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Keep Mosquitoes Away from the Pool With These Tips
Summer is prime time for bugs, especially mosquitoes. That's because these pests like moist, wet places, and pools are their favorite spot.
Keep Mosquitoes Away from the Pool With These Tips
Summer is prime time for bugs – especially mosquitoes. That’s because these pests like moist, wet places, and pools are their favorite spot. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for the female to store her eggs. It’s a good idea to keep your pump going all the time so that water is constantly in motion. This will make it impossible for the females to lay their eggs.
There are other ways you can increase your enjoyment of your pool this summer without worrying about bugs. Check out these tips for keeping mosquitoes at bay.
- Go natural with Lemon Eucalyptus and Citronella: These oils are 100 percent natural, but you won’t get the effectiveness that you will get with the stronger versions at the store. Sometimes, these oils can cause irritation of the skin.
- DEET: A common and widely available insect repellent, DEET is what you find at the store. Very effective against mosquitoes, this comes in spray bottles or lotion. It can also cause irritation to the skin and become toxic to wildlife; however, it’s the most effective over the counter option you have.
- Picaridin: A gentler alternative to DEET, this doesn’t give off quite as offensive an odor, plus it won’t irritate your skin as much as DEET. However, it is much less effective than DEET (40 percent less), although it is effective on a range of bugs, including mosquitoes, flies, ticks and gnats.
- Pyrethrin: Derived from the Chrysanthemum flower, this is more common in commercial insecticides. It effectively paralyzes the nerves of mosquitos so they die. You may be able to find lower concentrations approved as a repellent for residential use.
- Plants: Some plants, like lemongrass, are effective at keeping mosquitoes away. You can plant them in your yard around the pool area and see if it works.
- Homemade bug spray: Simply mix ½ cup distilled water, ½ cup apple cider vinegar and 40 drops lemongrass essential oil and pour into a spray bottle. Spray as needed on your skin and in the surrounding pool area.
- Bug spraying companies: Call a bug spray company in your area to visit your home to spray for mosquitoes all around your property. Also, your community may offer this as a free service. They will bring their trucks through your neighborhood during peak season, usually in the evening, and spray. Ask them to drive through your backyard for more targeted control.
Want more tips on how to keep bugs away this summer? Contact Central Jersey Pools, where we also provide expertise with pool opening and maintenance. Book your appointment today when you call 732-462-5005.
