•  Make sure you change the water in kid's paddling pools and bird baths regularely. Mosquitoes and other insects breed in any form of stagnant water. 
•  
• Check and empty anything that will hold a little water such as a sagging boat tarp, garbage can lids, flowerpots, pet dishes, toys, puddles on the side of the road, or anything that can hold a little water for more than two days.
•  
• Clean rain gutters so water doesn't collect.
•  
• Keep the lawn and tall growth cut short because they like shade to rest in when it's hot. 
•  
• Check all your screens for damage, and keep doors closed as much as possible.
•  
• Replace outdoor lights with yellow bulbs.
•  
• When trying to enjoy the outdoors, sit in a breezy area if possible.
•  
• Use an area repellent such as citronella candles.
•  
• Schedule the kids birthday party at noon.  The pesky bugs usually feed at dawn or dusk.  Tell the kids to wear light colored clothing.  Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
•  
• Change your scented shampoos or lotions to a lighter fragrance or unscented product during the summer.  Mosquitoes love perfume and sweet smells.
•  
• Use some type of bug repellent if necessary. Natural repellents such as Citronella (which is an extract of lemongrass), geranium oil or eucalyptus extract will all repel insects.
•  
• You can also grow a plant called Lemon Thyme (Thymus X citriodorus) which has 62 percent of the repellency of DEET.  No plant will deter mosquitoes by just sitting there.  You must crush some leaves to release their sweet-smelling natural insect repellents.  You can also rub the crushed leaves on your skin.  (Make sure you are not allergic to these leaves first by testing a small amount on your inner forearm .)
•  
• Of course you can use a DEET-based repellent which unfortunately works best on the little beasts, but we suggest you be careful with the stuff.

_____________________