Seven ways to stop pesky mosquitoes in your backyard

With our summer now in full swing, it’s the perfect time to enjoy your garden or lounge around on your deck or patio.

The idea of ice-cold drinks and basking in the sunshine is perfect – but there can be one small and persistent problem: mosquitoes.

Did you know there are more than 3,500 different species of mosquito, but only three bother us when we’re enjoying the outdoors? Scientists also tell us that the proliferation of mosquitoes around the country has become worse because of changes in our climate.

While their bite is usually annoying, they can also carry diseases such as malaria, dengue, and the Zika virus. For some unlucky people, their reaction to a bite can be severe, and they will come out in hives, suffer nausea or inflammation.

If you love sitting on your deck as the sun goes down, or entertaining friends and neighbors with a late afternoon barbeque, mosquitoes can be a serious pest. Below, I’ve listed seven tips for trying to keep the little suckers at bay.

Clock Watch: If you have a constant summertime battle with mosquitoes, it’s wise to pick the times when you sit outside or wish to entertain. If you want to ask friends around, perhaps entertain them in the middle of the day rather than at dusk when mosquitoes proliferate.

Repel Boarders: Whether you’re on your own or with friends, always have a good anti-mosquito spray with you. DEET is considered the gold standard in mosquito repellents. The chemical N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide is the active ingredient in many repellent products.

Go Natural: If you don’t like the idea of covering yourself in a chemical agent, you can burn citrus oil. Lemon eucalyptus oil and citronella can be effective. Experiment to find what works best for you.

Be Bright in White: Did you know mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors? So if you’re wearing black, grey or red, you’re a prime target. Instead, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. 

Water Watch: Mosquitoes breed in water, of course. Ensure you don’t have buckets or flower pots that have collected rainwater, as these are prime mosquito real estate.

Defensive Shield: Homes in areas prone to mosquito breeding should have fly screens over windows and in doorways to minimize the problem. 

Lastly: Why do mosquitoes always bite me first? This is probably the most asked question about mosquitoes. Science says these critters are attracted to certain body odors and body heat. If you happen to have the right combination, you’re going to be in the mozzie firing line!