6 Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites
- There are many ways to prevent mosquito bites, including using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and installing screens on your doors and windows.
- Planting mosquito-repelling plants can also help keep mosquitoes at bay.
- Taking steps to eliminate standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs, is another effective way to prevent these bites.
If you live in an area where mosquitoes are prevalent, then you know how important it is to take precautions against getting bitten.
Not only are mosquito bites itchy and annoying, but they can also transmit diseases like West Nile virus and Zika virus.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Ways To Prevent Mosquito Bites This Summer
1. Use an Insect Repellent
One of the best ways to prevent mosquito bites is to use an insect repellent. The CDC recommends using an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or the oil of lemon eucalyptus.
These repellents will provide the longest-lasting protection against mosquitoes. Apply the repellent to exposed skin and clothing, taking care to avoid contact with your eyes and mouth.
Be sure to follow the product label instructions when applying any type of insect repellent.
2. Wear Long Sleeves and Long Pants
Another way to prevent mosquito bites is to wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors. This will help to reduce the amount of exposed skin that mosquitoes can bite. If possible, choose light-colored clothing, as mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors.
3. Use a Floor Fan or Ceiling Fan
Mosquitoes are weak flyers, and they have a hard time flying in windy conditions. You can create your own “windy condition” by using a floor fan or ceiling fan when outdoors. The moving air from the fan will make it difficult for mosquitoes to fly near you, making it less likely that you’ll get bitten.
4. Install or Repair Screens on Your Doors and Windows
One of the easiest ways to keep mosquitoes out of your home is to make sure that all of your doors and windows have screens. This will help keep mosquitoes from coming inside in the first place.
If you have screens on your doors and windows, but they have tears or holes in them, be sure to repair them as soon as possible.
5. Empty Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so it’s important to get rid of any standing water around your home. This includes water that’s been sitting in buckets, kiddie pools, bird baths, or anything else.
If you have any potted plants, be sure to empty the saucers under them after it rains so that mosquitoes don’t have a chance to breed there.
6. Plant Mosquito-repelling Plants
There are plants that repel mosquitoes, which can help keep them away from your home. Some of the most effective mosquito-repelling plants include Citronella grass, Basil, Catnip, Lavender, Marigolds, Lemon balm, and Rosemary.
You can plant these plants in your garden or in pots around your patio or deck for maximum mosquito protection.
What to do if a mosquito has bitten you?
First and foremost, don’t scratch the bite. This will only make it itch more and could lead to an infection.
Instead, try applying a cold compress to the area for 20 minutes at a time. This will help reduce both the itching and swelling. You can also try using an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl or Allegra.
If those don’t work for you, consider using a topical corticosteroid like hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully so that you don’t end up doing more harm than good.
Learn More: How To Stop Mosquito Bites From Itching
Conclusion
No one enjoys dealing with mosquito bites, but unfortunately, they’re just a fact of life during the summer months. By taking some simple preventive measures, though, you can significantly reduce the number of mosquito bites you and your family experience this summer. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Also read: How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Your Home
