Tips For A Bite-Free Mosquito Environment

By Heidi Frankel ~

It’s summertime and the living is easy, frogs are jumping, and mosquitos are biting!

The City of Dallas and the CDC has shared some tips for keeping those buzzing buggers away from you and your home.

Most mosquitoes in our area and around the country are homegrown and need water to reproduce. Mosquitoes mature from egg to adult in 7-10 days and are prevalent in the Dallas/Fort Worth area until November.

Easy Guidelines for Getting Rid of Mosquito Breeding Sites

• Empty standing water from flowerpots, buckets and barrels.
• Change the water in pet dishes consistently.
• Replace the water in birdbaths weekly.
• Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out.
• Keep your children’s wading pools empty and, on their sides, when they are not being used.
• Eliminate puddles caused by leaking faucets and pipes or condensation from air conditioners.

Four D’s of Mosquito Safety Awareness

• DRAIN: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace. Standing water can also be found in swimming pools that are not kept clean, ponds, potted plants, old tires, toys and clogged rain gutters.
• DUSK and DAWN: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. The mosquito that carries the West Nile Virus is active during the daytime hours, so be sure you are protected at all times.
• DRESS: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.
• DEET ALL DAY, EVERY DAY: Whenever you are out in your yards or running around town, use insect repellents that contain DEET, or other EPA approved repellents or an organic alternative like Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the package.

Heeding these tips will help you get through the hot days of summer and beyond bite free.