Key Takeaways
- Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants (tucked into socks), and lighter colors to minimize exposed skin.
- Remove standing water sources from your yard to reduce mosquito populations.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing, and consult a pediatrician before using it on children.
- Use mosquito nets, keep windows closed, run a fan, and shower before bed to prevent nighttime bites.
- Wash with cold water and soap, avoid scratching, and use anti-inflammatories or hydrocortisone cream for itching.
- Consult your vet for pet-safe repellents and watch for signs of bites on dogs and cats.
- Seek medical attention if unusual symptoms or signs of infection develop after a bite.
While the world of insects is fascinating, and one that some people spend their lives exploring, most of us only care about the damage they can do. Generally, this comes down to mosquito bites and insect stings. Although most of us will experience dozens of them every year, there’s no getting used to a mosquito bite.
Mosquito Bite Prevention and Treatment
In the spring and summer in Orlando, mosquitoes are in full force. To avoid dealing with mosquito bites, there are several things you can do to protect yourself:
- Schedule outdoor activities at times when mosquitoes are least active. Dawn and dusk are when they’re most active.
- Eliminate sources of standing water in your yard that may attract mosquitoes.
- When spending time outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent to exposed skin and clothes. Always talk to your pediatrician before use on children.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites While Sleeping
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Many people have woken up during a camping trip only to discover they’ve been devoured by mosquitoes overnight. Some of the ways you can prevent this discovery are to:
- Use mosquito nets while sleeping.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants that are a bright color.
- Sleep with a fan on, as mosquitoes do not fare well with wind.
- Apply an EPA-registered repellent.
- Shower before bed to clean yourself of lingering scents.
- If indoors, keep your windows shut.
What to Wear to Repel Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes will bite you wherever your skin is exposed: your arms, legs, neck, feet, and hands. When possible, it’s recommended to wear:
- Long-sleeved shirts to limit skin exposure.
- Pants (ideally tucked into socks), to keep your ankles protected as well.
- Lighter colors to help repel the pests.
When you have exposed skin, consider using an EPA-registered insect repellent to keep mosquitoes from biting you.
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How Should I Treat a Mosquito Bite?
Even though they may only last a second, that itchy red bump can feel like it remains for an eternity.
- Resist the overwhelming temptation to scratch, which can make the bite worse.
- Always wash your bites in cold water and use soap to clean the area.
- Use anti-inflammatories (e.g. NSAIDS, Benadryl and steroids), antihistamines, and over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream (if the itch becomes bad).
- While it’s rare, if you develop any odd symptoms or it appears you’re suffering from an infection, go see a doctor and get some antibiotics.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites on Dogs & Cats
Just as mosquitoes bite humans, they may also target your pets.
- Talk with your vet about choosing a dog or cat-safe mosquito repellent.
- Be wary of walking your dog at dawn or dusk, which is when mosquitoes are most active.
- During the spring, take precautions to make your property less attractive to mosquitoes by eliminating standing water.
- Make sure to look for scratching or signs that your pets have been bitten by mosquitoes.
Get Professional Mosquito Prevention
The best way to avoid having to deal with annoying and sometimes painful mosquito bites is by preventing mosquitoes in the first place. While there are a number of tips and tricks to follow in order to protect yourself from bites, there’s no telling whether they’ll be effective enough.
At Heron Home & Outdoor, we provide exceptional mosquito services that can help protect you and your family from mosquitoes. So give us a call today to learn more!
