There’s nothing like spending a summer afternoon outside, barbecuing with friends or gathering around a fire pit. What could possibly ruin an experience like this?
One word: mosquitoes.
Those pesky summer pests can wreck an idyllic afternoon by biting at your legs and arms, leaving you frustrated and itchy. Unfortunately, we’re prone to have plenty of mosquitoes in Pennsylvania.
When are mosquitoes active?
Once the weather starts warming up, mosquito season arrives. Mosquitoes are most active around dusk, since they don’t prefer direct, hot sunlight.
Why do they bite?
Considering all the mosquito bumps you’ve probably endured over the years, it might seem like every single mosquito is out there biting away. In reality, only female mosquitoes bite! They use blood to form eggs in their reproductive cycle. Generally, they lay 100 eggs at a time, and females can have up to 10 “broods” over the course of her life.
While not all breeds of mosquitoes prefer human blood, there are enough to be a nuisance to Pennsylvanians every summer.
Risks
Mosquito bites can leave you scratching to the point of swelling, but other than that, mosquitoes are usually nothing more than a nuisance.
Every so often, though, they can spread diseases like malaria, yellow fever, West Nile virus, and Zika. Luckily the mosquitoes in Pennsylvania are very unlikely to be infected with these diseases.
Most people won’t experience severe health consequences from mosquito bites, but those with compromised immune systems and other health challenges should be especially careful.
Here are a few things that may help you protect yourself from mosquitoes in Pennsylvania this summer.
Dump out stagnant water on your property.
If there’s one thing mosquitoes are good at (in addition to biting), it’s breeding. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, and can produce dozens of them in an area as small as a bottle cap.
You can prevent more mosquitoes by eliminating potential breeding grounds, namely stagnant water.
Hot spots for stagnant water include:
- Outdoor Toys
- Buckets
- Abandoned Bird Baths
- Overturned Trash Can Lids
- Pet Food Bowls
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
While this may not be a preferred summertime outfit, long sleeves and pants can potentially help protect you from pesky Pennsylvania mosquitoes.
Set up outdoor fans.
Mosquitoes are strong biters and breeders, but not strong fliers. By setting up a few fans outside, you can deter an afternoon invasion.
Invest in a screened-in porch.
With a screened-in porch, you can enjoy a beautiful summer night, even during mosquito season.
Use mosquito repellent.
Almost every store is stocked with all sorts of bug spray during mosquito season. There are even some all-natural options out there for those hesitant about using regular bug sprays.
Buy citronella candles.
One natural substance that repels mosquitoes is citronella, which is conveniently turned into candles. Lighting these all over your backyard will not only discourage mosquitoes, but create a beautiful atmosphere filled with warm, glowing light. It’s a win/win!
Sometimes, though, mosquitoes in Pennsylvania can be relentless. Maybe you’ve tried every prevention method in the book, and it’s still not working.
At that point, it’s time to call a professional. You want to enjoy the beautiful summer weather, so don’t let these pests ruin it! We’re experts in getting rid of mosquitoes in Pennsylvania, and can recommend tried-and-true prevention methods to make sure they never come back to bother you again.
We’d be happy to make your summer a success, so for all your mosquito prevention in Pennsylvania, reach out to us!
