mosquito repellent Archives | Northwest Exterminating

What Is the Most Effective Mosquito Repellent?

Aug 16, 2024 | DIY Mosquito Control, Mosquito

Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; their bites can pose serious health risks to humans and pets. In Georgia, where warm and humid conditions create an ideal breeding ground for these pests, it’s essential to understand how to protect your family effectively. This blog will detail the risks associated with mosquito bites, tips to prevent them, and the most effective mosquito repellents, including natural options and mosquito-repellent plants.

Risks Posed by Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites can lead to more than just itchy welts. They are vectors for several dangerous diseases, posing significant health risks:

West Nile Virus: This virus can cause severe neurological diseases in humans. There have also been recent cases of West Nile Virus related deaths reported.
Zika Virus: Known for causing birth defects, this virus can have severe consequences for pregnant women.
Dengue Fever: This painful, debilitating disease can lead to severe flu-like symptoms and, in extreme cases, death.
Heartworm in Pets: Mosquito bites can transmit heartworm larvae to dogs and cats, which can be fatal if untreated.

Tips to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Preventing mosquito bites involves a combination of personal protection and environmental management. Here are some practical tips:

Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and pants can reduce skin exposure.
Avoid Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk.
Use Mosquito Nets: Especially effective for protecting babies and young children.
Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so regularly empty containers, birdbaths, and gutters.
Install Screens: Ensure windows and doors have screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

Most Effective Mosquito Repellents

When it comes to mosquito repellents, efficacy and safety are paramount. Here are some of the best options:

DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide)

DEET is the most widely used active ingredient in mosquito repellents and is highly effective. Products containing 20% to 30% DEET provide long-lasting protection and are safe when used as directed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Picaridin

Picaridin is another effective mosquito repellent that provides comparable protection to DEET. It is odorless, non-greasy, and less likely to irritate the skin. Products with 20% picaridin are recommended for the best protection.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)

OLE is a plant-based repellent recognized by the CDC as an effective alternative to DEET and Picaridin. Products with 30% OLE can provide protection for up to six hours. It’s important to note that OLE should not be used on children under three years old.

Natural Mosquito Repellents

For those looking for natural options, several plant-based repellents can help keep mosquitoes at bay:

Citronella

Citronella oil, derived from lemongrass, is a common natural mosquito repellent. Candles, sprays, and lotions containing citronella can provide short-term protection. However, it’s not as long-lasting as DEET or Picaridin.

Lavender

Lavender oil not only has a pleasant fragrance but also acts as a natural mosquito repellent. Applying diluted lavender oil to the skin can help deter mosquitoes.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used as a natural repellent, though it should be diluted before application to avoid skin irritation.

Mosquito-Repellent Plants

Incorporating mosquito-repellent plants into your garden can provide additional protection. Here are some plants known for their mosquito-repellent properties:

Marigolds

Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents. Planting marigolds around your home can help keep mosquitoes at bay.

Basil

Basil is not only a culinary herb but also a mosquito repellent. The essential oils in basil can deter mosquitoes, making it an excellent choice for patio gardens.

Catnip

Catnip contains nepetalactone, which is highly effective at repelling mosquitoes. It is ten times more effective than DEET in some studies.

Mosquito control is essential for protecting your family from the health risks associated with mosquito bites. By combining effective mosquito repellents with preventive measures and natural solutions, you can enjoy the outdoors without the constant threat of these pests. For comprehensive mosquito control, consider consulting a professional mosquito control company in Georgia. They can provide tailored solutions to keep your home and yard mosquito-free.

Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?

Jun 9, 2021 | Mosquito

Mosquitoes are one of the top nuisance pests during the summertime. These pests are notorious for biting and leaving us with itchy red bumps on our skin. But why do mosquitoes bite us? And how can we prevent them from ruining our summer fun outside?

Female mosquitoes are looking for protein to survive. This protein is found in blood, which helps mosquitoes feed their developing eggs. There are several ways that these pests search for a host, including body odor, body temperature, and even the carbon dioxide that we exhale. Humans can also be a major part of attracting these pests to them without even knowing they are doing so. Factors such as wearing perfume, wearing clothes exposing skin, and even wearing dark-colored clothes can attract mosquitoes and bring a risk of mosquito bites.

Knowing the steps, you can take to reduce the chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes is the first step in protecting yourself and your family.

Avoid mosquito peak hours! Mosquito activity rises during dawn and dusk, try to stay indoors during these times, especially during these warmer months.
Cover up when you’re outdoors. Avoid wearing darker-colored clothing as these colors attract and stand out to mosquitoes. Instead, wear light-colored clothing and clothing made from synthetic fibers.
Use insect repellent containing DEET. Repellents containing DEET have proven to be highly effective at repelling mosquitoes. Make sure you apply the repellent onto your hands and rub it into your skin rather than just spraying it.

If you’ve noticed an increase in mosquito activity around your property, consider contacting your local mosquito control company. They’ll provide you with a thorough inspection and treatment options, fit for your property!

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How to Prep Your Yard for a Mosquito Bite-Free Summer

May 23, 2017 | DIY, DIY Mosquito Control, Mosquito

The sun is shining, the warm breeze is blowing, you’ve got your feet up, unwinding from the week, when…OUCH! That moment of relaxation you’ve been waiting for was suddenly interrupted by a painful mosquito bite. At this point you’re annoyed, thinking about going back inside to avoid more bites, or wondering if you should make an appointment with your doctor to check for Zika or West Nile. What a summer bummer!

Mosquitoes not only pose serious risks for your family, but pets are a target too. Heartworms are parasites transmitted to dogs and cats through mosquito bites, that live in pets’ bloodstream, lungs and heart, and can cause serious, even deadly, side effects.

Don’t let mosquitoes suck the life out of your summer. Protect family and pets and take back your yard with these easy mosquito bite prevention tips:

Attack Mosquitoes at the Source

Mosquitoes breed in areas with stagnant, standing water like fountains and water features, toys, buckets, outdoor pet bowls, bird baths, clogged gutters, vases, flowerpot saucers, old tires or tire swings, rain barrels, trash cans and trash can lids, tarps, kiddie pools, and pool covers. The best way to prevent mosquito bites is to remove these items/areas and to treat your yard with mosquito control products. This is included in a monthly mosquito reduction program and is guaranteed to drastically reduce the number of mosquitoes in and around your yard.

Use Insect Repellent

One of the best ways to prevent Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases is to use skin-applied insect repellent when you’re going to be outside. Formulas that contain DEET and picaridin were found to be most effective at preventing mosquito bites (and those with natural plant oils least effective), according to Consumer Reports.

Cover Up

If you really want to further prevent bites, keep arms and legs covered when outdoors with light-colored, loose clothing. Sometimes this can be just as uncomfortable as getting bitten, though, with the scorching summer heat. If you leave skin exposed, be sure to reapply insect repellent often (especially if you’ll be swimming).

Use Fans

Consider using fans in areas you’ll be hanging out this summer – on decks, patios, around pools, etc. Mosquitoes are weak fliers so the winds from fans will make it hard for them to get close enough to bite.

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