5 Ways To Control Mosquitoes During The Summer

As summer unfolds in full force, people are chomping at the bit to host and/or attend pool parties, backyard barbecues, and other outdoor functions. However, along with South Florida’s many charms and outdoor attractions during the summer months, the warm, humid climate and location close to the equator make the sunshine state a haven for many types of mosquitoes.

Here are our top 5 ways to control mosquitoes during the summer:

1. Stay indoors

A good rule of thumb to follow is to stay indoors during the early morning hours around dawn and at dusk, as these are the times when most mosquitoes feed. However, since some outdoor events are just getting underway around dusk, always staying indoors during this time is a dealbreaker for most folks. When you are going to an outdoor throwdown in the evening, you should take these precautions.

2. Dress appropriately and wear repellent

Even though evening temps may still be high, wearing light-colored, lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs will help reduce your vulnerability to mosquito bites. One area that might be difficult to cover in the summer concerns ankles. Some researchers theorize that because your ankles and feet are farther away from the hands than your arms, chest, neck, and head, mosquitoes might have evolved to aim for less risky areas to attack humans to survive. Your choice of footwear can help prevent mosquito bites, but if you’re attending a backyard BBQ, hi-top sneakers might not be the fashion statement you were going for. One alternative to covering your ankles to prevent mosquito bites centers on adding insect repellant to your evening ensemble.

3. Wear insect repellent and use organics

Wear insect repellent on any exposed skin, except your face, when you are outside. The CDC has stated that EPA-registered insect repellents, containing one of the following active ingredients will help mask the CO2 that mosquitoes are looking for. These ingredients include DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), which should not be confused with lemon eucalyptus essential oil, Para-menthane-diol (PMD), and 2-undecanoate.

The CDC also stressed following label instructions when using these products, in addition to not exposing children under two months of age to any of these ingredients. Also, contrary to popular belief, the concentration of DEET listed on an insect repellant label indicates the duration of time the product is effective and not the strength of the product. Incidentally, essential oils such as citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus can also be used to mask CO2. Additionally, planting citronella and marigolds on your patio or back deck, as well as burning citronella candles and citronella-filled tiki torches can help keep mosquitoes at bay, for a while. Another thing you can do to deter mosquitoes is to clean up your property.

4. Make your yard unattractive to mosquitoes

To make your property unattractive to mosquitoes, eliminate all standing water that mosquitoes need to lay their eggs. This includes anything that can hold as much water as a bottle cap. We also suggest storing extra gardening containers and kids’ toys in storage sheds and changing the water in your birdbath dog’s water bowl every day, or purchasing a solar fountain to keep your birdbath’s water in motion.  It’s also important to eliminate all clutter and debris in your yard, as well as areas of dense vegetation where mosquitoes rest in the daytime.  If mosquitoes persist on your property, contact a professional pest control, such as Petri Pest Control Services for a FREE mosquito inspection and mosquito reduction options.  

5. Misting Services and Mosquito Trapping System

Following UF-IFAS’s approved guidelines, Petri Pest Control offers a mosquito reduction program that consists of inspection, resident cooperation, larvacide treatment with Residual Misting Sprays, and monitoring.  Petri Pest Control Services also offers eco-friendly mosquito trapping stations that eliminate mosquitoes on your property for good. Our mosquito reduction services allow homeowners and businesses to enjoy their outside spaces while minimizing their risk of potential mosquito-transmitted viruses.

Don’t let mosquitoes be a bummer this summer! Get your property ready to deter mosquitoes and contact Petri Pest Control Services to schedule a FREE pest inspection! 

Wishing you the best summer ever, Petri Pest Control Services has been serving Broward and Palm Beach Counties for 65 years, with our location in Pompano, we want to be your neighborhood go-to for reliable and affordable pest control solutions, with outstanding customer service!