How to Repel Mosquitoes

1. Asian Tiger (Aedes Albopictus) 

Due to their body’s black and white stripes, this species is the easiest to recognize. These mosquitoes are small, measuring 2 to 10 millimeters in length. They can sneak up on you and bite without you even noticing until the welt starts itching. 

While most mosquitoes are active at night, this species prefers the early morning or late afternoon. They choose to make their home in containers with standing water, so if you have a bird bath, flowerpots, or old tires on your property, you might have more mosquitoes in your yard than most folks. The most common diseases this mosquito carries are Zika virus and dengue fever. 

2. Northern House Mosquito (Culex Pipiens) 

The northern house mosquito can be found in both suburban and urban areas. They are small to medium in size and typically range from 4 to 6 millimeters in length. Though light to dark brown their bodies can appear slightly mottled or speckled as there are lighter and darker patches.

These common pests are most active in the early morning or at dusk. This breed also loves stagnant waters, so it will frequent your storm drains, rain barrels, or any puddles it can find. The northern house mosquito transfers the West Nile virus, which can cause some serious neurological problems. 

3. Common Malaria Mosquito (Anopheles quadrimaculatus)

The Common Malaria Mosquito is a medium-sized, dark-colored insect with distinct dark spots on its wings. Unlike other varieties that prefer mud puddles and stagnant water, these insects like freshwater that’s slow moving. If you have a pond or lake on or near your property, you’ll likely have many of these mosquitoes around. 

Since these insects carry Malaria, they are often feared. Thankfully, Malaria is not commonly transmitted in this region due to the climate and the control measures taken by the local government.

Diseases Spread by Mosquitoes

It is important to repel mosquitoes since they are notorious for spreading serious diseases, and while you’ve likely heard about the ones most common in the news, others are not so familiar. Here are some of the most significant mosquito-borne diseases, along with their symptoms:

1. West Nile Virus

While West Nile Virus is the most commonly reported mosquito borne illness in this region. The scary part about this condition is that most people usually display no symptoms, as it’s mild. However, for around 20 % of those who suffer from this condition, it’s a whole other story.

Those with a more severe case will have a rash, ache from head to toe, swollen lymph glands, and a fever. There are reports of this condition causing neurological problems like meningitis and encephalitis. Those with weakened immune systems or advanced age are usually affected more harshly. In severe cases, this virus can be fatal.

2. Chikungunya

Chikungunya virus, a condition you’ve likely not heard of, is mostly concentrated in the tropical and subtropical regions. It’s caused by the Aedes mosquitoes and can produce debilitating joint pain. While severe cases can last for months or even years, it’s important to remember that this is not the usual course of the disease.

Most people will experience a high fever, joint and muscle pains, and a rash. However, folks usually recover without any problems.

3. Dengue Fever

The Dengue virus, a common health issue in Asian and Latin American countries, is caused by the dengue virus. It starts with mild symptoms but can progress in severity. These symptoms, which should be closely monitored, include a high fever, stabbing sensations behind the eyes, headaches, all-over muscle and joint pains, and a mild rash.

In severe cases, Dengue hemorrhagic fever might develop. Folks who develop this condition can suffer from severe bleeding disorders, septic shock, and death.

4. Malaria

While malaria primarily affects young children in Africa, there are reports of this condition in the US. Now, it’s not a common problem you hear about every day, but if the Anopheles mosquito has bitten you, there’s a possibility that you might contract it. In areas where there’s poor medical care, this virus kills over 400,000 each year.

Symptoms of malaria include chills, fever, nausea and vomiting, muscle pains, headaches, and a general unwell feeling. There are reports of organ failure, coma, and even death among those with a severe case or a compromised immune system.

5. Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is another commonly reported illness caused by the mosquito bite in this region. The symptoms of this condition are typically mild with just a fever and a headache.

However, it can affect the liver, causing bleeding, jaundice, or yellowing of the skin. Some cases can be severe, so it’s best to take the highly effective vaccine that can protect you against this virus.

6. Zika Virus

Though the Zika virus has been around since 1945, it didn’t become an issue in the United States until 2015. Generally, this condition is mild and produces little to no symptoms. Those with any signs might experience joint pain, red eyes, rash and a fever.

Pregnant women have a greater chance of complications, and this condition can be passed on to the child. Babies affected in the womb can experience congenital disabilities, brain damage, a reduction in had size, and microcephaly. Though the number of reported cases has drastically reduced in this country, it’s still an active virus you should consider.

10 Things to Repel Mosquitoes and Keep You Safe

The diseases listed above show the need for mosquito control and preventative measures. Learning how to repel mosquitoes is crucial to prevent bites and reduce the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne virus. Here are some of the best ways to keep these pesky insects at bay:

1. Mosquito Repellents

You can use natural or chemical products to repel mosquitoes. The most popular products contain DEET or picaridin. Even lemon oil or eucalyptus oil can be highly effective. Any part of your skin exposed to the outdoors should be slathered in these products to protect you. While natural oils provide a shorter coverage time, they’re an excellent option for those who prefer a more holistic approach.

2. Protective Clothing

The rule of thumb is that if the skin is covered, a mosquito is less likely to bite you. Since mosquitoes can smell you from up to 100 feet away, covering up with clothing puts a barrier in place. These insects love darker colors, so they’re less likely to bother you if you wear pastels or lighter shades.

Additionally, you can purchase clothing treated with permethrin, which helps to provide additional protection if you’re going to be in an active area.

3. Window and Door Screens

Ironically, some people don’t use window or door screens to protect themselves. Countries like Italy open the windows without screens and let whatever insects are outside enter their homes. However, in this country, we have screens readily available. Not only do your screens need to be tight, but they should also have no holes in them.

4. Eliminate Standing Water

Your first thought is probably that you don’t have any standing water on your property, but upon closer examination, you might reconsider. Water will collect and stagnate if you have flowerpots, gutters, and bird baths. You must cover any water to ensure mosquitoes don’t lay eggs in these pools. The more eggs are laid in your vicinity, the more mosquito issues you’ll encounter.

5. Mosquito Traps

A mosquito trap is a small device that emits carbon dioxide to capture mosquitoes. It has UV lights, which eliminate the mosquitoes once they are attracted to the light. The traps are inexpensive, and you can use several of them in areas of concern.

6. Mosquito Repellent Candles

Citronella candles have long been revered as a powerful protection against mosquitoes. While they work well, they’re not the only thing you can burn to keep these pests away. Mosquito coils are also highly effective and can be used outside to ensure a bug-free evening. Other candles with essential oils like eucalyptus and lemon can also be a good deterrent.

7. Nets

Mosquito nets aren’t as popular around New Jersey as in other parts. However, nets can provide excellent protection outside. If you will be outside for extended periods, consider using these nets around tents, patios, and your hammock.

Some folks use indoor nets in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are rampant, but there’s little need in this region. However, it’s an excellent consideration when outside.

8. Repellent Plants

Did you know that some plants have natural mosquito-repelling properties? These insects loathe things like marigolds, basil, and lavender. You should know that they’re a great option but aren’t as effective. Combining several methods will give you a multi-layered defense.

9. Outdoor Fans

While outdoor fans aren’t as famous here as in the Deep South, they provide many benefits. Fans give you a gentle breeze that helps to make sitting outside more bearable on those hot summer days, but they also disrupt the flight pattern of the mosquito.

Many people don’t know mosquitoes aren’t excellent fliers, so the wind speed of a fan is enough to keep them from landing and staying on you. So, opt for an inexpensive ceiling fan, which can help make those days and nights outside more bearable.

10. Bug Zappers

While bug zappers use electricity and can be loud, they’re certainly entertaining to watch. Mosquitoes and other flying pests are attracted to the UV light. Once, they fly into the light, a jolt of electricity eliminates them on contact.