Mosquitoes are indeed a nuisance for homeowners and renters in Metro Atlanta. But even beyond the annoyance they pose, mosquitoes are also dangerous, as they carry the capacity to transmit disease-causing bacteria that can infect humans, as well as animals, birds, and other wildlife. Warm temperatures allow for mosquito populations in Atlanta to thrive. So although it’s nearly impossible to avoid mosquitoes entirely, especially June through September, there are some cautionary steps you can take to refrain from attracting mosquitoes to yourself, your home, and your property.
Read on for a brief description of what attracts mosquitoes to your home and property, how to reduce these factors, and ways to prevent being a target for mosquito bites.
Factors That Attract Mosquitoes To Homes & Properties
To reproduce, mosquitoes rely on standing beds of water, which is where they lay their eggs. Female mosquitoes lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time, on average. They choose stagnant bodies of water to do so, from the condensation that gathers on an outdoor table to a nearby lake and even a bottle cap that’s been dropped and forgotten. So long as the water has remained mostly undisturbed for about one to two weeks, it’ll suffice.
For this reason, one of the most fundamental ways to ensure you are not attracting mosquitoes to your home and property is by remaining vigilant about standing bodies of water of all sizes and removing them promptly when possible. This includes paying close attention to issues that may produce standing water, such as drainage problems in the lawn and clogged gutters.
If it isn’t possible to remove the standing water completely, consider the following options to rid of mosquito larvae in standing water around your home:
- Dilute the water with apple cider vinegar
- Add a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to the water
- Coat the water with vegetable oil-about one teaspoon per gallon
- Add a few drops of dish soap or bleach to the water
How To Refrain From Attracting Mosquitoes To You
Mosquitoes are attracted to humans primarily because they’re drawn to the carbon dioxide we exhale. Body heat, skin odor, and perspiration are other factors they use to locate us, and they can do so from more than 30 feet away. However, there are a few ways that you can refrain from attracting these insects to you.
Here are three suggestions:
1) Wear Light-colored Clothes: Mosquitoes are attracted to dark-colored, thicker clothing for the same reasons it’s suggested that you wear light colors and fabrics in the summertime. Darker colors retain more heat from the sun for longer, which causes the wearer to perspire, which attracts mosquitoes. If you’re planning on spending time outdoors, opt for light colors and fabrics.
2) Avoid Being Outdoors At Dawn And Dusk: Even though mosquitoes thrive in warm temperatures, they prefer to buzz about in slightly cooler yet humid weather. They avoid direct sunlight and retreat into dark hiding places during the day. If you’re planning on attending an outdoor festivity or occasion, despite it being the hottest time of the day, it’s wisest to do so in mid-afternoon if your goal is to avoid mosquitoes’ high times.
3) Use Mosquito Repellent: Whenever venturing outside during the warm-weather months, it’s important to apply mosquito repellent, which can be purchased at your local grocery store or pharmacy. If you’d like to add an extra defense, consider planting mosquito-repelling plants in your yards, such as citronella, cinnamon basil, and lemongrass, which naturally emit oils and fragrances which keep mosquitoes away.
There are many precautionary actions you can take to protect yourself and your home and property from mosquitoes. However, the best way to keep mosquitoes away from your property is with professional assistance. Call the pros at Tuxedo Mosquito Control today, and we’ll help provide a solution with our mosquito misting and mosquito spraying services.