Learn how to better protect yourself from mosquitoes and disease!
At Mosquito Authority, our goal is to help protect you and your family from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. To do this, we believe it is important that our customers know what they can do to help prevent mosquitoes from invading their yard.
There are a lot of ways mosquitoes can get in the way of enjoying your outdoor space. You might not know it, but your yard could be providing these pests with the environment they need to survive. For example, did you know mosquitoes can breed in as little as a tablespoon of water? Knowing things like this is a crucial part of mosquito control.
For mosquito control around your home, we recommend following the three Ds: Drain, Dress, Defend. To help you better prepare for mosquito season and enjoy a peaceful backyard, check out what it means to Drain, Dress, and Defend:
DRAIN: You might be unknowingly attracting mosquitoes to your outdoor area. There are plenty of items in your backyard that are capable of collecting even small amounts of standing water. These items can become huge magnets for mosquitoes, who need water to breed.
Remove all standing water in your yard and around your home; a mosquito only needs about a tablespoon of standing water to lay her eggs, so it’s important to get rid of any standing water that could be potential breeding sites for these pests. Common locations for standing water include:
- Clogged rain gutters and corrugated drain pipes
- Bird baths, pet food and water bowls, and planters
- Trash and recycling bins
- Children’s toys and kiddie pools
- Grill covers
- Flower pots
- Tire swings
- Buckets
DRESS: Did you know that the clothes you wear might be making you more attractive to mosquitoes? To reduce your risk of being bitten, try to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Mosquitoes are known to be more attracted to dark clothing than light clothing, so wearing lighter colors can help you be less attractive to these pests. Also, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when appropriate is helpful. Mosquitoes can even bite through loose-weave and tight-fitting clothing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommend dressing your children in clothing that covers their arms and legs.
DEFEND: EPA-registered repellents are reviewed and approved to pose minimal risk when used properly. The most effective ingredients to look for in repellent are DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
When applying insect repellent, always follow the instructions on the product label and reapply as directed. The CDC advises against spraying mosquito repellent on areas that will be covered by clothing. Lastly, if you plan to wear sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first and then apply your insect repellent.
When performed properly by trained professionals, backyard mosquito treatments can help reduce the danger and risk posed by mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses. Mosquito Authority’s integrated mosquito management protocol will break the mosquito life cycle and all but eliminate mosquitoes from your yard (and your life) all summer long.
When dealing with mosquitoes, it is crucial to remember the three Ds: Drain, Dress, Defend. Ridding your yard of standing water, wearing loose and light-colored clothing, and applying mosquito repellent are just a few of the ways you can prevent mosquito bites. To find your local mosquito control company, click here.