Protect yourself from mosquitoes
Georgia’s drought kept mosquitoes at bay. But an abundance of rain and warm weather has sparked dormant eggs to hatch.

“As long as these mosquitoes keep laying eggs the problem will continue,” said Elmer Gray, an entomologist with UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Georgia is home to 63 mosquito species. To control them in general, eliminate standing water and spray areas with pesticides. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Limiting exposure during peak times is recommended. Most homeowners can’t do much to control mosquito breeding in wild areas, but they can limit mosquitoes around the house by diligently getting rid of places where the larvae develop, like the water in toys, tarps, boats or buckets.

Other tips include securing window screens, keeping vegetation trimmed, using barrier sprays on plants and entryways and using propane- or electric-powered sprayers known as burgess foggers.

Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing helps. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing and the human silhouette and sense body heat, which helps them locate blood.

The most effective technique for preventing mosquito bites is the proper use of insect repellents, according to Gray, who recommends products containing DEET.