BLOGS

Banish the Bite - Ways to Repel Mosquitoes

As the weather gets nicer, the desire to spend more time outdoors grows stronger. And the OKC area is a great place to do just that. Especially in the communities we build in since we are careful to always take the enjoyment of nature into consideration.

A common downside that many outdoor enthusiasts face is battling biting insects. Not only can mosquitoes cause itching and stinging welts, but they also carry potentially dangerous diseases. How can you fight back? Here are a few suggestions on how to ward off these unwelcome backyard visitors.

Spray Repellent

One of the best ways to protect yourself from bug bites is by applying a mosquito repellent directly to the skin. Products usually rely on either DEET, picaridin, or IR535. Some products rely on essential oils, such as eucalyptus and lemon. Oils such as these smell nice, but it is important to note that these oils have not undergone the same EPA registering tests as the other cited repellents and should thus be relied on with caution. Important considerations to take regarding babies is that DEET is not recommended to be used on babies younger than two months old. As for older children, just read the product label and make sure the DEET concentration rests somewhere between 10-30%.

Plant Repellent

Sadly, just planting herbs and flowers that mosquitoes hate will not do much. You can, however, take advantage of plants with bug repelling properties by crushing their leaves and rubbing them on your skin. A couple specific plants to keep around for this purpose are catnip and citronella grass. Be mindful that both plants spread prolifically. So, keeping them in containers may be your best bet if you want to keep them to one particular area of your yard.

And those are the important basics. Sprays, plants, or both. Just armed with a few tools and you can enjoy time outdoors undisturbed.

By McCaleb Homes 5-24-2021