Here in Washington, there is plenty to do outside in the summer. From hiking our beautiful mountains and forests to camping on the banks of our crystal clear rivers. Yes, Washington offers it all, even mosquitoes. Unfortunately, our dense forests and wet climate have made our state a hotbed for mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. So before you head out to enjoy that backyard barbecue or camping trip in the woods, be sure you are protected from these annoying insects.

Dress Appropriately

When we get a wardrobe in mind for going outside, we are usually dressing for ourselves and not thinking about mosquitoes. What you wear plays a big part in whether a mosquito thinks you’re an easy target. Mosquitoes are attracted to bright colors, so wear something light-colored and loose-fitting. Mosquitoes can easily pierce through tight clothes, even jeans. Don’t wear anything too dark, either. Dark clothes hold more body heat, which causes you to sweat more, a scent that mosquitoes will hone in on. 

Avoid Strong Scents

Mosquitoes have a very sensitive sense of smell. Many of the scents we use in our lotions, soaps, shampoos, and deodorants, can attract mosquitoes, not just humans. To make yourself harder to spot, use unscented products when you go out or use natural repellants like lemongrass, citronella, and lavender.

Attract Natural Predators

If you are attacked by mosquitoes every time you go outdoors, it’s hard to enjoy your deck or patio. Luckily, there are some ways to curb the mosquito population in your yard and make it unattractive to mosquitoes. Like every other insect, they are at the bottom of the food chain and preyed on by many other animals. If you have these natural predators living near your home, they could help protect you from pesky mosquitoes.

Birds: Of course, birds love insects, but only a few birds have the aerial skills to catch bugs on the fly. Two bird species known for their exceptional flying skills are swallows and purple martins. Purple martin houses are specialized houses that cater to the bird’s colony lifestyle.

Bats: While swallows and purple martins take the day shift, bats take the night shift. Bats are incredibly efficient at catching mosquitoes as they dive and swoop through the night sky. Place a few bat houses around your yard to encourage them to be your neighbor

Fish: Fish come in handy if you have any water features on your property. As you know, water and mosquitoes go hand in hand. By placing fish, frogs, or even turtles in your ponds and fountains they will feed on any mosquito eggs that are deposited.

Dump Out Mosquito Breeding Areas

As we all know, mosquitoes need water to breed, and here in Washington, we have no shortage of water. Anything in your yard that can hold water can potentially become a mosquito breeding zone. It doesn’t take much, just a teaspoon of water is enough to foster mosquitoes. After it rains, make sure you do a quick check around your yard for any standing water and dump it out. As simple and obvious as it sounds, this is one of the most effective ways to drive down the mosquito population in your yard.

Keep Bugs Out Of Your Home With Colonial Lawn and Garden

We can expect to see bugs outside our homes but when they are inside they can become a problem. At Colonial Lawn and Garden, our perimeter pest control can keep out pests like spiders, ants, earwigs, and more.

To get started and to beat the rush, call us today at (509) 966-1655 in Yakima or (509) 371-1655 for the Tri-Cities area. You can also request a free estimate here. Keep track of our monthly blog for the latest and greatest tips on irrigation, lawn care, tree care, pest control, and more. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter if you’d like to hear about our latest offerings and news.