There are two types of people in this world. Those who can enjoy outdoor summer activities without getting a single mosquito bite and those who can’t walk outside without becoming a feast for mosquitoes. Unfortunately, I fall into the second camp. Tanner can be outside for hours doing yard work without getting a single bite while I walk outside and have 5 bites in 5 minutes. This is so frustrating because I really like to be outside as much as possible during the summer but I get eaten alive!
We have this great little pond in our backyard with a relaxing fountain. We’ve also made our back deck a festive place to hang out by adding a grill, a patio table, candles, twinkle lights, a chiminea and my herb garden.
Typically, this is the time of year when I have to move my outdoor hangouts inside due to mosquitoes but this summer has been different thanks to Orkin Pest Control. A few weeks ago an Orkin technician came by to work with me on a mosquito treatment for our yard. First, we walked the property and he helped me identify any areas that might promote mosquito breeding and gave me suggestions on how to remedy the problem areas. Then he treated the yard. I had to keep the dogs inside for one hour after the treatment but we were good to go afterwards.
I have been surprised by how well the treatment worked. While Orkin says that they can never completely eradicate mosquitoes in your yard, they can reduce the number by breaking the life cycle and treating where the mosquitoes live and breed. I really appreciate that it’s not just a spray and go but that they really work with you on the steps you can take as well.
I’ve been able to comfortably sit outside in the mornings and evenings with no mosquito problems. Usually these are the times of day that I just can’t be outside no matter how many citronella candles I burn unless I douse myself in bug spray…and that’s no fun. I have especially enjoyed having breakfast outside. The fresh air is a wonderful start to the day.
Evenings have also been spent outside and I’m starting to venture into learning how to grill on a charcoal grill. (My dad is proud…and has to answer a lot of questions!)
We have this great little Weber Performer Deluxe charcoal grill with a one-touch gas start. It’s super convenient, easy to use and I think nothing compares to food grilled over charcoal. I can’t wait to have friends over for a barbecue and impress them with my grilling skills. 🙂
I’m happy that the Orkin Mosquito treatment has let us enjoy more time outdoors. While it is always annoying to deal with mosquito bites, I am on extra high alert this summer due to the Zika virus. I knew about the current travel advisories due to Zika but I can’t say it was on my radar as a concern here at home until physical in May. My doctor suggested having our yard treated as a precaution even though there haven’t been any locally transmitted cases because there is just so much that is unknown about the Zika virus.
The treatment that we received lasts for about a month and we’ll have another done in July.
We are all looking forward to spending as much time outdoors as possible with less mosquitoes this summer!
Do mosquitoes love you or leave you alone?
What are your favorite backyard outdoor activities during the summer?
Do you enjoy grilling or does your significant other do it?
This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of Orkin. All thoughts, experiences and opinions are my own.
