Take the Bite Out of Mosquitoes this Summer

Take the Bite Out of Mosquitoes this Summer

Mosquitoes have always been pesty visitors when it comes to summer enjoyment, but because of the West Nile virus, it has become critical that we do whatever we can to reduce the number of mosquitoes paying visits to our yards.

Paradox Productions has come up with a list of strategies to minimize the attack of the mosquitoes this summer. Most are based on reducing the number of mosquitoes or reducing the desire of the mosquito to attack your tasty family members.

First, get your home and garden mosquito-proof:

Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.

Reduce or eliminate standing water around your home, even in very small amounts. This includes flower pots, gardening cans, wheelbarrows, puddles, old tires, tin cans, tires, buckets, and open trash cans. Change water in a birdbath every week. For water you plan to keep, try mosquito dunks or rings. http://paradoxpro.com/mosquitos.html

Keep gutters clear of debris.

Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around your home.

Eliminate ruts and holes that cause puddles in your yard.

Consider the new electronic mosquito repellers, which are available in handy keychain size or tabletop versions. http://paradoxpro.com/mosquitos.html

There are also traps available for mosquitos, which are helpful in keeping the pests away from humans.

Nets are available to place on your door to keep mosquitoes from coming in your home in the summer. Just attach the net to your doorway. http://paradoxpro.com/mosquitos.html

Second, protect the people who live in your home:

As much as possible, stay indoors between dusk and dawn, which is peak mosquito biting time. Avoid activities in areas where mosquitoes are plentiful.
Wear light colored clothing in the summer, which attracts less mosquitoes than darker clothing.
Consider wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants and socks while outdoors, especially when walking in wooded areas.
Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 25% to 35% DEET. DEET in high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional protection. Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.
Consider using mosquito netting in areas your family uses often.

Illnesses related to mosquito bites are rare. However, a person should see a doctor immediately if they develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, neck pain, muscle weakness or severe headaches. Patients with mild symptoms are likely to recover completely and do not require any specific medication or laboratory testing.

What's New in the Battle over the Mosquito?

Recent studies have shown that catnip oil is actually several times more effective than most mosquito repellants, although it is not safe to apply it directly to the skin.
If you have a pond, birdbath or other water feature on your property, try Mosquito Control Rings containing Bt 'Israelensis,' a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae. They can be used in ponds, water barrels, birdbaths and water gardens —-everywhere the insects breed. http://paradoxpro.com/mosquitos.html

These simple techniques can reduce the nagging mosquito problem, at least in own your backyard.

About The Author

Judy Leiser is a staff writer for http://www.paradoxpro.com . Read more articles on home and garden topics in the Home Style News email newsletter. Subscribe free at http://www.paradoxpro.com/ezine.html.

Judy Leiser

More Articles

Tools and Supplies for a Home Improving Landscape Project - Keith Hoyng
Landscaping is part of improving the home. Thus, when people come to your home the first thing they look at is your door, windows and yard. At what time you take the time to improve your home, thus, you are putting smiles on faces. All of...

What Makes a Hammock a Quality Hammock? - Zino Davidson
Whether you plan a camping trip into the jungle where you will need a portable hammock or you just want to relax in your garden in a large hammock chair... in the end it all comes down to quality. 1) Have a Hammock even without trees! ...

Rustic Log Patio Furniture Considerations - Jared Winston
A nice looking patio is useless if you cannot enjoy it properly and some rustic log patio furniture may be just the answer for that. Pine and cedar furniture that is designed specifically for the outdoors not only looks great but it is also...

Arbor Swings - Which arbor is right for you? - Nicole Martins
Arbor swings - Taking up anywhere from 20 to 30 square feet when assembled, an arbor swing provides a handsome focal point and a way to enjoy the idle moments of the seasons, swinging outdoors. Arbors with swing parts are generally sold in pieces or...

Patio Canopies: Protecting Your Patio From The Elements... - Paul Graham
Most working individuals with families target a home as their primary investment. Since the home is generally considered symbolic of one’s social status, many exert much effort to make their homes a beautiful and comfortable one without sacrificing...

Relax in a Hammock - Angela Oliver
Hammocks have been a standard for backyards for decades. Although they traditionally come from South American and Caribbean cultures, they have easily become a part of modern life. They are the ultimate way to just kick back and relax, and even...

Choose Antler Lamps & Chandeliers With Rawhide Lamp Shades For Southwest Lighting And Western Decor - Craig Chambers
Antler Lamps have no equal. Animal lovers and outdoorsmen alike love natural antlers. Antler lamps and chandeliers are prized possessions for southwest lighting and western décor. Antler sheds as they are know are the antlers that the animal...

Identifying Three Migration Trends That May Make You More Money With Your Real Estate Investments - Joel Teo
Real estate investment like any other form of investment is dependent on the economic principle of supply and demand. The ebbing and flow of the population in your target area will therefore be important to determine if your property will do well...

Adirondack Chairs for Children - James Crowley
Adirondack Chairs for Children An Adirondack chair is a beautiful piece of handcrafted furniture that is commonly used for outdoor furniture. The majority of Adirondack chairs sold today are for adults; however, there are a selection...

Autumn Wreaths Mark The Season - Dawn Keadic
Wreaths are sometimes thought of as a Christmas-only decoration. This is a short-sighted view, as a beautiful wreath can be used to decorate a home for any season. Wreaths made to celebrate the autumn months can be very attractive home...

Heating Greenhouses - Jennifer Brown
Ventilation While more an environmental factor than an actual supply, proper ventilation is required to let your plants breathe. Ventilation provides carbon dioxide to the plants, and cools the greenhouse. Without a ventilation system, your...

Where To Purchase A Camping Air Mattress Of Superior Quality - Jodie Philips
Today’s camping enthusiast is discovering that the camping air mattress is a very popular and comfortable alternative to sleeping on the ground. As they now come in various shapes and sizes you are certain to find one that exactly suits your...