AVOID PEAK MOSQUITO HOURS WHEN YOU CAN
Just like you, mosquitoes crave a meal during certain times of day, says Howard Russell, M.S., an entomologist at Michigan State University. And for these critters, it’s often around dusk and dawn.
TRY TO STAY COOL
The more you can do to take it easy on the sweating – especially during peak mosquito hours – the better.
BLOW THEM AWAY WITH A BREEZE
Almost any breeze – anything above 1 MPH – makes it very difficult for mosquitoes to fly, says Jonathan Day, Ph.D., a mosquito expert and professor of medical entomology at the University of Florida.
WEAR TIGHTLY WOVEN, LIGHT-COLOURED CLOTHES
Mosquitoes can’t penetrate clothing that has a very tight weave, Day says. While cotton and linen typically aren’t great armor against mosquito bites, Day says many synthetic fibers – particularly high-tech athletic apparel – tend to be woven tightly enough to keep bugs out.
GIVE YOUR HEART A BREATHER
Day says carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary thing mosquitoes search for to identify food sources. And when your heart rate is elevated, your body produces more CO2.
SPRAY YOUR YARD FOR MOSQUITOES
If you live in an area where the mosquitoes are unbearable, it might be worth hiring a professional to come and treat your yard with insecticide, Russell says.
AVOID SCENTED PRODUCTS
This can be tough, but it’s definitely worth a try if mosquitoes are terrible in your area. “Any scented perfume, lotion, or soap could potentially attract mosquitoes,”Nancy Troyano, Ph.D., a board-certified entomologist and Director of Operations Education and Training for Western Exterminator Company says.
