Limit standing water, apply sprays, fix your screens, and more.
In some northern areas, winter may seem to be hanging on this year, outstaying its welcome. With flecks of snow blowing outside your window in April, it can be difficult to feel the heat of summer sitting just around the corner. Sooner rather than later, however, we’ll all be swatting at the mosquitoes on a hot summer’s evening, wishing for cooler weather and some respite from the bugs.
Most mosquitoes won’t do you much more harm than causing an itchy bite you need to scratch. Mosquito-borne diseases are present in North America, however, and because of this, limiting your potential exposure to the bugs can be wise. West Nile virus is the most common virus humans contract from mosquitoes. You can also get the Chikungunya virus, dengue fever, the Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, the La Crosse virus, malaria, St. Louis encephalitis, and the Zika virus from mosquitoes in the US.
Related: About West Nile Virus in Canada
The good news is, the majority of people who are bitten by an infected mosquito do not fall sick or show any symptoms. But serious illness does occur.
Unfortunately, very occasionally, someone dies from a mosquito-borne virus in North America. In 2020, 66 people in the US died from the West Nile virus, for example. Mosquitoes can even transmit diseases to your dog.
What can you do to protect yourself? Here are five best ways you can help control mosquitoes around your home and in your backyard this summer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Fix your screens
Even small tears in your window screens can allow the bugs to sneak in. Repair open spaces and replace old screens in order to keep mosquitoes out when the windows and doors are open.
Use indoor insect foggers and sprays
If mosquitoes do tend to congregate and propagate inside your home, tackle them. Apply insect foggers and sprays to kill them off. Focus on targeting areas they like such as spaces under sinks, areas under furniture, and enclosed areas like closets. Mosquitoes love the dark, as well as humid environments. Reapply sprays and foggers as needed. Some studies show mosquito sprays can last for up to two weeks or more but then require a do-over.
Apply outdoor insect sprays
If you live in an area where mosquitoes tend to multiply rapidly, consider applying insect spray outside your home. Target carports, garages, areas under patio furniture, spaces where water accumulates in low lying spots, and dense foliage.
Target standing water
Mosquitoes lay their eggs near water. By eliminating breeding grounds, you can reduce their presence on your property. Fix any holes in your septic tank if you have one. Secure lids on containers like rain barrels so nothing can get in. Drain rainwater from overturned tires, birdbaths, flower pot saucers, and any trash cans.
Try natural approaches
Scattering coffee grounds and growing insect-repelling plants can also help to minimize mosquitoes. Gardening experts recommend lavender, marigolds, catnip, scented geranium, catnip, and citronella grass as plants mosquitoes don’t like.
Being able to enjoy the outdoors and your own home worry-free in summer is a bonus. By limiting your exposure to mosquitos, you can help safeguard your health and that of your family.
photo credits: nechaevkon/Shutterstock.com
