Any tips for warding off mosquito bites this summer? Or, and probably more importantly, making them go away once you get them?

Good question. Ask DCist’s #1 tip for warding off mosquitoes is to not build a city on a swamp. But since none of us had much to do with that fateful decision, the mosquito battle must be fought on a daily basis all summer long.

First, ensure that your backyards or direct surrounds do not harbor standing water, where mosquito breeding thrives.

Second, let’s look at prevention. Ask DCist uses citronella tiki torches in our backyard. Citronella candles offer backyard evening ambience with mosquito defense. We have learned, however, that when employing citronella candles (or similar variety of burning pots of smoke) don’t cheap out and try to buy only a few. If the package says every five feet, put one every five feet! And throw in a few extra for measure. Ask DCist has had the best success with placing candles at various heights (ankle, table, and shoulder) to get the most effective coverage.