One of the best parts of living here in the Triad area is being outside when the weather warms. For many residents though, mosquitoes can ruin that enjoyment with itchy bites and, sadly, even mosquito-borne illnesses. Critter Control of the Triad, serving Forsyth, Guilford and Alamance counties and the greater Triad, has a few tips for how to stay clear of them this year as the weather begins to warm. 

1. Plan ahead — Mosquitoes are most active around dawn or dusk, so try to limit the amount of time you’re outdoors at these times. Also, if you wear loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pants, mosquitoes will not have as easy access to you. 
2. Use nets and screens — Overseas, in areas with malaria, one of the best strategies for eliminating this and other diseases carried by mosquitoes, has been using nets. If you have a screened porch, that could be a great place to enjoy the outdoors without mosquitoes bothering you. 
3. Repellants and sprays — There was a time where DEET was king, and it still works very well (and is considered generally safe). After some bad press though, many people no longer trust it. As an alternative, lemon eucalyptus oil is the most recommended for spray-on repellants. Citronella candles or sprays work well too. 
4. Tip over stagnant water — Do you really need that birdbath? When was the last time your dog’s water dish on the porch has been changed? Is there a bucket or other container somewhere on your property collecting water? These may seem like minor issues in the fight against mosquitoes, but all of these spots are exactly what mosquitoes look for when depositing their eggs. Dump any standing water out, and you’ll avoid creating a whole new generation of mosquitoes that call your yard home. 
5. Bug zappers — While these can eliminate insects somewhat indiscriminately, bug zappers and other insect traps are effective at attracting, then killing, flying insects in the area. Just be aware some insects you wanted to keep around may be collateral damage. 
6. Killing larvae before it bites — If at all possible, you want to prevent mosquito larvae from becoming adult, blood-sucking bugs. There are treatments made to add to ponds and other standing water sources that are a bit too big to tip over. These are often bacteria-based and very safe for other life living in the water. 
7. Insecticide fog — Similar to the “bug bombs” of insecticide used in homes, a propane fogger can blanket a large area outside and create an area free from mosquitoes that can be enjoyed. While some may assume this isn’t safe, or is bad for the environment, the insecticide fog is safe for people and plants if instructions are followed.

When in doubt though, you can always call in those who do this kind of work for a living! Critter Control of the Triad, (336) 370-0445, helps residents of Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point, Burlington and beyond get rid of these annoying pests and get back to enjoying the great outdoors. Call us today!