Nothing screams mosquito season like the soft buzz in your ear that follows you around throughout your day. We get it – mosquitoes aren’t a friend to anyone. So, with summer well on its way, what can you do to keep these bugs at bay?

While mosquitoes only grow to be between 3 to 9 mm, these pests pack on enormous risks for you and your family. As one of the deadliest creatures on earth, mosquitoes can transmit several dangerous illnesses to humans, including West Nile virus, malaria and Zika virus.

Most commonly found near ponds, marshes, swamps and other wetland habitats, mosquitoes can also thrive in a number of other locations. When surveying your home or business for potential hot spots for these insects, keep an eye out for any standing water around the property. All it takes is a few millimetres of standing water for mosquitoes to have the necessary conditions to breed, so be vigilant about removing potential breeding grounds like puddles, standing water in bird baths, clogged gutters and buckets holding rainwater.

If you’re tired of the itchy, red bites that mosquitoes can inflict, take extra care to keep mosquitoes at bay. To avoid becoming a snack for these thirsty pests, use bug repellant and wear long sleeves and pants to protect yourself and others from an unwelcome invader.

Be prepared to fend off these feisty fiends this summer. Check out Orkin Canada’s “Beat Mosquitoes Before They Bite” for more tips on how to defend your property against this nasty summer pest.