You go to your backyard to enjoy some time outside with your family, maybe enjoying some barbecue together. Or maybe you’ve decided to spend a weekend out in the woods to camp, and the trails are simply calling your name. There’s only one problem, and it’s a little one. But then comes another one. By the time they swarm you, you suddenly have a huge problem!
Mosquitoes are dangerous in many ways, not the least of which is their ability to suck the blood for sustenance out of any creature they land on. This can lead to a real bad itch, but it doesn’t stop there. Mosquitoes can leave behind many harmful diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and dengue fever. You may have enjoyed your camping adventure, but the sickness those dang mosquitoes leave behind can ruin your next two weeks… or worse.
So, to better understand these horrible little bugs, here are the best ways to make sure they stay away from your outdoor fun.
Where Do Mosquitoes Come From?
Did you know that only female mosquitoes bite? The purpose of this is to gain the nourishment they need to lay eggs. They lay their eggs in standing water, allowing their larva to hatch floating until they emerge as new mosquitoes.
The best way to get rid of mosquitoes at home is to remove all sources of egg-laying. If you have birdbaths, kiddie pools, buckets, clogged drain pipes, and even folded tarps and awnings after rain, dry them quickly. Eggs hatch within 24 to 48 hours, making them a terror if you have many sources of standing water.
How Do I Get Rid of Them at Home?
There are several other options for mosquito control near your home. The first is a surprisingly effective one: if you have a water feature, consider stocking it with minnows and other fish. They love eating mosquito larva!
Another option is to drop a BT tablet into pools (also called mosquito dunks). These chemicals break down mosquito larva before they hatch. Clean your gutters if they are clogged, as collected rainwater is an easily-ignored place where mosquitoes can spawn. You can also avoid overwatering your lawn to stop mosquitoes from hatching right in your grass.
How Do I Get Rid of Them While Camping?
You may have heard that campfire smoke keeps mosquitoes away. This is 100% true, but campfire smoke only drifts so far. Citronella candles are slightly useful, but they only repel insects from a few feet away. The best way to keep mosquitoes away from you personally is to spray yourself with bug repellant, preferably a repellent with 20% DEET or higher.
This potent chemical is harmless to humans but irritating to many different bugs, including mosquitoes. Repellent with 25% DEET can last up to ten hours unless removed with water or sweated away. It should be applied to clothing or any exposed skin. On top of repellant, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Be careful applying repellent to children, especially their faces or hands that may enter their mouths.
Safe and Effective Mosquito Control
For an extra layer of protection around your home, call the experts at H2 Pest Control! We use proven mosquito control treatments that get rid of mosquitoes for good, all while keeping you and your family safe. Contact us for a free home inspection and estimate!