As summer approaches and people begin spending more time outdoors, issues with bugs and insects, such as mosquito bites, become more of a concern for hikers, swimmers and those who enjoy drinking on their patios. However, before you contact mosquito control in Toronto, know that there are a few things that you can do in the meantime to prevent these flying insects from eating you alive. What are four things that you can do to help prevent mosquito bites this summer?
1. Wear Light-Coloured Clothing
Wearing light-coloured clothes during the warmer months is already a good idea since lighter colours reflect light better than black, dark green and similar colours. Because they reflect light, they help keep heat away from the body, enabling you to be more comfortable when you are outside in warm weather for long periods of time. However, another benefit to wearing light-coloured clothing items is that they are less attractive to mosquitos. It is much easier for these insects to locate things that are red, dark blue or black since lighter items blend in better with the natural environment.
2. Remove Standing Water
Standing water around the home is a main attraction for mosquitos since these creatures are usually looking for a source of water as well as food. One big reason why mosquitos are so smitten with standing water is that it is essential for them to lay eggs. So having standing water in your backyard will not only entice mosquitos to come and hang out, but it will also allow them to multiply quickly.
Whether you live in an area that receives a lot of rainfall or not, take measures to prevent water from accumulating in your yard in the first place. Some things that you can do include:
- Developing a simple drainage system that takes water from a higher elevation to a lower elevation
- Refraining from watering your lawn too frequently
- Starting a compost pile that can absorb some of the excess water in the yard
- Building a rain garden, which can be beautiful as well as functional
While following these tips can be beneficial, keep in mind that you want to contact mosquito control if you already have a pest control issue, or if you do not notice a difference in the number of mosquitos despite your efforts to remove standing water. Mosquitos can carry diseases such as West Nile and Zika, so it is imperative to have a professional remove them from your property.
3. Avoid Heavy Scents
Like dark-coloured clothing, heavy fragrances such as perfumes, some flowers and certain foods may also attract insects such as mosquitos. Scents alert the critters to the fact that there is a person close by who they can bite. If you wish for mosquitos to stay away from you personally, refrain from wearing perfume or body mist while outside. To help keep insects away from your property in general, clean up any food scraps after having a patio meal, and think twice about planting fragrant plants and flowers close to your home.
4. Try Staying Cool
Staying cool outside on a summer’s day is not only more comfortable for you temperature-wise, but it may also help keep mosquitos from biting you. This is because sweat is another scent that attracts mosquitos, so avoid exerting yourself during the hottest times of the day and change your clothes if you find that you are perspiring.
We provide top-quality mosquito control services, therefore, allowing you to relax and enjoy the outdoors without any worries. With our licensed professionals and advanced pest control techniques, we guarantee long-lasting results, so you can be sure that they won’t be bothering you anytime soon. If you have a mosquito problem in your yard and are wondering how does mosquito control work, give Truly Nolen Canada a call to learn more about our mosquito removal services in Toronto.