Do buzzing mosquitoes and itchy bites send you and your family running for cover and calamine lotion? We’ll uncover the facts about the animal kingdom’s most deadly pest and help you keep mosquitoes away so you can enjoy those great Michigan summer days.

Keeping mosquitoes from biting means good prevention and mosquito control. If you’ve got itchy bites, we’ll help you recover. You’ll find plenty of tips here and, when things go from bad to relentless bloodthirsty swarm, you’ve got Griffin Pest Control Solutions ready to take the bite out of your mosquito problem.

The Dangers of Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. They are deadly transmitters of several dangerous diseases including:

  • West Nile Virus produces flu-like symptoms that can last for weeks. About 80% of humans affected don’t show symptoms.
  • Chikungunya is a painful but rarely fatal disease lasting 2-3 weeks. It can cause severe joint and muscle pain resulting in a stooped appearance. The name, from the Kimakonde language of Mozambique and Tanzania, means “to become contorted.”

If you’ve been bitten by a mosquito and experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor. All these diseases are considered serious health risks.

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Stiffness
  • Nausea
  • Body aches
  • Vomiting
  • Rash
  • Fatigue

How to Stop Mosquito Bites from Itching

Everyone has a different reaction to mosquito bites. According to the Mayo Clinic, the best treatments to soothe mosquito bites are to apply a cool compress or a medicated lotion like calamine or hydrocortisone to the bite. For stronger reactions, an oral antihistamine may bring sweet relief.

To better stop mosquito bites from itching, it may help to answer the question “Why do mosquito bites itch?” The answer is that when a mosquito bites you, it excretes an anticoagulant in its saliva that prevents your blood from clotting before it’s done feasting. Your body responds to this invasion and signals an allergic reaction in the location. The more strongly your body reacts, the more inflammation you’ll experience. Taking an antihistamine like Benadryl reduces the allergic response for people who are more sensitive.

How to Keep Mosquitoes from Biting Your Family

When you’re out casting your fishing line, hiking one of Michigan’s trails, or playing at a local park, protect your family with long sleeves and insect repellent approved by the CDC. The types of repellents proven most successful against mosquitoes are:

  • DEET
  • Picaridin
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • Para-methane-diol
  • IR3535
  • 2-undecanone

Applying one of these repellents can keep biting mosquitoes away for hours. Bug nets over strollers and baby carriers can spare young ones from bites as well if you’re worried about chemicals on their skin.

Mosquitoes tend to be most active during dusk. If you’re in a mosquito-heavy area, plan your activities accordingly.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Yard

The most important strategy for reducing mosquitoes in your yard is to remove standing water. By doing this, you eliminate breeding sites and areas where larvae and pupae can develop before they become adult mosquitoes.

To eliminate standing water, consider these steps:

  • Cover outdoor containers like trash cans or compost bins.
  • Clean clogged rain gutters and storm drains.
  • Aerate ornamental ponds.
  • Change water in birdbaths and fountains at least once a week.
  • Remove unused planters, tires, barrels etc. where water can pool.
  • Fill ditches where water collects.

In addition to removing standing water, you can landscape your yard to reduce mosquito habitat.

  • Trim bushes and shrubs.
  • Thin tree branches.
  • Keep grass mowed short.
  • Remove debris piles and leaves.

Mosquitoes favor a wet, shady environment with areas of thick foliage where they can hide during the daytime hours. Keep your yard sunny, open and dry to discourage them from moving in.

Types of Mosquito Yard Treatment

Griffin uses a combination of chemical, mechanical and environmental techniques to eliminate mosquitoes and prevent new swarms from forming.

In addition to the preventative measures mentioned above, a professional mosquito spray or mosquito misting system can reduce the mosquito population near you. We can also use an insect growth regulator that intercepts the mosquito life cycle and prevents eggs from developing into adult mosquitoes.

For more information, visit our mosquito control page.

When Do Mosquitoes Go Away?

Mosquito season in Michigan feels endless and can range from April to as late as November with peak time landing around July. The population depends on temperature, humidity and rainfall.

At what temperature do mosquitoes die? It’s generally agreed that mosquitoes stop being a threat when the mercury dips below 50 degrees. Many will die off, but hearty females will hibernate and live to bite again. Most significantly, mosquito eggs hibernate through the winter and hatch when spring conditions are ripe. Therefore, it’s critical to remove standing water where eggs can survive, even if it’s frozen.

Michigan Mosquito Control

Michigan is a beautiful place to explore. We want you to enjoy the great outdoors, including your own yard. If you’re itching for some help, one of our pest control experts would be happy to discuss the best mosquito control options for your neck of the woods. Call or Contact Griffin today to reduce the buzz in your yard and increase the buzz about your yard.

How to Stop Mosquito Bites from Itching

Everyone has a different reaction to mosquito bites. According to the Mayo Clinic, the best treatments to soothe mosquito bites are to apply a cool compress or a medicated lotion like calamine or hydrocortisone to the bite. For stronger reactions, an oral antihistamine may bring sweet relief.

To better stop mosquito bites from itching, it may help to answer the question “Why do mosquito bites itch?” The answer is that when a mosquito bites you, it excretes an anticoagulant in its saliva that prevents your blood from clotting before it’s done feasting. Your body responds to this invasion and signals an allergic reaction in the location. The more strongly your body reacts, the more inflammation you’ll experience. Taking an antihistamine like Benadryl reduces the allergic response for people who are more sensitive.

How to Keep Mosquitoes from Biting Your Family

When you’re out casting your fishing line, hiking one of Michigan’s trails, or playing at a local park, protect your family with long sleeves and insect repellent approved by the CDC. The types of repellents proven most successful against mosquitoes are:

  • DEET
  • Picaridin
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • Para-methane-diol
  • IR3535
  • 2-undecanone

Applying one of these repellents can keep biting mosquitoes away for hours. Bug nets over strollers and baby carriers can spare young ones from bites as well if you’re worried about chemicals on their skin.

Mosquitoes tend to be most active during dusk. If you’re in a mosquito-heavy area, plan your activities accordingly.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Yard

The most important strategy for reducing mosquitoes in your yard is to remove standing water. By doing this, you eliminate breeding sites and areas where larvae and pupae can develop before they become adult mosquitoes.

To eliminate standing water, consider these steps:

  • Cover outdoor containers like trash cans or compost bins.
  • Clean clogged rain gutters and storm drains.
  • Aerate ornamental ponds.
  • Change water in birdbaths and fountains at least once a week.
  • Remove unused planters, tires, barrels etc. where water can pool.
  • Fill ditches where water collects.

In addition to removing standing water, you can landscape your yard to reduce mosquito habitat.

  • Trim bushes and shrubs.
  • Thin tree branches.
  • Keep grass mowed short.
  • Remove debris piles and leaves.

Mosquitoes favor a wet, shady environment with areas of thick foliage where they can hide during the daytime hours. Keep your yard sunny, open and dry to discourage them from moving in.