How to Control Mosquitoes and Enjoy Your Backyard More.

Mosquitoes are a nuisance to a nice outside dinner, soccer game or simply enjoying your back yard with a book. Summer is the time when they are out in full force, and while they can transmit diseases, they are most annoying with just bites and rashes that they cause. You can instantly feel the bite, and the discomfort and pain stay with you for a while. So what can we do to reduce this nuisance and enjoy the outdoors in the summer?

Before diving into tips, here are three things that are not well known about mosquitos: they are able to fly 10 miles in a day; only female mosquitoes bite humans, and there is one country on earth that lacks mosquitos- Iceland, due to a very cold climate. Since the move to Iceland is out of the question, here are a few things you can do here at home:

• Eliminate standing water. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. This includes water in birdbaths, flowerpots, buckets, and other containers. Empty any standing water around your home at least once a week.
• Use fans. Fans can help to keep mosquitoes away. They can also help to disperse mosquito-borne diseases.
• Keep your yard free of debris. Mosquitoes like to hide in debris. Keep your yard free of leaves, branches, and other debris.
• Plant natural mosquito deterrents. There are a number of plants that can help to repel mosquitoes. These include citronella, lavender, catnip, and marigolds.
• Use insect repellent. When you are going to be outdoors, use insect repellent that contains DEET.

Mosquitos are also attracted to sweat and certain perfumes- so there is room for experimentation. There are local services that will spray your yard with pesticides, but you need to do your own research on the effectiveness and safety of those chemicals. By following these tips, you can help to control mosquitoes around your home and yard. This will help to keep you and your family safe from mosquito-borne diseases.