Help Me Get Rid of These Mosquitoes! Mosquito Control Tips!

Summertime is finally here with lots of sunshine and outdoor activities! Unfortunately, along with outdoor activities come the threat of mosquitoes. Mosquito control is more important today than it's ever been, now that we know the potential for mosquitoes to carry such serious disease as West Nile Virus.

What is the best way to prevent mosquitoes in the first place?

One of the most important ways to prevent mosquitoes around your home is to eliminate any stagnant sources of water. Mosquitoes live and breed in murky waters! If you have a bird bath or pond, change the water every few days. Never leave open pans of water outside for any period of time. Mosquitoes require very little water in which to flourish and breed. Look around your yard for open water containers such as flower pots and water cans. Empty them, dry them thoroughly, and turn them upside down. Do you have a swimming pool in your yard? Keep it scrupulously clean. Don't forget about wading pools! Make sure they're clean and dry when not in use. Preventing stagnant water is the most important thing you can do for mosquito control.By eliminating water, you make it difficult for the pesky mosquito to lay eggs that will eventually develop into LOTS of little mosquitoes that will make your life miserable.

How can you can protect yourself against mosquito bites?

1. When you're outside, wear loose long, sleeved clothing and long pants to keep your skin from being exposed.

2. Mosquitoes are most active at night. Try to limit your evening outdoor activities during mosquito season.

3. There are numerous reports that Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil mixed with equal amounts of rubbing alcohol makes an effective mosquito repellent. Unfortunately, the repellent effect has been shown to be rather short acting, lasting less than 10 minutes before reapplication is necessary.