August 21, 2019
Effective Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites
With the summer heat in full swing, mosquito activity is at high volume. It is wise to know a few ways to protect yourself from bites to avoid mosquito-borne diseases like:
- Malaria
- Dengue fever
- West Nile virus
- Zika
These illnesses can be dangerous and sometimes deadly. While avoiding them entirely can be difficult, there are a few simple things you can do to stay bite-free this year.
Regularly Use Repellent
It may seem like an obvious solution, but many people forget how effective mosquito repellent can be. There are numerous options on the market that can be used to protect your body from bites. Be sure to cover yourself with clothing as much as possible when going out, and spray down any uncovered skin with this type of spray to keep these pesky bugs away.
Stay Inside at Dusk and Dawn
It should be no surprise that one of the best ways to prevent mosquitoes is to stay away from their prime feeding times. This means not going outside at dusk and dawn when they are out looking for something to eat. If you have no choice but to be outdoors at these times, follow the repellent suggestion above and also wear light colored clothing. It is said that deep and bright colors stand out more and attract mosquitoes.
Get Rid of Standing Water
Mosquitoes are attracted to water and have the ability to breed in as little as two weeks in a tiny amount of water. If there is a birdbath, rain gutter, or even an old flowerpot collecting water near your house, it is a good idea to get rid of it to keep them away as much as possible and avoid bites.
There are numerous steps you can take to try and prevent mosquito bites. Using repellent on a regular basis, staying indoors during prime feeding times, and removing any standing water are great places to start.
