Staying mosquito free this summer

by Addison Corbin on May 03

THIS WEEK

Summer is coming and so are the mosquitoes. There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to beating the bite of backyard mosquitoes.

1. Grab the right repellent

A topical insect repellent, especially one that contains DEET  or oil of lemon eucalyptus, will provide the longest lasting protection. Repellents containing plant extracts such as citronella or tea tree oil, will need to be applied far more frequently.

2. Think twice about that dark shirt

Mosquitoes seem to like dark colors. If you’re planning a fishing trip or hike, opt for lighter colors, they won’t repel mosquitoes but perhaps less will chase you down.

3. Dusk and Dawn aren’t your friends

Most mosquitoes will be looking for blood throughout the night but from late afternoon through until early evening is when you really need to protect your family.

4. Use some sand

You don’t need your plants to suffer when stopping mosquito breeding. Fill pot plant saucers with sand, it traps moisture but stops water sloshing about that mosquitoes would otherwise breed in.

5. Beers = bites

There is nothing you can eat or drink to stop mosquito bites but studies have shown that drinking beer can make you more of a target for mosquitoes!

6. Take that fan outside

Moving the air about will help hide you from mosquitoes. It will disrupt their flight and disperse the carbon dioxide you’re exhaling (that’s the key for mosquitoes to find someone to bite)

7. Blue lights aren’t going to cut it

Electrocuting light traps don’t kill too many mosquitoes. Unlike moths and lots of other insects, mosquitoes aren’t attracted to light, they’ll stay away.

8. Phones and noise

Some smartphone apps claim to repel mozzies with high frequency sounds but there is no evidence that sound will protect you from bites. Switch off those apps, you’re probably just annoying your friends!

9. Wash those feet

Scientists have demonstrated that some mosquitoes are attracted to Limburger cheese. The cheese’s notoriously stinky aroma is caused by bacteria, coincidently a similar bacteria to that found between our toes! Opting for shoes rather than thongs may block access those bacterial aromas.

10. Remove any water laying around

Mosquitoes love water. This is where they lay there offspring. If you have any standing water laying around make sure to pour it out or pour it into your plants.