Even though they are tiny in size, mosquitoes can be the biggest annoyance you have to deal with during the summer. Many people are bitten by the tiny pests several times throughout the season. It is important to protect yourself from these insects the best you can, as they can carry several different diseases. Below are some green living tips that can help you avoid receiving a wealth of mosquito bites.

Dealing with Water around your Home

The best way to get rid of mosquitoes around your home is to remove any standing water. Any small amount of water can has collected can be a breeding ground for the tiny insects, even if it is just a plastic container filled with one inch of rain water. Clear out the front and back yard of anything that could hold water, and frequently soak up any water from things that cannot be removed. Keep gutters clean to avoid clogging and back up of rain in them.

If you have a pond, you may feel that there is no way to truly avoid being bitten by a mosquito. While the critter will love the abundance of water in your yard, there are steps you can take to limit the population of mosquitoes in or around your pond. Keeping turtles or anti-mosquito fish will help control the masses of mosquitoes that would otherwise be living in your yard. Another way to limit the bugs is to place a small fountain in the pond. Still waters are needed for mosquitoes to lay their eggs, so keeping the water moving will prevent the number of the pests in the area.

Protecting your Body

It is important to keep as much of yourself covered as possible, especially when working in the yard or being outdoors for any reason for an extended period of time. This may be difficult to do in the heat of the summer, but it will be help you avoid becoming a mosquito’s dinner. There are studies being done on which color of clothing attracts mosquitoes better, but currently nothing has been determined.

When being exposed to mosquitoes, avoid using anything that may have a lasting fragrance on your skin. Shampoos, soaps, and lotions should be free of any scents, especially when spending a great deal of time outside. Also, they can be attracted to sweat or body heat, so try to remain cool by drinking plenty of water and returning indoors frequently throughout the day.

Citronella is a natural mosquito repellent can be purchased in candle form. If you plan to have an outdoor party or other event, set up these candles throughout the area to help protect your guests from being dinner for the tiny buzzing annoyances. Light the candles about 1 hour prior to the beginning of the event to ensure that most mosquitoes are gone by the time your party is in full swing.

It is important to find eco-friendly and safe ways to prevent mosquito bites. The most effective way is to eliminate their breeding grounds, which can be anywhere that even the smallest amount of water has accumulated. There are also measures you can take to protect your body when outdoors with the small creatures.