Mosquitoes are active practically year-round and once they invade your yard, they can become quite a nuisance. Not only can these pests invade in numbers, but mosquitoes will also bite and leave behind itchy red bumps. While it’s inevitable to come across mosquitoes during peak season in the summertime, there are ways that you can avoid mosquito bites while enjoying the outdoors. We’ll also tell you how you can treat mosquito bites.
Do-it-Yourself Mosquito Bite Prevention
- Mosquito Repellent: One of the best ways to avoid mosquitoes while outside is applying EPA-approved insect repellent to your skin and clothing. We recommend utilizing repellent that contains DEET.
- Protective Clothing: Cover as much skin as possible by wearing long sleeves and pants before going outdoors.
- Remove Standing Water: Mosquitoes need standing water to breed, so it’s important to remove any items on your property that could hold water, including unused flowerpots, buckets, old tarps, etc.
- Utilize Screens: Install screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home and make sure that they’re in good condition throughout the year.
How to Treat Mosquito Bites
If you do get bitten by a mosquito, we recommend the following:
- Wash the affected area with soap and water to reduce risk of infection
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the bite to reduce swelling and relive itching
- Avoid scratching the bite as it can increase the risk of infection and prolong the healing time
- If the bite worsens, reach out to your doctor as soon as possible
If you’ve noticed more mosquito bites on your family, consider calling a Tampa pest control company near you. These mosquito control experts will provide you with a free inspection and customized treatment and prevention plan based on your situation.
