7 ways to avoid (or at least diminish) mosquito bites this summer, from an NC State expert

For most of us in North Carolina, mosquito bites are painful, itchy bumps that take a few days to heal.

But mosquitoes are categorized worldwide as the deadliest animal, killing over 700,000 people annually through the diseases they carry and spread. They can also infect our pets with heartworms.

So how can we keep them away? Are body sprays our only options? Do citronella candles do any good?

We spoke with Michael Reiskind, associate professor of entomology at N.C. State University, to learn the effectiveness of these common tips and tricks.

“Some people are just more attractive than others — from the mosquitos’ standpoint, at least,” Reiskind said.

If you find yourself getting frequently bitten each summer, here’s what Reiskind recommends doing to avoid these pesky (and sometimes dangerous) insects:

How to avoid mosquito bites

1. Use body sprays with DEET: Catnip oil, oil of citronella and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other common ingredients, though DEET is the most common ingredient in mosquito repellent body sprays and has been scientifically proven as the most effective product, Reiskind said.

The Environmental Protection Agency has an online search tool to help you find safe and effective insect and mosquito repellents: epa.gov/insect-repellents.

2. Spray your yard (frequently): Backyard spray is your best bet if you’re trying to see as few mosquitoes as possible, Reiskind said.

It can be an expensive monthly treatment, and there’s the risk of killing other important insects, such as pollinators, even if using “green” products. Insecticides don’t kill only specific insects, such as mosquitoes, but any insect the chemicals get in touch with.

Joey Osbourne, founder of the North Carolina-based mosquito control company Mosquito Authority, previously told The N&O his company follows all rules for applying products targeting adult mosquitoes in a way that minimizes impact, including avoiding blooming or flowering plants.

Check out The N&O’s story about applying lawn products to kill mosquitoes: newsobserver.com/news/local/asked-and-answered.

3. Dump out sitting water: Dump out dog bowls, tarps and anything else that collects water at least once a week. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in this water. By dumping this water frequently, you can mitigate the number of mosquitoes in your yard.

4. Use Mosquito Dunks: These items use a naturally occurring type of bacteria to control mosquito larvae before they hatch and become adults.

Mosquito Dunks typically look like small, beige donuts, and they float in standing water. They are effective for about 30 days, and one Dunk can treat 100 square feet of surface water.

Learn more about Mosquito Dunks at health.ny.gov.

5. Try the Bucket of Doom: This inexpensive, at-home remedy can kill off mosquitoes before they have the chance to turn into pesky adults. You’ll need a five-gallon bucket, leaf litter and a quarter of a Mosquito Dunk.

“Five-gallon buckets are often a source of standing water where mosquitoes can breed. This simple idea turns that around so the humble bucket becomes your ally in the fight for bite-free access to your backyard,” says the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute.

Fill a five-gallon bucket about halfway full of water, then throw in a few handfuls of leaf litter or straw. Let it sit to ferment for a few days. Female mosquitoes will want to lay their eggs in the bucket.

After those few days, add a Mosquito Dunk, which will kill mosquitoes in the larval stage. For a five-gallon bucket, you should only need a quarter of a Mosquito Dunk. Cover the bucket with a mesh covering to deter children and pets, but to allow mosquitoes the space to fly inside.

Read up on the Bucket of Doom at ui.charlotte.edu.

6. Turn on high-powered fans: Mosquitoes hate flying against wind, so a simple fan can add some protection when sitting outside, Reiskind said.

7. Cover your skin: Wear clothing that covers hands, arms, legs and other exposed skin. You can also wear hats with mosquito netting to protect the face and neck.

Loose-fitting clothing is best. Some mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing, so spraying with an effective repellent can add to the protection of this method.

Permethrin-treated clothing and gear can add protection against mosquitoes, even after multiple washings.

Learn more about preventing mosquitoes at cdc.gov/mosquitoes.

These common mosquito-repelling tricks don’t work

Reiskind said these common methods are ineffective:

▪ Citronella candles, bracelets: These don’t work. Your best bet is a skin spray with DEET, or you can try spray-on products that have oil of citronella instead.

▪ Planting specific flowers, greenery: Mosquitoes may have favorite plants and flowers, but there are no plants that mosquitoes hate enough to avoid your yard entirely. So purely planting flowers or other greenery in your yard won’t keep mosquitoes away.

“There are some plants that contain natural repellents in them, but you have to purify it and chemically alter it to turn it into that insecticide,” Reiskind said.

“There’s science behind it — it’s not just planting a plant. Insects aren’t afraid of or disgusted by the smell alone of a plant.”

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