Enjoying Sports on Your Deck Without Being Eaten Alive

No, we’re not talking about mountain lions, polar bears, or wolf-coyote hybrids. We mean the aggressive and blood thirsty vampire of the insect world: the mosquito. These party crashing buzz killers never fail to ruin an otherwise pleasant summer evening out on the deck with family and friends.

While there are plenty of techniques for dealing with them, many don’t work very well, while others that are effective such as staying inside a screen enclosure or using DEET repellent, get in the way of the experience. Below are suggestions that when used together, should make your summer evenings out on the deck a more pleasant experience.

Get Rid Of Standing Water On Your Property

Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Remove anything that contains water or has the potential to hold water after a rain such as a wheel barrow or clutter left outside. Even a half-inch of standing water is enough for them to breed.

Mosquitoes only require 8 to 10 days to become adults from eggs left in the water. This means that dog bowls and bird baths must be emptied and refilled regularly well within this breeding period. Tarps used for covering things must be pulled tight so that water can’t collect in folds. Don’t forget to keep the rain gutters on your roof clear of debris that’s blocking water drainage.

Maintain A Well Kept Lawn

Keep the grass mowed short and trim back shrubs and bushes. Vegetation provides shade and habitat for mosquitoes. That’s why a walk through the woods often results in lots of nasty mosquito bites.

Use Oscillating Fans

Unlike the previous preventative measures, this trick actively keeps mosquitoes off you and your guests. The principle behind it is simple: mosquitoes can’t fly faster than two miles per hour. If they get caught in winds faster than that, they’re blown away. Set up one or more oscillating fans that cover everyone on your deck.

Another reason for its effectiveness is that it disperses the carbon dioxide and body odors that mosquitoes use to home in on their victims. This is described in detail by New York Times’ William J. Broad. The American Mosquito Control Association also states that using a large fan keeps mosquitoes away. In addition, research done by Michigan State University concluded with this recommendation:

“We recommend that fan-generated wind should be pursued as a practical means of protecting humans or pets from mosquitoes in the backyard setting.”

For more tips and tricks on getting the most enjoyment from your deck, don’t hesitate to contact us.