Five Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Summer is a great time to be outside enjoying the warm weather. Unfortunately, warm weather also means that the mosquitoes are out in full force. If you dread being outside on a hot summer day because you know that you’ll be repeatedly bitten, keep reading for five tips on how to prevent mosquito bites this season.

1. Wear Insect Repellent

Mosquitoes are very attracted to the smell of carbon dioxide, which of course, as a human you cannot eliminate. Certain chemicals produced by the body, such as lactic acid and sweat can also attract them. Specific blood types also attract mosquitoes. These scents that your body produces can’t be eliminated. However, you can help to mask the scents that your body produces by spraying yourself with insect repellent whenever you are outside.

2. Stay in a Cool Area

As mentioned earlier, mosquitoes are attracted to sweat as they like moisture. Staying in a cool area will keep you isolated from mosquitoes. If you do choose to go outside and begin perspiring, be sure to towel off. Staying cool as best as you can will benefit you in multiple ways!

3. Stay Away from Damp/Wet Areas

Puddles, pools, swampy areas, lakes and rivers all attract mosquitoes. Areas with stagnant water, such as a swamp or marsh, are breeding grounds for them. Avoid these areas as much as possible. However, you won’t want to avoid your pool to enjoy a swim or avoid going fishing at the lake. Or maybe your family has a vacation home right off of a river. Don’t avoid the water- just be smarter about staying protected with insect repellent. Be sure to reapply as needed.

4. Wear Light Clothing

Mosquitoes fly close to the ground due to the fact that they cannot fly in any kind of wind. As they fly, they look for dark objects that stand out against the backdrop of the horizon, looking for a host. However, if you wear lighter clothing, you will blend in with the background making it more difficult for a mosquito to find you.

5. Purchase Bug Repellent Clothing

If you’re going to be outside a lot this summer, buying a bug repellent shirt or pants may be worth the money. The material is designed to be light and breathable, but also tightly woven together to prevent bugs from being able to bite or sting through it.

With these five tips, you can protect your family from harmful mosquito bites and get back to enjoying your summer. For more help on mosquito control, contact Action Pest and Turf today!