5 Tips to Keep Mosquitoes Away This Summer

Summer is here, and it's time to prepare ourselves for the battle against mosquitoes.

Sanitation

Standing water and clogged sinks are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, because they lay eggs in standing water that quickly hatch into larvae. Therefore, maintaining environmental sanitation is essential to prevent mosquitoes from multiplying.

To prevent mosquito breeding, it is important to eliminate any areas where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. This includes removing any standing water in and around the home, such as in clogged sinks or containers left outside. It is also important to keep the home clean and free of garbage, since waste can attract mosquitoes and other pests. Also remember to clean up any kitchen garbage daily to prevent the accumulation of waste that could attract mosquitoes.

In addition, it is recommended to check the floor drains in the bathroom and kitchen on a weekly basis. Consider replacing the safety floor drains with anti-seepage function to prevent stagnant water from accumulating in the drains. If you have household aquatic plants, make sure to change the water thoroughly every 5 to 7 days and check the bottom plate of the flowerpot for any stagnant water.

Clothing choices

Mosquitoes are attracted to light but cannot move in the dark, so low-light environments are perfect for them to seek out blood meals. During the day, mosquitoes are drawn to people wearing dark clothing, as the reflected light is darker and more attractive. Additionally, mosquitoes are more likely to bite those who have higher body temperatures, and dark clothing has a strong ability to absorb heat. When several factors are combined, the mosquito-attracting index of dark clothes naturally increases, which leads to the fact that those who wear dark striped clothing are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, consider wearing light-colored clothing when spending time outdoors during the summer. When you are going to areas with a high density of mosquitoes, it is recommended to wear long-sleeved clothing and pants to minimize exposed skin.

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Window screen and mosquito net

Installing screens on your windows and hanging mosquito nets above your bed can prevent mosquitoes effectively. Mosquito nets with different numbers of holes are available on the market. WHO recommends that mosquito nets should have a minimum of 156 holes per square inch (25 holes per square centimeter) to provide adequate protection against malaria vectors, and mosquito is the main vector of malaria.

Hygienic habits

Mosquitoes are attracted to the unique odors produced by the human body, including sweat, lactic acid, and ammonia. People with stronger sweat glands tend to produce sweat with higher acidity, which is particularly attractive to mosquitoes. To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, it is recommended to change clothes frequently during the summer and take a bath as soon as possible after exercising or sweating.

Image Credit: Alexander Fox | PlaNet Fox

Mosquito repellent products

Using mosquito coils (liquid), insecticides, electric mosquito swatters, and other similar products is another option to keep mosquitoes away. By using products that meet safety standards, you can effectively repel and kill mosquitoes while minimizing potential risks to yourself and others.

Mosquitoes have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The first three stages occur in water, while the adult stage takes place on land. Mosquitoes stop blood-sucking activities below 16°C and enter "hibernation" below 10°C, halting their development and reproduction.