5 Ways to Avoid Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are the worst.

Everything about them is annoying. The first encounter is the incessant buzzing around your head. The next level of annoyance is the pin prick of pain right as you realize you are in process of being bitten. Then you have a horrible, itchy welt for days and days that just won’t quit.

But that is just the beginning…

Mosquitoes carry disease. They spread disease and are responsible for more deaths in world history than all wars combined. Malaria, West Nile Virus, Dengue, Zika Virus and many other scary diseases threaten mankind thanks to these blood suckers.

No one wants itchy bites and we surely don’t want diseases! So here are 5 sure fire ways to avoid mosquitoes.

1. Eliminate standing water.

First and foremost. Mosquitoes require standing water to breed. The little larva exist in stagnant water for at least three days as they prepare to emerge and wreak havoc. The more standing water there is on a property, the more likely it is to provide excellent breeding grounds. Get rid of standing water! Check the gutters, flower pot saucers, children’s toys, grill covers, etc. Remove ALL standing water! Did I mention to eliminate standing water?

2. Avoid being outside at dawn and dusk.

Most mosquitoes get super active at the beginning and end of the day. (Midday is to hot and make it harder for them to fly.) If you must go outside, try to do it when they aren’t there.

3. Don’t wear perfumes, lotions, or scented personal products.

One thing is for sure, mosquitoes have very sensitive smellers. They are drawn to the carbon dioxide we exhale and they also love human perspiration. Add in some scented products on your body and it’s like a welcome mat. The only scent you should be wearing is a repellent.

4. Wear light clothing.

Not really sure why this is true but it is a fact – mosquitoes prefer dark clothing. So wear light colored clothes and it certainly helps.

5. Cover up.

Speaking of clothing, use lots of it! These blood suckers need flesh and are far less likely to suck your blood through clothing. The less skin you have exposed, the less opportunity they have to attack it.

So if you loathe mosquitoes like the rest of us, take these steps to make sure you avoid them as much as possible.

And don’t forget to eliminate standing water!