How to Not Get Eaten Alive by Mosquitoes
On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Health And Fitness Skills
Mosquito bites can be annoying, itchy, and even dangerous. Follow these expert tips to keep those pesky bloodsuckers at bay and enjoy your outdoor time bite-free!
1. Dress Smart
- Cover Up: Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes.
- Skip Tight Clothes: Mosquitoes can bite through tight fabrics.
- Avoid Attractants: Don’t wear dark colors, perfumes, or aftershaves, which can draw mosquitoes to you.
2. Use Effective Repellents
- Skip Ineffective Methods: Citronella candles, wristbands, and sonic repellents don’t work reliably.
- Choose the Right Ingredients:
- DEET: Products with 25-30% DEET are highly effective.
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE): A plant-based, effective alternative (30% concentration).
- Picaridin: A synthetic option (20% concentration in spray form).
- Top-Rated Products:
- Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes
- 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent
- Repel’s Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent (DEET-free)
3. Apply Repellent Correctly
- Layer Properly: Apply sunscreen first, wait 15 minutes, then apply repellent.
- Thin, Even Coat: Don’t overdo it; a light film is enough.
- Don’t Spray Directly on Face: Spray on hands, then apply to face and ears.
- Avoid Under Clothes: Repellent on skin covered by clothes may cause irritation.
4. Tidy Your Yard
- Eliminate standing water (mosquitoes’ breeding ground):
- Empty birdbaths, clean gutters, and cover pool covers.
- Clear ivy, leaves, and other debris where mosquitoes can hide.
- Consider oscillating fans on your deck or patio to deter mosquitoes—they’re surprisingly effective!
5. Handle Bites Wisely
- For Mosquito Bites:
- Apply a cool compress or over-the-counter steroid cream.
- Use calamine lotion or dab white vinegar to ease itching.
- For Tick Bites:
- Remove ticks with tweezers, ensuring you extract the entire body.
- Watch for symptoms like fever, rash, or fatigue and seek medical help if needed.
Pro Tip: Combine protective clothing with a trusted repellent for maximum protection. A little prep goes a long way in making your summer mosquito-free!
