5 tips to keep mosquitoes away this summer

Summer is approaching, bringing the joy of sunny weather, festive activities, and gatherings with friends and family. As we welcome excited tourists, we’re also greeted by an all-too-familiar guest: the notorious mosquito. This blog highlights five useful tips to help you keep mosquitoes at bay this summer in South Africa.

Mosquitoes are like the stealth experts of the insect world. They can sneak into your space without you noticing, hiding in dark corners, and waiting for the right moment to strike. Over time, mosquitoes have become very good at finding and extracting blood from their targets, making them hard to detect and even harder to avoid. Their ability to locate and bite humans is impressive, making them one of nature’s most persistent pests. Despite their small size, they pose a big challenge, as they can spread diseases and disrupt our comfort.

But how do you prevent these stealthy pests from ruining your summer?

Here are five expert tips to prevent mosquitoes from infiltrating your premises this:

1. Use Mosquito Nets:

One of the most effective mosquito prevention methods is using mosquito nets. While nets don’t eliminate mosquitoes, they’re highly effective in keeping them from biting you, significantly lowering the risk of catching malaria or other mosquito-borne diseases. You can choose from different types of nets, such as bed nets or self-supporting nets that come with a frame, similar to a tent. These nets are inexpensive and, when used correctly, provide excellent protection.

Additionally, installing fly screens on your windows can help prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. This simple yet effective measure is a must-have for any household looking to enhance outdoor protection and maintain mosquito safety during the South African summer.

2. Install Insect light Traps:

Many pest control companies offer insect light traps as a solution for mosquito control. Although primarily designed for flies, these traps can still be effective against mosquitoes. However, traditional units that “zap” insects can pose a risk of spreading tiny fragments of flies and mosquitoes, which could contaminate surfaces and food or be inhaled.

Rentokil’s Lumnia units do not distribute these particles, as the internal glue board traps the mosquitoes without being hazardous to your health. This method is an excellent addition to your mosquito prevention strategy. It’s a great way to combat these pests and their sneaky tactics!

3. Remove Stagnant Water:

Mosquitoes love breeding in warm and damp conditions. Standing water provides them with the perfect spot to do this. Assess your property to ensure that trenches or drains aren’t blocked and that all water features have free-flowing water.

Remember to remove buckets containing old water as well. Additionally, if you have a pond, try introducing a natural predator like goldfish, as they will eat mosquito larvae. This is one of the best natural mosquito repellents for South African summers, helping you maintain a mosquito-free environment without resorting to harsh chemicals.

4. Trim the weeds and grass in and around the property regularly:

Mosquitoes are often found hiding in grass and weeds as it provides the right amount of humidity for them to survive. Regularly trimming the grass and weeds in and around your property can make your outdoor spaces less hospitable for mosquitoes. This is especially important if you’re looking for tips to prevent mosquito bites while camping in South Africa or simply enjoying your backyard.

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