Fighting Off Blood Suckers

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on planet Earth. Their primary food source is protein and other compounds found in the blood. They kill over 700,000 people worldwide. They are known for carrying many diseases such as Zika, West Nile Virus, and Yellow Fever, just to name a few. Of the 3,000 types of mosquitoes, 176 live in the United States. Only 200 of the overall known species attack humans, leaving painful itchy bites every day. Sometimes these bites can lead to deadly infections. The best way to protect yourself from becoming a mosquito snack is to control their population and discourage growth. Here are some things that can do just that.

Removing All Standing Water

Standing water is a mosquito breeding ground. To stop their population, you’ll need to eliminate as much of this as you can. Mosquitoes can breed in as much as a teaspoon of water. Empty or cover pools and spas when not in use. Fill any holes in your driveway and yard. Repair gutters and downspouts to drain properly. Make sure they are all cleaned out on a regular base by a professional company. Add compost to your garden to absorb excess moisture around your plants. If you live in an area where it rains a lot, look at installing a French drain system or dry well. Clean your yard to remove debris that could collect water like unused toys and tires.

Wearing Repellent

When doing anything outside, eliminate their food source by wearing insect repellent that contains DEET. DEET is a colorless liquid with a faint odor designed to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects at bay. Before buying some, make sure the brand you’re grabbing is non-flammable. Apply on your exposed skin like you would sunscreen. Never spray it directly into your face. Instead, put a small amount in your hand and apply it that way. Avoid putting it around your eyes and mouth, and never spray it in enclosed spaces or near food. Wash your hands after applying it. If you prefer a chemical-free option, Lemon Eucalyptus oil is your best natural option. Mosquito-repellent bracelets are good for kids.

Smelling Their Way To Food

One way mosquitoes hunt is by smell. They use the olfactory neurons on their antennae to find food up to 200 feet (60 meters) away. Their favorite smell is sweat. This is how they find you. The sweatier you are, the more they’ll come. They also like the smell of flowers, so avoid using floral-scented products (except lavender) before going outside. Onion, garlic, and citrus fruits are all scents mosquitoes hate. Spray a little apple cider vinegar in your boots to mask your odor better since this is most likely the stinkiest thing you are wearing. Add coffee grounds to your campfire to use the smoke as a mosquito deterrent. Hiking and camping stores sell special soap and detergent designed to act as a bug repellent.

Using Nets And Screens

Nets and screens are used around the globe to spread those mosquito-borne illnesses mentioned earlier in this article. They are super-fine polyester mesh that prevents mosquitoes from eating you in your sleep. Before setting them up, treat them with insecticide to provide more protection. Every morning you should check them for tears and holes. Make sure it is big enough to provide 360 degrees of coverage. You can hang it anywhere you need protection, including a wide-brim hat. When you go to bed, make sure you close it with clothespins so it doesn’t blow open at night. The average net or screen lasts six months. Unless treated, then you are good for three years.

Keeping Them Outside

Nothing is more annoying than getting your home invaded by bugs. Here are some ways to keep your indoors just as bug-free as your yard. Patch any holes in your door frames and window screens to prevent them from flying in. Burn lavender or citronella candles because they have a mosquito-deterrent smell. Plant Tulsi and basil in your window garden. Apply ten drops of tea tree oil to your everyday cleaning products. Clean out items that may have standing water like vases and flowerpot saucers. Fix any plumbing leaks or dripping taps so mosquitoes don’t breed in your drains. If you live in a more wooded area, get a bed zapper for outside and inside your home.