Rat Busters USA

Summer Pests Part 1: Mosquitoes

Though summer is almost over, you may have noticed that many summer pests have not gotten the memo. After a healthy amount of rainfall well into spring this year, our backyards and homes have inadvertently become welcoming wonderlands for biting, stinging and otherwise annoying unwanted guests.

Let’s begin with attacks from above, that’s right you guessed it Mosquitoes. If you’ve made it this far into summer and haven’t yet endured the exasperating itchiness of a mosquito bite then you are our hero. For the rest of us, here are a few things to consider. Though it may not be the case in your neck of the woods, for Southern California 2011 has been a moisture filled year. Which means a very active mosquito season this summer. Before you lock yourself away in the house until fall, there a few simple steps you can take to increase your chances of making it through the season unscathed.

First, start with the openings to your home. Make sure there are not any rips or tears in your window screens or screen doors.

Second, survey your yard for areas of standing water. If there has recently been a summer shower or you have automatic sprinklers, then chances are there is a surface somewhere collecting a small pool of water out of sight. Empty this water from trash can lids, planters and other concave surfaces. Keep the water in your birdbath and your pet’s outdoor water dish clean, everyone except the mosquito will thank you for it.

Lastly, make sure that you are also an unwelcoming place for mosquitoes to land. Use an effective mosquito repellent when outdoors, especially at dusk. DEET is an effective mosquito repellent so double check to make sure it is an active ingredient in the repellent you choose. If you prefer a more natural approach to repelling mosquitoes then look for products that contain lemon eucalyptus oil which is known to be unpleasant to mosquitoes.

For more Mosquito tips, visit out Mosquito page.

Take a look at what Dr. Oz has to say about mosquito bite  prevention and the dangers of mosquitoes. With his guest, entomologist Michael Raupp, you will learn more than you’ve ever wanted to know about those little winged invaders.

Dr. Oz Summer Pests: Mosquito segment

Tags: Dr. Oz, Flying Insect, Insect, Michael Raupp, Mosquito, Pest, Rat Busters, Summer