Mosquitoes sure are annoying pests. They swarm around you. They bite your sensitive skin. Worst of all, they have no problem invading your South Florida property. Thankfully, you can use mosquito repellent to protect yourself from these pests. Not all mosquito repellents are created equal, though. Here are the dos and don’ts of mosquito repellent, according to Manning Pest Control:
DO use DEET repellent.
Basic or cheap mosquito repellents will not be strong enough to keep mosquitoes from biting. Chemical repellents are the most effective, and they contain DEET, picaridin, PMD or IR3535 insecticide. Each mosquito repellent containing these chemicals is considered safe when used as directed by the product developer. The most popular of these options is a repellent containing over 20% DEET. Mosquito repellent has been studied to work best against mosquitoes when applied thoroughly to the skin. If using sunscreen during the day, apply mosquito repellent after the sunscreen. Reapply every 3 to 4 hours for optimal results.
DO wear appropriate clothing while wearing DEET repellent.
Keep pests away by wearing light-colored clothing that reaches the entire length of the arms and legs; however, if your skin is covered, you may still be vulnerable to mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can bite through sheer or thin articles of clothing. Be sure to apply DEET repellent and wear clothes that are made of thick materials or textiles.
DO apply DEET repellent before going outside at dusk or dawn.
The easiest way to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes is to stay indoors, especially during peak mosquito feeding times. There is a higher chance of getting bit by active mosquitoes at dusk or dawn. Of course, you may need to leave your home at some point. If you have to leave the house during peak hours, be sure to apply DEET repellent to your skin.
DON’T prioritize at-home remedies.
Historically, citronella candles just do not perform as well as other verified mosquito repellents, especially if the candles were made using household ingredients. A few essential oils can mix with water to create a natural repellent, but this remedy is not typically effective in the long term. Some people use electric fans to keep mosquitoes away. This method can deter mosquitoes from hanging out on your property, but only for a short amount of time. An electric fan powerful enough to keep mosquitoes away is usually stationary and requires a nearby power source to sustain winds.
Alas, short-term pest solutions will never solve a long-term pest problem. DEET mosquito repellents can keep these pests away; however, they will not be able to cure a complete infestation. One way to surely rid your property of mosquitoes is to contact a professional pest control team like Manning Pest Control. Our team of experts can perform a thorough inspection and create a pest control treatment plan customized to your Broward property’s needs. Contact Manning Pest Control at (954) 772-3077 to request a FREE quote today.
