How To Effectively Avoid Mosquitoes

When it comes to getting bitten by potentially disease-carrying mosquitoes, there is truth in the old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Create a Mosquito Protection Plan for your family; be sure to educate your children about the potential harm of mosquito bites and empower them to protect themselves against these bothersome, biting buggers. This includes the following:

• Wear protective clothing at dusk and twilight hours; long pants and long sleeves will minimize skin exposure and light colors are best. Always have appropriate clothing in the car.
• Use potentially harmful chemicals, such as DEET, sparingly as side effects can be severe. Sprays need to be reapplied frequently to maintain effectiveness. Be cautious as aerosols can be easily sprayed in the eyes. Also, tired children tend to rub their eyes, potentially spreading harmful repellent sprays and creams.
• Choose safe area repellents such as 98% effective ThermaCELL that creates a 15x15ft protection zone for your family.
• Bath oil, such as Avon 's Skin So Soft, does offer some protection from mosquitoes but they are effective for less than 30 minutes.
• Don't eat bananas during mosquito season as sugar-loving, female mosquitoes love banana oil.
• Some try spreading vanilla and olive oil on skin to ward off mosquitoes and ticks naturally.

Outside Your Home

• Rid your property of any still water that can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Place screens over water collection devices such as cisterns, rain barrels, tanks, etc.
• Change bird bath and pet dish water every other day, especially in the summer.
• Cover pools and Jacuzzis. Be sure to store barrels, wheel barrels and flower pots upside down or in a shed.
• Citronella is commonly used as a repellent but topical protection is short lived, up to 30 minutes. Choose ThermaCELL Lanterns as an effective, safe area repellent.
• Plant plenty of marigolds around your yard as they serve as a natural bug repellent.
• Install or repair screens in all areas of your home; check attic and cellar windows and screen doors for mosquitoes can find their way to warmer zones.

CONTACT:
Pauline O'Keeffe
The Schawbel Corporation
781-541-6900
pauline@thermacell.net