure
Mosquitoes breed in still water, and it doesn’t require much still water for these insects to breed. They will lay eggs in a small build up of water on an obstructed gutter, in a puddle made by a leaky spigot, in a pool formed on a tarp, on a leaf of vegetation, in the recess of a toy sitting in the yard, and more. Reducing mosquitoes begins with a reduction of potential breeding sites. When you address areas of still water, you directly affect your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes in your backyard. A typical mosquito will not travel more than about 300 yards from its birth site in its entire lifetime. If a mosquito is biting you in your backyard, it may have come from your backyard.
If you plan to be out in your yard, and you’re able to put a fan where you’ll be, this is a good way to keep the mosquitoes away without putting a net over you. This is perfect for sitting poolside, relaxing on the porch, or having a cookout on the grill.
Get rid of the bug zapper. Studies have shown that bug zappers are great for luring mosquitoes into a yard, but are only effective at killing male (non-biting) mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes are too focused on finding a blood meal to be destroyed by a zapper.
Personal Exposure
If you have mosquitoes in your yard, it may be impossible to completely protect yourself, unless you are wearing clothing that has mosquito netting incorporated, but here are a few tactics that can help:
- Refrain from going out in the morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear light colors to make yourself less of a target.
- Apply mosquito repellent to your skin or to your clothing.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, if possible.
- Refrain from drinking alcohol outside.
If you live in our South Carolina service area, let Spencer Pest Services help you reduce mosquitoes in your backyard with industry-leading mosquito control. Our team of experts will locate areas of standing water and address mosquito breeding, power-mist your vegetation to destroy mosquitoes that are hiding and share advice and strategies to make your property more resistant to mosquitoes. For information or immediate assistance, reach out to us today.
