Biting Back: Taking the Fight to Mosquitos, Insects, and Spiders
Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.
By: Sara Butler
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, we find ourselves basking in the joys of summer. Think beach trips, backyard barbecues, and lazy afternoons by the pool. But there's a buzzkill lurking in the shadows: summer pests.
Insects, mosquitoes, and spiders love the warm weather just as much as we do, and their presence can quickly turn a perfect day into an itchy, uncomfortable nightmare. It's crucial to know the dangers these pesky intruders bring and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Let's dive into the world of summer pests, discover their hidden hazards, and arm ourselves with the knowledge to keep our summer days bite-free and blissful.
Common summer insects, spiders, and mosquitos to be aware of
As summer rolls in, so do a host of busy bugs eager to join in on the fun. From ants and bees to mosquitoes and spiders, these tiny creatures become more active, and while they might seem harmless, they can cause some serious headaches, including damage to property, bites and bee stings, and disease.
In the warmer months, you might spot black widows, wolf spiders, and brown recluse spiders. Black widows and brown recluses aren’t just creepy; their venomous bites can lead to severe health issues, sometimes even life-threatening ones. Wolf spiders, on the other hand, look intimidating (hence the name), but they’re mostly harmless. Just watch out for their painful bites.
The crown for the most annoying summer pest goes to mosquitoes. These relentless bloodsuckers are more than just a nuisance. They’re vectors for serious diseases like West Nile virus, malaria, and Zika virus. Keeping these pests at bay should be a top priority if you want to enjoy your summer without any unwelcome interruptions.
So, as you soak up the sun and savor the season, stay vigilant against these summer invaders. A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your summer remains blissfully bite-free.
Health risks posed by mosquitoes, insects, and spiders
Summer pests can be more than just an itchy annoyance—they can bring serious trouble. For some, insect bites or stings can trigger severe allergic reactions. Others may face the risk of contracting diseases from these unwelcome intruders.
Mosquitoes are some of the biggest offenders in terms of the health risks they pose to humans. They can transmit West Nile virus, which can cause fever, joint pain, rash, and body aches. In the most severe cases, West Nile can lead to meningitis or encephalitis, which can be life-threatening.
Zika virus is also commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito. It causes symptoms such as joint pain, rash, and fever, but what is scariest about Zika is how it can impact pregnant women. It can cause birth defects that can be quite serious.
Perhaps one of the most serious diseases that can be transmitted by a mosquito is Dengue fever. This causes headaches, joint and muscle pain, bleeding, and a high fever. As a hemorrhagic fever, it can cause problems with blood clotting that can lead to death.
Other insects, such as ants, bees, and wasps, can cause life-threatening allergic reactions to those bitten or stung by them. Ticks are also a huge problem in the summer. Tick bites can cause infections such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease, both of which can cause lasting effects on the nervous system and even lead to death.
Spiders are another concern. While most spider bites won’t hurt you, it’s important to know which venomous spiders live in your geographical area. It’s rare to be fatally bitten by a Black Widow or Brown Recluse, but their bites can still lead to a whole host of serious health issues and require immediate treatment.
Tips for enjoying outdoor activities despite pests
Now that you’re sufficiently freaked out about the insects, spiders, and other pests in your backyard, it’s a good idea to discuss how you can still enjoy being outside this summer. The good news is that a lot of these tips are common sense and can easily be put into practice without inconveniencing you.
Use personal protection - You don’t have to go out covered from head to toe, but you should do practical things such as using insect repellent, wearing clothing that protects you adequately for the environment you’re in, and avoiding the outdoors during peak activity times for pests such as dawn or dusk.
Use environmental controls - You do have some control over your environment, so make sure to eliminate standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding, use nets and screens where you can, and use outdoor fans.
Use safe practices - Make sure to avoid wearing strong scents because they tend to attract insects. Also, keep any food or drink covered, and try to stay calm if you encounter bees or wasps.
Maintain your home and garden - You should keep your grass trimmed to give fewer hiding spots to insects and spiders. Cutting back shrubs and bushes will also keep spiders from setting up homes there. Use insect repellents such as citronella candles when outside.
Natural remedies for repelling insects, spiders, and mosquitoes
Looking for ways to keep those pesky summer bugs at bay? You don't have to rely on harsh chemicals. Natural remedies can be incredibly effective in repelling insects, mosquitoes, and spiders.
For mosquitoes, essential oils like lemon eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint are your best friends. If you’ve got a green thumb, consider planting marigolds, catnip, or citronella to keep those bloodsuckers at bay. Garlic is also a natural repellent, though its effectiveness against vampires remains unconfirmed.
When it comes to other insects, essential oils such as neem and tea tree do wonders. Herbs like rosemary and basil can also deter unwanted guests, along with the sharp scent of apple cider vinegar.
Spiders weaving webs around your home? Citrus oils or peppermint oil can help. Spiders also shy away from white vinegar and chestnuts, so placing these at entry points can keep them outside where they belong.
Here are some general natural repellents you can use around your home and garden:
- Diatomaceous earth - Sprinkle around your home and garden to kill bed bugs, cockroaches, crickets, fleas, ticks, spiders, or scorpions.
- Cucumber - Fresh cucumber slices placed in areas where ants enter can help repel them.
- Boric acid - Sprinkle boric acid in areas where you see insect activity.
- Cinnamon - Sprinkling cinnamon around window sills and doorways can deter insects and spiders.
- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil - Great for mosquitoes
- Lavender Oil - Not only smells great but keeps bugs away
- Peppermint Oil - Works on a variety of pests
- Marigolds - Plant them to repel mosquitoes
- Catnip - Effective for mosquito control
- Citronella - A well-known mosquito repellent
- Garlic - Keeps insects at bay
- Neem Oil - Deters various insects
- Tea Tree Oil - Works against many bugs
- Rosemary and Basil - Natural deterrents for insects
- Apple Cider Vinegar - An all-around insect repellent
- Citrus Oils - Effective against spiders
- White Vinegar - Keeps spiders out
- Chestnuts - Spiders tend to avoid these
DIY natural repellent recipes
If you like the idea of using natural remedies to keep summer pests away, then you may also want to consider a few natural repellents that are safe for people and animals.
All-purpose bug spray - Mix 1 cup of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol, 1 cup of water, and 20-30 drops of essential oils (like eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree) in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray around the home.
Mosquito-repelling body oil - Mix 10 drops each of lemon eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oils with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply to exposed skin.
Herbal sachets - Fill small fabric sachets with dried herbs like lavender, mint, and rosemary. Place these sachets in closets, drawers, and other areas to repel insects.
By using these natural remedies, you can create a more comfortable and insect-free environment without relying on chemical-based repellents.
What chemical solutions will repel unwanted pests?
Chemical solutions can be effective in repelling and controlling insects, mosquitoes, and spiders. If you want to hit these pests where it hurts, then there are several options.
Mosquito repellents - DEET, which is available in sprays, lotions, and wipes, will provide long-lasting mosquito protection. Permethrin can be used to treat gear, nets, and clothing, while picaridin can be used in place of DEET.
Insect repellents - Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals used in insecticides and work against a wide range of insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and ants.
Spider repellents - Pyrethrin sprays can be used outside or inside to knock down spiders immediately, while you can dust your home with deltamethrin for more long-lasting control.
General household insecticides - Some things you can keep around to help kill insects and other creepy crawlies include boric acid, Hydramethylnon, and indoxacarb.
When using any type of chemicals in your home to control insects, spiders, and mosquitoes, it’s important to use them smartly and safely. Make sure to read all the labels and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use them in well-ventilated areas and keep them locked away from children and pets.
Bites and stings from summer pests are sometimes just a part of life, but you don’t have to limit your time outdoors. Use a combination of smarts, natural remedies, and chemicals to help you have a few more fun, less itchy summer months.
The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.