If you are a Mosquito Authority customer, you know it’s our mission to keep your yard mosquito-free so you can enjoy spending time in your outdoor living space. But sometimes, even in the time of COVID restrictions, you will have the chance to leave your protected property and may encounter some mosquitoes!
If you do have to venture outside, we recommend EPA-approved repellents containing DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Picaridin, or IR3535 listed as an active ingredient. For maximum efficacy, we suggest you avoid repellent products which also contain sunscreen.
Wearing loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing can deter mosquitoes from biting you, and if it’s possible, long pants and sleeves help too.
In spite of your best efforts, you may get bitten when you venture out of your yard. Of course, you want to be aware that you are not exhibiting any signs of infection at the site of the bite, or symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases. Those possibilities are rare, but if you have a fever and flu-like symptoms after being bitten, you should follow up with your doctor.
So how do you treat the bite itself? The hardest thing to do is not scratch. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following things to help keep you comfortable and relieve the itching that comes with mosquito bites.
- Apply a lotion, cream, or paste. Calamine lotion or a non-prescription hydrocortisone cream can ease that itch. A homemade paste from baking soda and water can help, too.
- Apply a cool compress. A cold pack, or a cool, moist cloth can help ease the itch after just a few minutes.
- Take an oral antihistamine. If you are having a strong reaction to the bite, you may need a non-prescription antihistamine.
If you have any concerns or questions about your symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a medical professional.