Smaller than a centimeter, mosquitoes are one of the most hated insects out there – thanks to the itchy, red bumps they leave on your skin when they bite you. Their high-pitched buzzing can make even the most relaxing outing stressful. Within minutes, a swarm of mosquitoes can ruin a backyard barbeque or camping trip.

As annoying as they are, though, mosquito control is important for other reasons, too.

According to National Geographic, there are over 3,000 types of mosquitoes, and many of them carry deadly diseases and viruses – including West Nile Virus and Malaria.

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Plus, these tiny insects can create a massive colony, quickly. Despite a lifespan of only a few weeks, a single female mosquito can lay over 700 eggs!

Good mosquito control starts with getting rid of their breeding areas. Mosquitoes can breed in small amounts of water including puddles, buckets, and even in cups of water.

If you want to win the battle of man vs. mosquito, you need a quality mosquito control plan. But to come up with a good plan, you need to be educated.

Here’s what you need to know:

Mosquito control starts with understanding the where they live, how they breed, and what they eat. Most mosquitoes thrive anywhere there is standing water, and that’s also where they lay their eggs. Often dormant during the day, mosquitoes prefer to avoid hot weather often by burrowing into the ground.

Why do they bite you?

While mosquito bites may be common, only females can bite you. They desperately want to get some of your blood because it helps their eggs grow. The flower nectar that they normally eat isn’t as effective as blood is.

No matter how many mosquitoes you swat at, it won’t be long before more are biting you once again. The only effective way to keep them from attacking you is by using insect repellent. Using strong-scented chemicals like citronella create an overpowering smell for mosquitoes that causes them to stay away.

Before you head out on your next outdoor adventure, take the time to invest in these mosquito control products:

1. Bug spray

The most common form of mosquito control, bug spray keeps mosquitoes away for up to a day. According to a study performed at the University of Florida, sprays that use synthetic chemicals last longer than sprays that use natural chemicals. One of the more powerful chemicals in bug spray is DEET. Typically the hire the percentage of DEET, the longer the spray will last. And, DEET has been proven to help fight against West Nile Virus.

As an added benefit, some bug sprays also double as sunscreen.

2. Tiki torches

Along with providing a festive decoration, tiki torches are also a valuable mosquito control tool because they burn a fuel that creates an unwanted smell. Each tiki torch’s flame can keep mosquitoes up to 9 feet away.

3. Fogging products

Fogging spreads chemicals around your yard that don’t just smell gross to mosquitoes; it also kills larva, eggs, and adult mosquitoes. Fogging usually keeps mosquitoes away for 30 days. You can either hire an exterminator to apply the fog, or buy it yourself.

4. Nets

Available in almost any size, mosquito nets are an effective method of mosquito control that doesn’t require any chemicals. These nets are designed to fit around hats, beds and other small enclosures.

5. Natural smoke

Campfires are another great mosquito control tool, and you don’t have to buy anything special to do it! The heat from your campfire will be unpleasant, and the smoke makes it harder for mosquitoes to fly and breathe

Mosquito control isn’t foolproof, though. Even with the best products, you will still get the occasional bite. When you do, try not to scratch. All it does is make you more uncomfortable! Instead, opt for calamine lotion to soothe the area, or even some ice to numb the area.

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