In most areas around the Chesapeake Bay (waterfront, forests, wetlands, etc.), there are biting and stinging critters (mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, horse/deer flies, greenheads, midges, and other insects and arachnids). There’s not much we can do about it other than to protect our bodies without harming the natural environment. 

We get it. Mosquito bites are annoying and even painful, but the spraying that many counties and private companies do to eradicate mosquitoes is not the answer. Spraying also kills butterflies, bees, dragonflies, and other insects. 

If you live in Maryland, you can ask that your property be exempt from spraying. The spraying kills wildlife habitat and pollinators, like butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and the insects that birds need for survival…not just mosquitoes. If you love living near the Chesapeake Bay as much as we do, please request an exemption. 

Tips you can take around your home

• Avoid using insecticides 
• Remove standing water  
• Use fans
• Apply insect repellent without diethyltoluamide (DEET) in accordance with label instructions. Consult a physician before applying products to young children.
• Avoid mosquito-infested areas and times of peak mosquito activity around dusk, dawn, and night.
• Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas

Here’s an interesting study from the Xerces Society

And an article from the NWF blog.