While summer brings sunny skies and warmer temperatures, the seasonal change also comes with mosquitoes. Just when you’re feeling eager to venture outside, the presence of these pesky bugs can force you back inside. And that’s particularly true in humid and warm locations, such as Charleston, South Carolina.
Fortunately, if you have kids and hope to spend time outside enjoying the warm summer air, there are ways to take preventive action against mosquitoes. Stay with us as we explore eight family-friendly ways to deter mosquitoes during the summer months!
1. Empty All Pooled Water
Standing water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. When a mosquito finds water, it can lay eggs, introducing even more mosquitoes to your backyard. That’s why it’s so important to check your yard regularly for standing water and remove it right away. Maybe you have birdbaths, inflatable pools, and water tables for your kids that hold standing water. Watering pitchers, buckets, and flowerpots in your garden are other common collection points for rainwater.
Turn pools and toys upside down to let water drain. And make sure you drain any pots to keep the mosquitoes from coming in droves. If these measures don’t help minimize the mosquitoes, you may need to reach out to pest control Charleston SC.
2. Use a Fan on Your Porch or Patio
Oscillating fans are a great way to add air movement to your outdoor space and cut through the humidity. They’re also a useful tool in keeping mosquitoes away from your family. Mosquitoes aren’t exactly known for their robust flying abilities, so air movement can be a deterrent. Bring a fan outside the next time you’re playing with your kids on the back patio.
3. Use Mosquito Nets
When you’re trying to keep away the mosquitoes, a tangible barrier can work wonders. You can purchase mosquito nets specifically designed to fit strollers or play areas for kids. Best of all, they’re safe to use as long as you install the mesh nets properly. And you can take them with you if you’re heading to the playground or a picnic spot.
4. Choose the Right Repellents
If you’re outside with your kids at dusk, when mosquitoes are more prevalent, you may need to apply repellents. But which ones are best for kids? Look for options that contain Picaridin, which is kid-friendly and less greasy than traditional repellents. Or look for options that contain IR3535, which is ideal for kids with sensitive skin.
Make sure to read the label and understand the best application methods. Check the age range, too. If you have an infant or toddler, some repellents may not be advisable. Make sure your child or baby takes a bath, too, after wearing repellent outdoors.
5. Wear Long-Sleeved and Loose-Fitting Clothes
While you might think longsleeves belong in your winter wardrobe, they can come in handy during the summer months, too. Having extra coverage can prevent mosquitoes from having easy access to your kids’ skin. Just make sure you’re choosing clothing that is lightweight and loose-fitting. Color matters when it comes to clothing, as well. Opt for lighter tones, like white or gray, so mosquitoes are less likely to seek out your kids.
6. Schedule Outdoor Time During Midday
You’re most likely to deal with mosquito issues around dusk or dawn during the summer. You can avoid their bites by visiting the park and playground during the middle of the afternoon. The sun will be more intense in the afternoon, though, so bring plenty of sunscreen.
7. Keep Your House Free of Entry Points
Mosquitoes can slip into your home through tears in screens or gaps in your windows. You’ll want to do a routine check of all windows, screens, and doors to locate any entry points. After all, you don’t want to be relaxing in the air conditioning, only to be bitten by mosquitoes.
Patch any holes that you find in screens, and look for visual gaps in window frames and around doors. When you’re living in a humid place like Charleston, the moisture can cause window frames to age prematurely.
8. Avoid a Cluttered Yard
If your yard is brimming with vegetation, like tall grasses or weeds, you’re going to see more mosquitoes. Mosquitoes thrive in damp areas, especially when the air temperature is hot. Areas of dense vegetation invite mosquitoes to take up residence. You can combat this problem by trimming grasses and doing regular weeding. By maintaining a cleaner yard, you’ll make the space less appealing to mosquitoes.
Create a Comfortable Summer Space
Getting outside and enjoying summer weather should be a relaxing way to spend time together for any family. But when mosquitoes outnumber you, that experience can go downhill quickly. Thanks to mosquito nets, routine water removal, well-timed playground visits, and kid-friendly repellants, it’s possible to keep the mosquitoes at bay. Then you’ll be able to make the most of summertime fun.