It’s summertime, which means warmer weather and more time spent outdoors. However, it also means an increase in mosquito activity. Some mosquitoes live in the United States but are usually found in humid and damp areas. States like Texas, Florida, and Louisiana have exceptionally high mosquito populations. While mosquitoes may seem a nuisance, they can seriously threaten your family’s health.

What are Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are small insects that have skinny bodies and long legs. They are known for piercing mouthparts, which they use to suck blood from animals and humans. They fly by flapping their wings rapidly and are attracted to heat and carbon dioxide, and these insects survive by feeding on the blood of animals and humans.

There’s a good chance you’ve encountered mosquitoes before. However, did you know that there are countries with no mosquitoes? For example, Iceland has been known to have no mosquitoes because no mosquito eggs live there! However, if you don’t live in Iceland, you and your family are likely to have encountered them before. Here’s how mosquitoes can affect your life.

Diseases

Mosquitoes can transmit several diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and encephalitis. Mosquitoes can also spread diseases like Zika, West Nile virus, and malaria to humans through their bites.

Skin Irritation

In addition to transmitting diseases, mosquitoes can also cause skin irritation. Some people may experience redness, swelling, and itching at the mosquito bite site. In severe cases, mosquito bites can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Sleep Disruption

Mosquitoes are most active at night, which can interfere with sleep. If you or your child constantly wake up from mosquito bites, it can lead to fatigue and other health problems.

Impact Outdoor Activities

Mosquitoes can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Nobody wants to constantly swat at mosquitoes while trying to relax and enjoy the great outdoors!

Property Damage

Mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance for people; they can also damage property. For example, female mosquitoes need blood to produce eggs, so they often bite animals such as horses and cattle. This can lead to anemia and other health problems for animals. In addition, mosquitoes can damage crops by feeding on them and transmitting diseases from plant to plant.

Mosquitoes may seem like nothing more than a summertime annoyance, but they can seriously threaten your family’s health. From transmitted diseases to crop damage, mosquitoes can significantly impact your life. Thankfully, there are ways you can stop their infestation in your home. Here are some of those ways.

Clean Your Home

A clean home is a mosquito-free home. They can breed in clutter, trash, and standing water. Here are some ways you can keep your home clean:

Remove Standing Water

One of the most effective ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your backyard is to remove any standing water. This can include emptying flower pots, changing the water in bird baths and pet bowls, removing old tires or buckets, and cleaning gutters regularly. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, so eliminating these sources can prevent their breeding. Additionally, you can hire water removal services to clear out any standing water on your property. They can also prevent standing water from accumulating and a mosquito infestation altogether.

Keep Your Home Clear of Clutter

Mosquitoes can hide and breed in piles of clutter, so keeping your home organized and free of clutter can help prevent an infestation. It’s a good idea to regularly declutter and clean out storage areas such as garages and attics.

Use Repellents

In addition to cleaning up your yard, insect repellent can help keep mosquitoes away. Look for products containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 as active ingredients. These products have been proven effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label when applying them to yourself and your family members.

Additionally, you can use natural mosquito repellents. Here are the most common natural mosquito repellents:

• Cilantro:

  this particular herb has a strong scent that can repel mosquitoes.

• Citronella:

  often used in candles and sprays, citronella has an acidic smell that deters mosquitoes.

• Lavender:

  not only does lavender smell significant to humans, but it also has mosquito-repelling properties

• Garlic:

  mosquitoes hate the smell of garlic, so consider planting some in your garden.

Remove Shrubs and Tall Grass

Mosquitoes hide in tall grass and bushes, so removing these from your yard can help prevent an infestation. Also, trim shrubs and mow the lawn regularly to keep mosquitoes from setting up a home in your backyard.

Mosquitoes are more than just an annoyance. They can also seriously threaten your health and property. Preventive measures, such as removing standing water and repellents, can help keep mosquitoes away from your home. This will ensure that your family can enjoy the summer without pesky mosquito bites.