11 tips to prepare for mosquito season

As summertime approaches, mosquito control is more important than ever. DC was just named the number one place for the worst mosquito infestation in the United States. With summer also brings lots of outdoor activities like camping, biking, swimming, mountain-climbing, fishing, and all other outdoor activities that can easily become miserable when mosquitos are swarming and biting you. Personally, I am a favorite snack for these blood-sucking creatures and my skin itches and swells so badly that I appear to have pink bubblewrap as skin.  Who knew that your genetics account for 85 percent of why I get bitten more than others (thanks granddad)!

According to studies I have recently read, mosquitoes are attracted not only to me, but to about 400 different things, but are more likely to attack individuals with a high concentration of cholesterol on the skin, a high concentration of uric or lactic acid, and people who produce a lot of carbon dioxide and heat. This is why you are more likely to get bitten if you are exercising than if you are sitting still (unless, of course,  you are me).

Conditions that make mosquitoes outbreaks worse

Mosquitoes are more likely to be present in warmer climates, and we all know how hot it gets here in the summer. But did you know mosquitoes can survive in temperatures at 50 degrees? If a region never falls below 50 degrees, mosquitoes can be a year-round problem. (eeeeek!) Stagnant water is the ultimate breeding ground for mosquitoes so you definitely want to keep all stagnant water covered if you must have it near your house for any reason. Even small puddles can produce thousands of mosquitoes. Rains that occur after a long drought can often produce the worst mosquito swarms, simply because predators that normally eat the mosquitoes are no longer in the area.

A word on West Nile Virus

Texas has faced several outbreaks of West Nile Virus over the past few years. West Nile Virus can be deadly but did you know that 80 percent of people who get the virus show no symptoms at all, according to the CDC?

If you are in the 20 percent that shows symptoms, they will look like this:

• Unexplained body aches or headaches
• Unexplained joint pain
• Rash
• Vomiting or diarrhea

If you have any of these symptoms in combination with mosquito bites, consult with a health professional right away. According to the CDC, about 1 percent of infected people could have a serious reaction to the virus, resulting in encephalitis or meningitis. Individuals with existing health issues are more likely to develop serious complications.

Following the tips outlined below will reduce your risk of getting the virus.

How to prepare for mosquitoes

Tip 1: Eliminate breeding places. It takes 7 to 10 days for mosquito eggs to hatch. Standing water should not be allowed to remain uncovered for more than 7 days. Pay special attention to areas like empty buckets, uncovered boats, low areas in the yard, rain gutters, and pet food bowls.

Tip 2: Keeping ducks or chickens may also help control your mosquito population because birds eat mosquitoes and other insects. Keeping fish and frogs in ponds and small bodies of water will also help prevent mosquitoes from breeding and keep live mosquitoes under control.

Tip 3: Certain plants also have mosquito-fighting properties. Rose scented geraniums contain citronellal oil and can help ward off mosquito attacks. The lemon balm plant also offers mosquito-repelling properties. Catnip is also an effective plant remedy against mosquitoes. A study from iowa state university found that the oil in catnip is 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than deet. The basil plant also has some mosquito-repelling properties. Other plants that can provide benefit include marigold, ageratum, and horsemint.

Natural prevention methods for mosquito bites

While using the above methods can help reduce mosquito infestations at home, what about when you are out and about? Do you have to resort to chemical sprays? Of course not!

Tip 4: Light up a few citronella candles and place them around the perimeter of where you will be.

Tip 5: Try rubbing lemon balm, catnip, or basil on the skin to ward off aerial attackers. Re-apply every 30 minutes.

Tip 6: Use a hand-held fan to blow the insects elsewhere.

Tip 7: Don’t use perfumed shampoo and soap. Perfumes tend to attract mosquitoes.

Tip 8: Use a natural bug repellent spray. You can either purchase one at a store or make your own. You can use essential oils as a natural repellent.

Tip 9: Wear loose clothing that covers up as much of your body as possible.

Tip 10: Avoid going out at dawn and dusk, when possible.

Tip 11: Smoke will also repel mosquito attacks.