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Although most people who get the Zika virus have no symptoms or just mild symptoms, the potential for serious complications such as birth defects in newborns and neurological effects in adults is more than enough reason to avoid the mosquitoes that carry the virus.

While many mosquitoes hide until dusk to come out and bite, the species of mosquito that carries the Zika virus is active during the day as well as at night. That means you have to be on guard 24 hours a day during mosquito season.

Protecting yourself from mosquito bites is a combination of personal protection and habitat control. Here are some tips that should help.

Use Approved Bug Repellents and Barriers

Buy mosquito repellent that has been approved by the EPA for effectiveness and safety. Avoid using home remedies that are not proven to work because you want to be sure the mosquitoes won't bite.

Use the product according to the directions on the label, especially when applying them to your kids. If you're going camping or hiking, you may want to invest in clothing that has been treated with permethrin for added protection.

Permethrin is an insecticide that you can use to treat your clothing and tent before you go camping, or you can buy clothing that is already treated with it for the purpose of repelling mosquitoes.

Wear long sleeves and long pants when you are in an area where mosquitoes could be present. Sleep under mosquito netting when you go camping. You can even put netting over your bed at home if you are concerned about mosquitoes on your property.

Eliminate Their Breeding and Hiding Places

You can make your yard less inviting to mosquitoes by limiting the places they can hide and breed. Be especially careful about standing water because it doesn't take much at all to attract mosquitoes.

The females lay their eggs near any kind of stagnant water such as rain collected in a flower pot or toys left in the yard. Empty all water after it rains so the pot or other object can dry out and not provide life support for breeding mosquitoes.

Also, keep your lawn trimmed so there will be less shade for the insects to hide in during the heat of the day. Always use screens on your windows and repair holes when they develop. Fill other cracks and holes around windows or doors that allow the tiny insects to fly through when they are attracted by light at night.

Be careful about leaving a light on right by your door because the insects are attracted to it and then easily slip inside when you open the door. Consider motion-detecting lights instead or yellow lights that don't attract mosquitoes.

Have Your Yard Treated by a Professional

There are various ways to treat your property for mosquitoes. If you have a small pond, dunks may be used that kill off the mosquito larvae when the eggs hatch. Another option is a barrier spray the exterminator applies to plants and bushes in your yard.

The repellent clings to the leaves and works for a few weeks to keep mosquitoes away. You'll need repeat treatments for the results to last all through the season. The chemicals are safe to use around kids and pets and they may also keep other annoying insects away as well.

Having your property treated makes a big difference in the number of mosquitoes you'll see in your yard. You and your kids can play and work outside without constant worry about mosquitoes and the Zika virus.

If you want to keep mosquitoes out of your yard and reduce the potential risk of being exposed to the Zika virus, then call Area Wide Exterminators for professional treatment that controls mosquitoes and other annoying insect pests.