It doesn’t matter if you live in Wisconsin’s rural countryside such as Cadott, or a major city like Milwaukee, you can tell when it’s a heavy rainfall year by the increase in mosquitoes. Nobody likes swatting at mosquitoes buzzing around their head, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself while still enjoying the outdoors.
Wisconsin State Entomologist, PJ Liesch, says heavy rain in spring and summer can lead to higher mosquito pressure. He offers advice on how to reduce mosquito populations and their pesky bites:
- Eliminate standing water
Mosquitoes only need as much as a bottle cap of water to lay hundreds of eggs. Reduce breeding habitat around your home and farm by looking for standing water. You don’t need to go as far as draining the farm pond, but take a walk around your property and:
- Clear clogged gutters
- Straighten out low-lying spots on a tarp
- Pick up children’s toys that may be holding water
- Change the water in the bird bath
- Wear protective clothing
If it’s not too hot, put a physical barrier between you and the mosquito. Consider wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants. Look for lightweight, breathable fabric to wear on warm days so your skin is protected but still able to stay cool.
- Consider mesh gear
If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, especially doing yard work, taking the extra step with a head net or a mesh suit can add extra protection from biting insects. A fine mesh suit could be a cooler alternative to wearing long-sleeved clothing on a hot day.
- Use effective repellents
Check the label to make sure you’re getting EPA-registered repellents, such as the old gold standard of DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. Permethrin spray can be used to treat clothes you plan to wear outdoors and typically lasts for a few washes. This is an effective solution to keep mosquitoes off without making direct contact to spray your skin.
If you’re looking for a plant-based repellent, the oil of lemon eucalyptus acts as natural insect repellent. These mosquito repellents can usually be found at a hardware or sporting goods store.
Wisconsin is home to between 50 and 60 different species of mosquitoes, and depending on what bites you, you could be at risk for a disease or virus. West Nile Virus has been detected in humans and birds across the state.
At Rural Mutual Insurance, we want to provide the knowledge and insight to help you make the best decisions to protect your family and your way of life. That’s why we go beyond the policy to educate with additional content around safety and best practices. Reach out to a local agent to get protected.
