Repair & Improve

Take the Bite out of Backyard Fun

When you’re enjoying dinner on your deck, there’s nothing more frustrating than a pesky mosquito that’s trying to make a meal out of you.  A mosquito bite is far more dangerous than you think.  But you can create a bite-free zone in your backyard or wherever you go with few simple tips from the maker of Cutter® insect repellent.

When you love the outdoors, nothing compares to sunrise on the water, a warm summer day hiking or a night spent under the stars.  And nothing ruins that pleasure faster than the whine, bites and annoyance of outdoor pests such as mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies.  Not only are these pests pesky, they also carry diseases like West Nile virus, encephalitis, Lyme disease and malaria.  In fact, cases of West Nile virus rose in many states in 2007 and are expected to be on the rise again this year.

The weather over the last 12 months is partly to blame.  Even as the damage from storms and droughts is receding, it is leaving a whole new danger behind – heavy insect populations with higher-than-ever risks for disease.  According to a University of Washington study, warmer climates and changing weather are giving rise to more fast-growing insect populations and more worries about insect-borne diseases.  The wet weather in much of the country will make the problem worse this year.  For areas suffering from the drought, reduced water bodies have concentrated populations of mosquitoes and other biting insects. 

The National Weather Service is projecting that 2008 will be a hot and wet year for most parts of the country.  Wooded areas and waterways are expected to be worse for insect invasions.  But the solution isn’t staying indoors or wearing long pants and jackets all summer.  You can actually create your own bite-free zone wherever you go to provide protection for you and your family.  In addition to creating an insect-resistant area that improves enjoyment of the time spent outside, a bite-free zone can save you from dangerous insect bites.

Creating a bite-free zone is easy with a few simple steps.

•Before you set up your patio or pitch your tent, clear the area of bugs with Cutter® Bug-Free Backyard® Outdoor Fogger.  Just spray throughout the immediate area to create a protective perimeter around decks, patios and picnic areas.
•Try to avoid activities near standing or stagnant water.  These areas are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects.
•Remove or drain anything around the area that can hold water such as bird baths, wheelbarrows, wading pools or plant containers.
•Clean and chlorinate pools, especially when leaving for vacation.
•Use Cutter® CitroGuard™ Candles with real citronella oil to add light to your area while keeping bugs at bay.

It is also important to protect yourself from bites.  Mosquitoes find you by sensing the carbon dioxide, lactic acid and moisture your body gives off.   Insect repellents mask these, making you basically invisible to the bugs.  Today’s insect repellent products offer new solutions that you can tailor to your specific situation.  Gone are the overly greasy formulas and strong smells of the past.   But you need to know what the right product is for your outdoor activities.  Gary Ramey, Cutter® pest prevention expert, is with us to share some smart tips on keeping the bugs away.

There are three main types of insect repellent available today.  DEET, which has been around since the 1950s, offers long-lasting, effective, dependable protection.   DEET-based products are ideal for outdoor sports, hiking, camping and hunting because they stand up to perspiration.  Cutter® brand offers a range of products with DEET for all types of outdoor activities.

A new product available today is Picaridin.  It delivers odorless, effective protection complete with Aloe and Vitamin E, and has a light, clean feel.  Cutter® Advanced™ repellents offer excellent options for the entire family and are available in sprays and wipes.

A natural option is Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Cutter® Lemon Eucalyptus Plant-Based Insect Repellent has been proven effective against mosquitoes, deer ticks and no-see-ums for up to six hours. Derived from Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, a renewable resource, this non-greasy pump spray has a pleasant scent and is perfect for the whole family. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus has been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for effective protection against mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus.
 
Cutter® pest prevention experts have spent countless hours battling insects to develop new products and practices that provide excellent protection for any type of activity.  Their recommendations include:

•Use an EPA-registered personal insect repellent with DEET for the highest level of protection.  Cutter® brand offers a wide range of registered repellents to protect during any outdoor activity…from enjoying a picnic to a safari
•Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants when possible for additional protection
•Try to avoid exposure during peak mosquito biting times, typically dusk and dawn
•In sunny environments, use a combination product that has sunscreen and repellent.  Try Repel® Sun & Bug Stuff® Lotion…dual protection in one convenient bottle
•Make sure you cover all your exposed skin with insect repellent.  Even a quarter-sized gap is enough to let insects into your bite-free zone.  Try Backwoods Cutter® Mosquito Wipes for easy application on your neck and face

When going outdoors with your children, you need protection designed for their young, delicate skin.  Try Cutter® All Family™ Insect Repellent, which is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for use on children older than two months.

If the mosquitoes are able to penetrate your perimeter and bite you, clean the affected area with soap and water to remove contaminated particles left behind by some insects (such as mosquitoes). Refrain from scratching because this may cause the skin to break down and an infection to form. 

You can treat itching at the site of the bite with Cutter® BiteMD™ Insect Bite Relief Stick, which you dab on the bite for fast, effective relief.  It relieves pain and stops itching with one simple application.  The convenient stick is sized just right for storage in backpacks, purses and glove boxes.  Over the next several days, watch for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling or pain.  If that appears, get to a doctor for treatment.

So with a few simple tips and great products, you can create a bite-free zone wherever you go in the great outdoors.  You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your outdoor activities, knowing that you and your family are protected.  Cutter® insect repellents — Enjoy the Outdoors Again.™

Print Version

Search Related Topics: Bugs, Pests & Rodents, Summer...