For people all over the world, mosquitoes are a fact of life, and during the summer they can be as present as the air itself. If the painful and itchy marks that they leave on our skin after they’ve drank our blood wasn’t enough, mosquitoes can also carry a number of viruses from Zika to West Nile. There is very little that these pests are good for, so it’s in your best interest to keep them as far away as possible. Here are some ways to deter mosquitoes, for your sake and the sake of anyone in or around your house.

Clean up Standing Water

One of the most major ways we inadvertently cater to the needs of mosquitoes is by allowing puddles to develop. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, so keeping the area around your house dry can decimate their population. Don’t over water your grass or flowers, clean up children’s toys, empty kiddie pools, and if you have a bird bath, change the water every few days.

Set Mosquito Traps

An easy way to take out some of these annoying pests is by using mosquito traps. Hang a few of them outside around doorways and eating areas, and likely the mosquitoes will be more enticed by them than you. It’s not an end-all solution, but it helps.

Light Mosquito Repellent Candles

To keep mosquitoes on the run, light some candles or lanterns that contain mosquito-repelling essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, cedarwood, eucalyptus, spearmint, clove, lemongrass, or geraniol. These candles work best if they’re lit in areas without much air circulation, like under a porch umbrella or awning. If you can’t decide with kind to get, they say that lemongrass and spearmint are the most effective.

Use Mosquito Control

Last but certainly not least, use mosquito-killing chemicals to truly take care of your infestation. Spray some of it around the perimeter of your house, on your lawn, in gardens, underneath decks, in bushes and anywhere else you think they might try to hide. These sprays not only kill any mosquitoes they come in contact with but will make sure that no other mosquitoes are able to hang around in those places. A good mosquito control routine will get to the root of your mosquito problem.

Mosquitoes don’t have to ruin your backyard BBQs and parties. Take some preventative measures and get the upper hand. For more information, or to receive quality pest control services, contact Bug Man Exterminating today.