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Summer Nights: Bugs & Bites
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items The evening through the early morning hours are the best times of day to spend outside when summer heat is in full swing, but biting insects can take away from enjoyment of your activities. For a more comfortable season try these remedies to avoid bi...
Sections
5
Helpful Advice
Outdoor Treatment & Solutions
Basic Bite Prevention
Camping, Hiking, Beach
Relief
Helpful Advice
Some people are more prone to attracting biting insects than others, this information may help you understand why and what to do. I prefer to use chemical free alternatives when possible.
This article really helped educate me on why I'm often the chosen one for these insects
So THAT'S Why Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others
Some great tricks for treating bites at home. If you have nothing else make an x over the bite with your finger nail!
How to Soothe an Itchy Bug Bite
Heartworm medications and spot on treatments repel insects before they bite to protect your dog from diseases or infections from scratching bites. This article also tells you what products are best to avoid on your pet as well.
Pet-friendly mosquito repellents (that humans can use too)
Outdoor Treatment & Solutions
Stopping mosquitos from having safe havens and breeding areas multiply is paramount to preventing bites.
For a good source of general advice on controlling mosquitoes around your home the CDC website has an information page and PDFs for more specific topics.
Mosquito Control at Home
Dragonflies are wonderful natural mosquito hunters that can massively reduce the mosquito population in your yard. If you are able to attract these beautiful creatures to your yard you will also find them fun to watch.
Too many mosquitoes in your yard? Attract dragonflies
To stop mosquitos from breeding in the first place these are almost carefree and very effective. Fill a bucket with some dried old foliage and water, add the dunk and cover with a screen or lid with small holes, change every
Summit 12 in. Mosquito Dunks (6-Pack) 110-12
Mosquito bits is a fungus that acts as a larvicide for certain insects and is generally safe to use around humans, pets and wildlife as long as it is not added to water meant for consumption. It is a fungus that can be applied to soil or standing wat...
Mosquito Bits 30 oz. Granular Biological Mosquito Control 117-6
This article helped me understand why certain bulbs and wavelengths of light are attractive to insects.
Article: Bug Repellent Light Bulb Outdoor | Dusk To Dawn Bug Light Bulb | Outdoor Bug Light Bulbs
These automatic timer bug bulbs are really convenient and have been effective at keeping certain insects away from my entryways. Different bugs are attracted to different wavelengths of light but these yellow bulbs are in the range the majority of in...
DEWENWILS 60-Watt Equivalent A19 Dusk to Dawn Yellow Bug Light Bulbs, in 2000K (4-Pack) HLBA19E1
If you have a power source fans are a great chemical-free way to keep mosquitos at bay when sitting outside. I find oscillating fans work best on porches, patio or balcony areas.
Best Outdoor Fans to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Yard
If I am out of incense I use a simple oscillating fan pointed at my covered sitting area outside to repel mosquitos. I only recommend this for covered areas that are waterproof if you do not purchase a fan meant for outdoors. I unplug and bring my fa...
Hampton Bay 29 in. 3-Speed Oscillating Tower Fan in Black with Easy Carry Handle FZ1024KMHD
If you have limited space you can screen in a patio umbrella for an intimate bug free zone.
Symple Stuff Hartwig Mosquito Net for Patio Umbrellas - Bug Screen for Umbrellas to Keep Out Insects - Zippered Mesh Cover with Weighted Bottom by Pure Garden & Reviews | Wayfair
Basic Bite Prevention
While products with Permethrin & DEET are considered very effective, if I can find a different solution I will try to use it.
These are great to stick on vulnerable areas like ankles, arms and the back of your neck. They are good on their own or in combination with other preventatives. If you don't like the feeling of bracelets, sprays and you want something convenient to c...
BugMD Squito Stickers for Adults, Citronella-Based Mosquito Repellent Patches
I prefer not to have to spray things directly on my skin or clothing so I am a fan of mosquito repellent devices like this one from the reliable brand Thermacell.
ThermaCELL MR300 Portable Mosquito Repeller
Citronella tea candles are a helpful addition to a barbeque or evening garden gathering, a nice set can even be a used hostess gift.
Citronella Essential Oil Tea Light Candles, 12 Per Box Made With Soy Wax
If you don't plan on being outside for long and want a less overpowering mosquito repellent incense cones work very well if placed correctly. I put them directly under or behind where I sit for short outdoor breaks from painting.
Mosquito Repellent Cones - Package of 36
Off mosquito coils have been very effective in helping me reduce and prevent bites within my yard. They have a good range and it is easy to break off smaller pieces if you don't plan on being outside for the full time span. if placed appropriately. I...
OFF! Insect Repellent Refill Coil For Mosquitoes 2.118 oz
I had lidded metal coil holders that were pretty and worked well to distribute the smoke but I didn't like how they became hot in the area where the coil was and the lid was difficult to remove without touching the hot areas. I think this design from...
Mosquito Coil Holder, ceramic handmade incense burner, ash catcher for spiral coil.
I like that these outdoor curtains can be placed easily with various methods from hooks to a tension rod and so forth in whatever location you desire. They are infused with marigold flower solution as an added EPA approved repellent.
Unbranded No Se'em 50 in. W x 96 in. L Sheer Grommet Indoor/Outdoor Curtain Panel in Black 71506401-517349
Properly placed and used this contributes to a more peaceful sleep by preventing the discomfort of bites, buzzing too close too your ears and knowing no insects will be crawling into your bed with you. You can place above seating in areas with approp...
Unbranded 108 in. x 98 in. Mosquito Bed Net with Removable Ceiling Hook Included 88
Camping, Hiking, Beach
Choosing a campsite away from heavy foliage, stagnant water and low lying areas is very important.
Choosing your campsite and having appropriate clothing is very important in avoiding bites and insect borne illnesses.
Tips for Mosquito and Tick Protection While Camping or Hiking
Avon has multiple useful products for repelling mosquitos and other biting insects. This is a repellent and sunscreen in one that does not include DEET.
Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535® Gentle Breeze® SPF 30 Lotion by AVON
If the bugs are really bad I'll use these wipes on my exposed skin. Towelettes are more controlled and effective than spray in my opinion. You should wash off any residue from the wipes after you return to your home or shelter.
Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Towelettes by AVON
A wide brimmed hat is good for keeping insects away from your face and neck. You can find them with netting that drapes over your neck and shoulders or some like this one have built in repellant.
Adults' No Fly Zone Boonie Hat
If you like camping or just want a portable lantern that doesn't attract mosquitoes this one also repels black flies with a repellent diffuser.
Thermacell Outdoor Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield Lantern 12-Hour and 15 ft. Coverage and Deet Free 100542396
Even if you are camping in your yard this netted tent keeps out the bugs just the same for a more secure hammock experience.
Grand Trunk Mozzy Lite Hammock Bug Net
These small shelters can provide a safe area for children or pets to temporarily relax at supervised campsites.
Sea to Summit Mosquito Pyramid Net Shelter | REI Co-op
If you want room for family members to relax comfortably in a screen house like this provides shade and protection from biting insects in general. It is portable with carry bags.
Quest 12' x 12' Screen House
Relief
Trying to find relief from bites can be frustrating but these may be effective treatments for the discomfort.
This list has many at home solutions for relief that have definitely worked for me.
16 Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites: Ways to Stop the Itch
Cortisone cream is the best thing I know of for lasting itch relief. To help prevent scratching bites and aid in absorption place a bandaid over the cream if possible.
CVS Health Maximum Strength Cortisone Anti-Itch Cream Plus Aloe, 2 Ounces, 1 Ounce
This is a quick relief with a convenient applicator to keep in your pocket or bag when you are doing yardwork or hiking.
After Bite® X-Tech
These are really easy little patches similar to bandaids that are already infused with soothing ingredients. Convenient to keep in your bag.
Sarna Bug Bite Patches - 24ct
For refreshing, soothing comfort for bites refrigerated Calamine lotion or Witch Hazel on a cotton pad has been a recommendation passed down for generations in my family. Keep plain Witch Hazel or a toner like this one, which you can also use as a be...
Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Alcohol Free Hydrating Toner, 16 OZ
I was surprised to find that this type of toothpaste works to relieve bite symptoms. I used this brand but you can try another type of white toothpaste.
Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste with Fluoride, Minty Great Flavor, 2.5 oz Tube
(Check with a medical professional first, especially if taking with other medications or medical conditions) if you are able to, taking an antihistamine before you spend time outside or after you get bitten can relieve symptoms of a reaction. I use L...
Kirkland Signature Non-Drowsy AllerClear Antihistamine 10 mg., 365 Tablets