Let’s face it – nothing ruins a perfect summer evening faster than becoming an all-you-can-eat mosquito buffet. Whether you’re trying to host a backyard BBQ or just chill on the patio, those pesky buzzing bloodsuckers can drive anyone crazy, and are potentially harmful to our pets! But before you lock yourself indoors all summer, I can assure you that personal DIY mosquito control in Kentucky doesn’t have to be difficult! Let me share some practical DIY tricks that actually work and you won’t have to spend so much time figuring out how to stop mosquito bites from itching!
Why Mosquitoes Love You (It’s Not Personal)
Ever wonder why mosquitoes seem to target certain people more than others? These little vampires are attracted to three main things:
- The CO2 we breathe out (the more you’re huffing and puffing, the more they notice you)
- Your body heat (they’re basically tiny heat-seeking missiles)
- How you smell (everything from your sweat to that fancy perfume can draw them in)
The science behind these facts may be difficult for the average person to understand, but learning to modify our behavior and the products we use to stay fresh could influence our attractiveness to mosquitoes. It’s important to pay attention to the products we apply to our bodies before spending time outdoors. By trying different products and observing how they affect the number of mosquito bites we receive, we can create a list of ideal products to use before outings, especially for those who may be allergic to mosquito bites!
Fighting Back – Your DIY Defense Strategy
Natural Repellents
Finding natural repellants that don’t stink is getting easier each season as manufacturers try desperately hard to be the leader in personal mosquito protections. Many of these products skip the harsh chemicals and use natural ingredients instead. Among the most effective ingredients to promote a ‘no-go-zone for mosquitoes include:
- Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender
- Herbs like rosemary or mint
- Plants like Citronella Grass, Marigolds, Basil, Lemon balm, and Catnip
You can also use these products to make your own sprays and sachets for mosquito repellent. Pay special attention to use any products according to their label instructions. Once you master the mix, not only will you be able to be outdoors virtually mosquito-free, but both you and your space will smell amazing!
Dress Smart
- Go for light colors (mosquitoes are like tiny fashion critics who hate bright outfits)
- Cover up with loose, breathable clothes when possible
- Consider mosquito-repelling clothes if you’re serious about protection
Dressing smart may not be the most fashionable, but it is the most healthy. It may come down to what you value more with your own body, but if you have children, value their health over their fashion and dress them smart!
Make Your Yard Less Mosquito-Friendly
- Get rid of standing water (those little puddles are basically mosquito nurseries)
- Set up some fans (mosquitoes are terrible flyers in the breeze)
- Plant natural repellents like marigolds or citronella grass
- Practice good lawn maintenance and sanitation
Landscaping around outdoor event areas, or even your own backyard, can be turned into a beautiful area that also inhibits mosquitoes. Imagine, for a moment, a nice outdoor patio surrounded by lemon balm, citronella grass, lavender, marigolds, catnip, basil, and various mints, adding beauty to the landscaping. In each corner of the covered patio, above the head, are small but powerful and quiet fans gently blowing a cool breeze. There you sit, with your friends and family on a warm July evening, enjoying a nice meal and maybe some fireworks… and not a mosquito in sight! You can accomplish this very scenario with the right planning, the right products, and the right implementation!
Keep Your Cool
The less you sweat, the less attractive you are to mosquitoes:
- Stay hydrated
- Hang out in the shade when possible
- Take breaks from intense activity
- Utilize fans when possible
There are various ways you can stay cool, but no matter how hard we try, some people are naturally warmer. If you’re that person, be sure to pay special attention to personal mosquito control products and which ones work best for you… You’ll be needing them!
Time It Right
- Avoid dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Switch to yellow or LED lights outside (less attractive to bugs)
If you are allergic to mosquitoes, it may not be the best idea to be outdoors when the majority of mosquitoes are active. Timing your outdoor activities helps reduce your risks and keep you healthy. For those who aren’t allergic, it just makes sense to avoid all the mosquito bites you can!
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to let mosquitoes ruin your outdoor fun. With these simple tricks, some good common sense, and a dose of willpower, you can take back your backyard and actually enjoy being outside again. Sure, you might still get the occasional bite, but you’ll be way better off than before. Now get out there and enjoy your summer – you’ve earned it!
Need Help?
If you’ve tried everything and nothing seemed to work, or if you’ve attempted to do nothing and want someone else to do it, our mosquito control programs are the best in Kentucky! We time them right and apply products that make the most significant impact against mosquitoes. Our ‘Buzz-Off’ program is a real hit with your neighbors! Even they’ll tell you that it’s good to have Four Seasons on your side!
And remember, it’s okay to live among pests… but you don’t have to live with them!
