As spring is already here and summer is approaching quickly, we are slowly starting to spend a lot more time in our backyards and gardens. However, although being outdoors in fresh air and nature is healthy and fun, it can all be ruined by insects and mosquitoes, which are also awakening after the long winter months and begging to loom outside.
Since mosquito and insect bites are not only annoying but can also transfer several diseases, I wanted to tell you how to deter these annoying pests and ensure protection against the unwanted insects while you enjoy your time outdoors.
Wear the Right Clothes to Ward Off Mosquito Attacks
Firstly, to avoid mosquito bites, you should wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves that covers most of your body, legs, and arms. This clothing will not only create a barrier between your skin and the mosquitoes, so that insects have a harder time accessing your skin, but it will also help you be less appealing to the insects, since the light color of the clothing won’t absorb heat and therefore it will be harder for mosquitoes to notice you.
On top of that, as mosquitoes and insects are largely guided by smell and are drawn to sweet, floral aromas, you should also avoid wearing sweet-scented perfumes and lotions.
However, these techniques will only limit the chance of you getting bitten by an insect, not actually fend off mosquitoes. Therefore, insect repellents will be extremely helpful when battling mosquitoes.
Insect Repellents for Mosquitoes
There are two types of mosquito repellents out there: artificial and natural. Artificial repellents are made out of a combination of different chemicals, which are deadly to insects such as mosquitoes. Although these repellents do contain chemicals like DEET, they are harmful only to insects and won’t do any damage to humans if they are used with caution and as intended.
However, as more and more people are concerned with the environment and using natural products, different natural repellents have been introduced into the bug spray market that work nearly as good as the artificial sprays. These all-natural insect repellents contain no chemicals, making them less harmful to animals and more eco-friendly. As technologies have evolved, natural insect repellents are almost as effective as artificial ones if they are applied often enough and used as recommended on the product label.
When Mosquito Repellents are Not Enough, Try a Fogger
In many cases, mosquito repellents might not be enough to be fully protect you against mosquitoes, especially when spending time in your backyard or garden, so you should also look into ways to control mosquitoes in your yard. There are several different techniques that can be applied to ensure that our gardens and backyards are insect-free zones.
Using different mosquito foggers and garden sprays on your outdoor territory can prevent mosquitoes from coming into your garden. Insect foggers are known to ward off mosquitoes for several days or even months, depending on what type of insecticide you use. They also don’t leave any residue on your plants or outside furniture, so you will be able to spend time outside without having to worry about mosquitoes or bothering with bug spray.
Additional Ways to Deter Mosquitoes in the Garden
Avoid having standing water around your garden. Mosquitoes breed in still water, so if you limit their access to it, you will prevent the birth of new insects and make sure that your mosquito problem isn’t getting worse.
Lastly, you can plant plants like catnip, peppermint, marigolds, lavender, and basil in your garden. (See Plant Your Own Herb Garden for instructions). These plants have a specific smell that mosquitoes don’t like, so they are considered natural insect repellents and will help you to protect your territory from the buzzing pests. Plus, these plants will also look great in your garden while helping you fight mosquitoes.
To sum up, in order to protect yourself from mosquitoes and be able to control these insects in your garden and backyard, you should follow a few simple steps:
- Protect yourself by wearing long-sleeved clothing and avoiding wearing sweet-scented beauty products.
- Use insect repellent sprays that will keep away mosquitoes and other unpleasant insects from you.
- Ensure that your garden stays insect-free by dumping all standing water to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.
- Use mosquito foggers and yard sprays to keep the insects out of your outdoor space.
- Plant mosquito-repelling plants.
If you follow all techniques mentioned above, you will see fewer mosquitoes and will be able to enjoy your garden and backyard more fully.
This article was originally published at Maximum Yeild (https://www.maximumyield.com/how-to-control-mosquitoes-in-your-garden-and-backyard/2/3070)