There’s no denying that the mosquito is one of the peskiest creatures in existence. Around the county, mosquitoes invade yards and even homes every summer, as well as just about every place to which you may travel in the great outdoors.
Protecting Yourself From Mosquitoes
Follow these tips to take back your outdoor living space from these bloodthirsty insects:
- Arm yourself. If mosquitoes are a constant presence in your yard, arm yourself with an insect repellent containing DEET. Mosquitoes strongly dislike the smell of this oily chemical, yet at the same time it’s non-toxic to animals and humans. In addition, try wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding colognes, perfumes and scented body products that may attract mosquitoes.
- Treat standing water. For areas with standing water such as landscaping ponds, birdbaths and drainage ditches, add BTI granules to the water. BTI is a natural larvicide that kills mosquito larvae without harming humans, birds, pets or fish. Also inspect your yard for flower pots, old tires and even toys which have been sitting outside and may contain enough standing water for mosquitoes to lay eggs in.
- Go green. There are many natural methods for keeping mosquitoes at bay. Citronella candles, for instance, produce a strong scent that masks the smell of humans, as do certain plants including catnip, marigolds, lemon balm, lavender and peppermint. Using fans to keep air moving through outdoor living areas also discourages mosquitoes.
- Check the gutters. Mosquitoes require only a scant inch of water in which to lay their eggs and multiply, and clogged gutters make an ideal out-of-sight location to do this. As such, it’s important to routinely clean them out to avoid clogs that can create standing water. Consider installing a rain gutter shield like Gutter Helmet® to prevent leaves and debris from entering your gutters and creating the perfect water-logged location for mosquito families to grow.
Invest in Gutter Covers
If mosquitoes are an ongoing problem around your home due to debris-filled gutters, you can solve the problem with one quick call. Call Gutter Helmet today at (800) 824-3772 to speak with a certified installer in your area about installing America’s best gutter covers! If you prefer, you can also submit an online quote request form.
