Are You Ready For Mosquito Season in NJ?
Oh yeah folks... I hate to break it to ya, but mosquito season has officially begun. IN FACT: I woke up this morning with my very first mosquito bite on my ankle. ugh.
So, are you ready to repel these blood-sucking, itchy-bump causing, pests? If not, here's 5 way's prepare for mosquito season.
According to mosquitomagnet.com, mosquitoes hibernate during the winter and re-emerge when the weather begins to get warmer. In which case, the temperature is a key factor in determining the actual start of the mosquito season! Generally, mosquito activity begins when the temperature reaches the 50° F level, which usually hits the tri-state area towards late April; But mother nature has decided otherwise. Since NJ is sitting comfortably in the 60's and 70's lately, it's safe to say that the mosquito's are out to play!
Here's how you can avoid these suckers this summer:
- 1
Wear mosquito repellent
I mean... DUH. Apply insect repellent to uncovered skin surfaces when outdoors, especially during the day. But when summer time hits and the tan becomes priority, apply insect repellent after you put on your sunscreen!
- 2
Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
One of the best ways to keep mosquitoes from biting you is to simply cover your skin. Again, put repellent on exposed skin. But ideally, wear your sleeves and pant legs as long as possible to cover as much skin as possible! Also keep your clothing loose. This serves two purposes: One, it's much more comfortable in the hot, humid weather where mosquitoes thrive. Two, it's easy for mosquitoes to bite through tight, thin fabric thats against your skin.
- 3
Avoid getting too hot
Mosquitoes are thought to be attracted to warm bodies, so staying cool is one way to avoid bites. FASHION TIP: Dark-colored fabrics absorb more heat from the sun than light-colored alternatives, so avoid them.
- 4
Sleep with a mosquito net over your bed
Sleep in PEACE (unlike myself last night, ugh). The mosquito netting has fine holes big enough to allow breezes to easily pass through, but small enough to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects out!
- 5
Avoid standing water
To all my fisherman: I'm sure you know this but just in case. Mosquitoes are often attracted to water, especially standing water. So lakes, the bay, stagnant creeks, marshes, and swamps are mosquito havens, especially during the summer months. Most mosquitos lay their eggs in stagnant water and some have even adapted to lay their eggs in salt water aka hello Atlantic Ocean