How To Avoid Mosquito Bites This Summer

As the temperatures rise in Colorado Springs, Boulder, and throughout Colorado, so does the activity of those dreaded buzzing insects—mosquitoes. Since mosquito season has only just begun here in the Rocky Mountain state and it will be a few months before these nuisance and potentially harmful insects are chased off by cold weather, it’s crucial for residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites. In this blog post, we will discuss why mosquito activity surges during warmer weather and provide practical tips for repelling these pesky insects this summer.

Why mosquito activity increases with warm weather

Mosquitoes are highly dependent on temperature and humidity for their breeding and feeding habits. As the weather warms up, female mosquitoes become more active and seek out sources of stagnant water, where they lay their eggs. The eggs hatch into larvae, which then develop into adult mosquitoes, ready to bite and reproduce. Additionally, warm weather speeds up the mosquito life cycle, resulting in faster population growth.

Do you really need to worry about mosquito bites?

In a word, yes. While most mosquito bites are not worrisome and only leave behind itchy, red bumps, there is always the possibility of acquiring a mosquito-borne illness.  Here in Colorado, infected mosquitoes transmit West Nile virus, Western equine encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis. If you’re experiencing severe swelling, red streaking, fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue and weakness, or other unexplained health issues, contact your doctor.

Tips to protect against mosquito bites

Eliminate standing water

Since mosquitoes require only the smallest amount of stagnant water to breed, we cannot emphasize the importance of eliminating water collecting on your property.

• Regularly empty and clean containers such as buckets, flowerpots, and birdbaths
• Keep gutters clear of debris and make sure they are draining properly
• Fix any leaky outdoor faucets
• Pick up tarps, trash can lids, spare tires, and other yard debris

Use mosquito repellents

Apply an EPA-approved mosquito repellent when spending time outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Look for products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) for effective protection. Follow the instructions on the label for proper application. If you’re not sure which product would be best for your family, speak with your medical provider.

Dress to repel mosquitoes

Any time you plan to spend time outside, be sure to cover up exposed skin. We recommend wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks when spending time outdoors, particularly in areas with dense vegetation. You should also consider wearing light-colored clothing as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. Finally, consider treating your clothing with permethrin, an insecticide that repels mosquitoes and ticks.

Create a mosquito-resistant yard & outdoor living space

Make your outdoor living spaces less inviting to mosquitoes by keeping the grass cut short and clearing away overgrown vegetation. Using an outdoor fan may discourage mosquitoes as they find it difficult to fly in the air flow fans generate. Make sure all window and door screens are in good working order, free of holes that these biting pests could slip through.

Contact EnviroPest for effective mosquito control this summer!

If mosquito activity is already forcing you indoors, contact EnviroPest for professional mosquito control services. Our experienced pest control specialists will:

• Inspect your property for mosquito breeding sites and harborages
• Treat all mosquito hot spots to significantly reduce the mosquito population in your yard
• Return every month (May through October) to keep mosquitoes away from your family and property

In addition to our residential mosquito services, our locally operated pest control company also offers mosquito treatments for special events and for commercial properties.

Call EnviroPest today and take back control of your yard this summer!