No one wants to spend summer cooped up inside. On the other hand, getting bitten all over by mosquitos isn’t what anyone would consider their favorite part of the great outdoors. Along with being itchy and painful, a mosquito’s bite can transmit several diseases, including West Nile virus and encephalitis.

To get the upper hand against mosquitos and enjoy a safe, fun-filled summer, use these tips below!

1. Trim back your bushes and keep your grass short.

When they aren’t buzzing around in the morning and evening, mosquitos like a shady place to rest. Your yard will be less enticing if there aren’t overgrown shrubs or tall grass in which they can hide.

2. Eliminate any standing water on your property.

If your backyard has even so much as a few ounces of standing water, this could be enough to tempt a female mosquito to lay her eggs there. You may need to improve your yard’s drainage system to ensure that no stagnant puddles form. Also, don’t forget to clean your home’s gutters, as water trapped by debris inside of them could become a prime place for mosquito eggs.

3. Install window screens.

It’s crucial to let fresh air into your home every so often, but you don’t want to let the bugs in too! That’s why every home should have window screens to allow a breeze in and to keep pests out. If you have window screens, check them for any gaps, tears, or holes that need mending.

4. Wear repellent when spending time outdoors.

The more covered up you are by clothing, the less likely you are to be bitten by mosquitos. However, it can be impractical to wear long sleeves and pants on excruciatingly hot days. That’s why mosquito repellent should be your favorite accessory this summer. According to Consumer Reports tests, the top-performing repellents contained one of these three active ingredients: deet, lemon eucalyptus oil, or picaridin–all of which are safe when used as directed.

5. Make use of outdoor fans.

Unbeknownst to most people, mosquitos are attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe out. When you sit under a ceiling fan on a patio or in the path of an outdoor oscillating fan, it disperses the carbon dioxide you’re exhaling. This, in turn, makes the path to you less obvious for a mosquito. Additionally, mosquitos will have a harder time flying towards you if they have to fly against the fan’s breeze.

Let our family take care of your family. Contact Horizon Pest Control for a free, in-person quote on mosquito extermination services at (201) 447-2530.