Handy Tips: Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Pool

Mosquitoes and Your Pool

Your pool is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Stagnant water is where females like to store their eggs. Therefore, it’s wise to keep your pump running constantly so that water is always in motion, which will make it nearly impossible for the females to lay their eggs on the surface.

Try these other ways you can increase your enjoyment of your pool this summer. Keep those mosquitoes away with these tips.

• Plants: Certain plants, such lemongrass, are effective at keeping mosquitoes away. Try planting them in your yard around the pool area.
• Try the all-natural approach with Lemon Eucalyptus and Citronella: These oils are 100 percent natural, but you won’t see the effectiveness that you will get with the stronger versions. Sometimes, these oils can cause irritation of the skin.
• Homemade bug spray: Combine ½ cup distilled water, ½ cup apple cider vinegar and 40 drops lemongrass essential oil and pour into a spray bottle. Spray on your skin and throughout the surrounding pool area.
• DEET: Available in lots of stores, this is the most common and widely available insect repellent on the market. It’s extremely effective against mosquitoes, available in a spray bottle or a lotion. However, it can cause irritation to the skin, and it may be toxic to surrounding wildlife. However, if you want to keep the bugs away, this is your best bet.
• Picaridin: This is gentler on the skin and environment than DEET, but not as effective. It does smell nicer, and it’s not an irritant. It works on a range of bugs, including mosquitoes, flies, ticks and gnats.
• Pyrethrin: Taken from the Chrysanthemum flower, this is more common in commercial insecticides, effectively paralyzing the nerves of mosquitos so they die off in droves. Look around, you may be able to find lower concentrations approved as a repellent for residential use.
• Bug spraying companies: Contact a bug spray company in your area. They will visit your home to spray for mosquitoes all around your yard. Call town hall, too. Many towns offer a free mosquito spraying service as they drive their trucks through your neighborhood during peak season.