How to Handle “Heatwave Heathens” When It’s Hotter Than…

Why are mosquitos and other flying bugs more prevalent and annoying in summer than in other months? 

It’s mainly because most of them either hibernate or die when the weather gets cold. And because when the weather is warm, we humans tend to spend more time outdoors. 

What about when it gets really hot? Like in the upper 80s, 90s and even into three digits? Well, those temperatures usually result in fewer sources of moisture for bugs.

And that means they’re even hungrier for your blood than before. Plus, they’re now seeking shelter they didn’t need before. Which means they’ll get inside your home if they can. 

Highs in triple digits

The United States has had its share of heat waves this past spring and during the summer. And there is plenty of opportunity for more sweltering heat over the next couple of months.

Just recently, temperatures skyrocketed to 111 degrees Fahrenheit in Lawton, Oklahoma. As well as 110 in Abilene, Texas. Not to mention triple digits in Austin and San Antonio, Texas, and in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

But it wasn’t just the South that saw blistering heat. They’ve experienced high 90s in Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and New York City.

A heat emergency was declared in Boston and a heat caution was declared in Philadelphia. Residents were warned to stay indoors as much as possible.

Disease-carrying pests 

Now, even if most of the U.S. experiences only average heat the rest of the summer, mosquitos and other flying bugs will continue to be a big problem.

They love warm weather and they love to reproduce. That does not bode well for humans. Even if these bugs were only annoying pests that caused itching, they’d be worth trying to avoid.

But some of them also carry diseases they can transmit to humans and animals. Including West Nile virus, heartworm, malaria, dengue fever and chikungunya. And there’s no way to know whether a bug is dangerous. They don’t carry signs. Any bite could make you sick or worse.  

In a moment I’m going to let you in on a great way to control these pests in your backyard and at a campsite. First, though, here’s a quick refresher course on avoiding and treating mosquito bites.

Avoiding mosquito bites 

Use a mosquito repellent. There are over-the-counter sprays and rub-ons containing DEET. If you want to avoid that chemical, make your own concoction. 

Mosquitos aim for thin-skinned areas because they can get to your blood easier. Apply the repellent to exposed areas of skin. Focus on your feet, ankles, lower legs and wrists.

Bugs are also attracted to dark colors. Wear light-colored clothing when you’re outdoors. Long sleeves and pants can be helpful for avoiding bites. A thicker fabric with a looser fit is preferable to tight-fitting, thin fabrics.

Avoid the outdoors around dawn and dusk. That way your blood won’t be available to them during their favorite parts of the day. When indoors, keep windows closed. Make sure screens don’t have holes in them. 

Treating mosquito bites 

Scratching mosquito bites usually makes them itch more and longer. That’s not a good “treatment.”

If you break the skin while scratching, you can expose yourself to an additional infection. Wash the area with soap and water, then cover it with a bandage.

Ice will slow blood flow to the area, thereby reducing inflammation and swelling. Apply aloe vera directly to the bite to relieve itching and discomfort. Or press a steeped chamomile tea bag to your bite.

Some folks apply other items to their bites. Including honey, vinegar and even an oatmeal paste. Others like to use hydrocortisone cream or take an antihistamine.  

BugOUT Solar Lantern

As we’ve seen, mosquitos and other bugs can be very annoying when we’re trying to enjoy the outdoors. And spread disease, both to us and to our pets.

So, let’s keep them at bay the rest of the summer and this fall. My suggestion for accomplishing that task is the BugOUT Solar Lantern from 4Patriots. 

It’s lightweight (just one pound) but does the job. We call it the king of bug-zappers. With its solar panel, the BugOUT Solar Lantern charges in the sun.

And it’s rainproof and water-resistant. It both attracts and kills bugs. Without using pesticides or chemicals. And it cleans itself every 72 hours.

Buy 3, Get 1 FREE + a $80.00 OFF Unexpected Discount

The BugOUT Solar Lantern features three different light settings and serves as a decorative light. You can take this compact, portable lantern anywhere you go. It has a convenient handle so you can hang it on a tree branch at your campsite or on a clothesline in your backyard.

So you may want to pick up several of them. And right now is a great time to do just that because we’re offering a Buy 3, Get 1 Free deal. 

And right now, there’s a bulk discount, too. You’ll save $80.00 when you claim the Best Deal. But we're not sure how long we can keep that up. 

Protect yourself, your backyard guests and your pets with the BugOUT Solar Lantern.

Here’s how to get yours…