Tips For Controlling Mosquitos In Your Backyard!

I live in South Carolina, where the state bird should be the mosquito. They are the number one pest at our house. With my MIL going through chemo, we have to be very careful about her getting bit and with all the diseases now that mosquitoes carry, I worry about them with the kids. Why are they so bad at our house? We have a creek on the property, pets, cows across the street, and even things for birds to drink water out of. I saw a mosquito yesterday, so it is time to be on duty and I wanted to share some tips with you as well about how to control the pest called mosquito.

1. Change dog and cat water often- don't forget the birdbaths.

2. After a rain, make sure there is no standing water in toys, buckets, or anything else.

3. If you have something like a kiddie pool, make sure it is treated with chlorine, like a big pool would be, or change it often.

4. Make sure you rake the dead leaves in the fall. Water can stand under the leaves, making a perfect place for mosquitoes to lay eggs.

5. Keeping your grass cut can eliminate breeding spots for mosquitoes as well.

6. Make sure that tents and canopies have mosquito netting. If it is an option, screening in your porch is wonderful.

7. Wear darker colored clothing- light and bright colors are attractive to mosquitoes.

8. DEET is considered the most effective mosquito repellent, but should not be used too heavily or on infants under 2 months. An alternative repellent Picaridin by Bayer, is an odorless and colorless repellent and has been recommended by the World Health Organization for use in Malaria stricken countries. (https://www.megacatch.com/mosquito-faqs/mosquito-control-tips.html)

9. We use all natural citronella candles and incense to keep the mosquitoes away while we are sitting out enjoying our yard. We also put repellant bracelets on the kids, which can be found at most retailers.

10. TIP FOR BITES: This may seem strange, but the best thing we have found to cut down on the itch of mosquitoes, chiggers, and stings is Monistat. It works on sensitive skin and is amazing at relieving the itch, even for young children. I actually keep a tube in my purse just in case.