When the sun comes out, there’s just about nothing better than kicking up your tired feet and enjoying the warm summer breeze in the backyard. Whether you catch some zzz’s on a hammock, sunbathe by the pool, or relax on a lounge chair, there’s a whole lot of relaxation to be had when the rain clouds of spring have finally passed. And if you have little ones running around, summer days in the backyard provide lots of sunshine to make mud pies, play tag, and run through sprinklers.
Needless to say, the beloved summer season is the epitome of bliss. That being said, the only thing that can put a major damper on all of the outdoor fun is none other than a swarm of bloodthirsty mosquitoes.
Of all the pests in the animal kingdom, we can all probably agree that the buzzy fliers are the worst. Not only do they suck our blood, leaving nothing behind but a massive red welt that can itch for days, but mosquitoes can carry and transmit life-threatening illnesses.
Thankfully, there are many precautions we can take to keep the biting insects at bay to avoid their wrath altogether.
Read on to discover the best mosquito treatments that actually help.
But First, Why Is It So Important To Prevent Mosquito Bites Anyway?
Did you know that mosquitoes are considered the deadliest critters on the planet? Sadly, it’s true: These tiny insects that can easily be squashed by a flick of a finger are responsible for more than one million deaths every single year.
Now, to be clear, mosquitoes won’t rip you to shreds like a great white shark or grizzly bear, but they can infect you with a life-threatening illness.
Diseases that are spread by the icky insects include:
- Zika virus
- West Nile virus
- Chikungunya virus
- Dengue
- Malaria
Most kiddos who get one of these dangerous illnesses show very few signs or symptoms. However, if your tiny tot experiences a mild fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and/or a rash within a few days following a bite, call your child’s doctor immediately. The key to surviving these scary illnesses is to catch them early.
In addition to mosquito-borne illnesses, another reason why it’s important to prevent bug bites is simply that they itch!
When a mosquito lands on your skin, it will pierce your flesh and inject saliva to prevent blood clotting. Once the bug is full, it will fly away, leaving behind its saliva. This saliva is considered foreign to your body, so it triggers an immune response where histamine is released. It is this histamine that causes the notorious itchy welt.
While the thought of an insect’s spit injected into our skin is enough to send a chill down our spine, it’s the relentless itchiness that drives most people mad. And the worst part? Scratching tends to make a mosquito bite even itchier. Thankfully, to get relief fast, there’s MagicPatch.
Using our incredible grid-relief technology, our Itch Relief Patches gently lift the skin to help the lymphatic system drain the itchy saliva that was injected by the little bloodsucker. All you have to do is tear off a patch and simply apply it to the itchy area (just like a bandage), and you should feel relief in as little as 60 seconds.
Tips To Fight The Bite: Treatments That Work
This summer, don’t let the bloodthirsty villains ruin your outdoor fun.
Here are a few great tips and tricks to keep your yard mosquito-free and your tiny tots itch-free:
Tip #1: Set Skeeter Traps
If you ask us, there’s almost nothing more satisfying than watching a vicious mosquito that was just trying to bite you struggle on a piece of sticky paper. These old-school traps are great. Not only are they super effective, but they are really affordable. Plus, once it’s covered and smothered with dead skeeters, all you have to do is toss it in the trash. It’s that easy.
Tip #2: Keep Your Yard Under Control
The stealthy bloodsuckers love hiding in cooler spots in the shade until they’re ready to pounce. So, with that in mind, a good way to keep the biting bugs at bay is simply by taking care of your yard. Use a lawnmower or a string trimmer to cut back high grass and brush.
By minimizing tall grass that can cast shadows on your yard, you make the habitat surrounding your home much less appealing to mosquitoes. And when they find your yard not as enticing, the buzzy fliers will hit the road to find a new yard to call home.
Tip #3: Get Rid Of Open Water Sources
Obviously, you can’t get rid of the pool, but any sources of standing water that are near your yard can quickly become a breeding ground for the icky bugs. Every week, try to eliminate any standing water in the area. Eliminate water that may have accumulated in birdbaths, kiddie pools, empty flower pots, and buckets.
Tip #4: Use BuzzPatch
While there are many products on the market that can help to repel mosquitoes, we recommend BuzzPatch — the natural way to keep the devilish bugs away!
Unlike topical sprays, which contain harsh chemicals like DEET or Picaridin, BuzzPatch is made with all-natural plant-based ingredients designed to confuse mosquitoes and hide your kids from their senses. Plus, not only are our mosquito repellent patches effective, but they smell great and are environment-friendly, too.
Made using non-woven fabric patches infused with a combination of kid-friendly essential oils, BuzzPatch is perfect for all your little ones. No more sticky insect spray made with icky chemicals and skin irritants — BuzzPatch is quick, convenient, and mess-free. What’s not to love?
Tips for Treatments
When it comes to warding off mosquitoes, there are many treatments that can help to keep your yard free and clear of the little buggers. However, if you’re looking for the best way to avoid itchy bites, there’s arguably nothing better than BuzzPatch.
Here at The Natural Patch Co., we created our all-natural mosquito repellent patches with you and your kids in mind. These fun sticker patches are made with plant-based ingredients and absolutely no DEET or any other harsh chemicals. Using the most effective kid-friendly essential oils to fight the pesky bloodsuckers, BuzzPatch emits a powerful scent that makes kids virtually undetectable to their senses.
While mosquitoes may not seem like much, they are the world’s most dangerous animal for a reason. Not only do they leave behind itchy welts, but they can also infect you with a life-threatening illness. These killers should not be taken lightly by any means. Protect yourself and protect your little ones with BuzzPatch.
Sources:
Mosquito-Borne Diseases | NIOSH
Is DEET Bad for You (and Your Kids)? | Health Cleveland Clinic
