How to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Yes, it's summertime, with all that goes with the warm weather: barbecues, swimming pools, fireworks and those pesky mosquitoes.

But they're more than pests. While they're plenty annoying in and of themselves, they can also carry some nasty diseases.

According to a press release  from the National Mosquito Control Association, based in Mount Laurel, N.J., more than 300,000 Americans have contracted West Nile Virus since it arrived in the U.S. 11 years ago.

And while the NMCA website gives lots of good advice, here are five things the association mentions right up front that you can do to keep the bugs at bay:

1. TIP: Reduce standing water to eliminate mosquito threats, including those in children’s sandboxes, wagons or plastic toys; underneath and around downspouts, in plant saucers and dog bowls. Other hot spots include tarps, gutters and flat roofs.

2. TOSS: Remove excess grass, leaves, firewood and clippings from yards.

3. TURN: Turn over larger yard items that could hold water like children’s portable sandboxes or plastic toys.

4. REMOVE TARPS: If tarps stretched over firewood piles, boats or sports equipment aren’t taut, they’re holding water.

5. TREAT: Use a mosquito elimination barrier treatment around the home and yard that reduces the need for using DEET-containing bug spray on the body. Some exterminators specialize in spraying a home's perimeter.