2026-07-22T08:01:00
(BPT) – This summer, Americans are embracing a slower pace, choosing simple outdoor moments closer to home over packed itineraries and expensive vacations. Recent data shows that 42% of homeowners[1] would rather invest in an outdoor oasis than take a vacation, while others are seeking out one-hour outdoor escapes[2] closer to home — meaning more leisure time is being spent in backyards, neighborhood parks, at community events and on the patio.
At the same time, summer also brings a familiar desire to slow down, minimize everyday distractions and make the most of uninterrupted time outside. Unfortunately, mosquitoes have a way of pulling people out of those moments. Whether it’s swatting mosquitoes during a youth sports game, interrupting a conversation on the patio or sending everyone inside sooner than planned, even small interruptions caused by mosquitoes can make it harder to simply enjoy being outside and may cause some to head indoors instead.
The good news? Mosquito protection and quality time outdoors don’t have to be complicated. Understanding where mosquitoes can show up and creating a mosquito protection zone before everyone settles in can help keep summer escapes on track.
According to Dr. Tom Mascari, entomologist at the SC Johnson Center for Insect Science, “Mosquitoes can develop in surprisingly small amounts of water, as little as a tablespoon. I think of mosquito control as a layered approach: be aware of breeding sites, protect the spaces where you spend time outdoors, and take additional steps when needed.”
To keep the focus on enjoying summer, Dr. Mascari shares a few simple habits to keep mosquitoes from ruining the summer fun:
1. Check the mosquito forecast before making outdoor plans.
Planning a cookout, picnic or evening at the park? Before heading outside, check your local OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast. By entering a ZIP code, it provides a seven-day forecast of mosquito activity in your area to help people better plan around their outdoor activities. The forecast uses weather data powered by The Weather Company and was validated by mosquito data from thousands of U.S. locations.
2. Know when mosquitoes are most active.
Many mosquito species are most active at dusk and dawn — the same time families are often enjoying time on the patio, taking evening walks or spending time at youth sports games. It’s important to be mindful of these peak mosquito hours and plan accordingly to help stay protected from mosquito bites.
3. Create a mosquito protection zone around the places you gather.
An easy way to reduce mosquito bites is to protect the space around you before mosquitoes become a nuisance. Although on-skin repellents are a good option, some consumers prefer solutions that don’t require skin application. Area repellents can help create a protective zone around patios, picnic blankets, sports sidelines and other shared outdoor spaces before mosquitoes interrupt the moment.
New this season, OFF!® Area Repellent is the bug spray you don’t put on — offering fast and easy zone coverage that keeps mosquitoes six feet away for up to six hours when used as directed. Voted the 2026 Product of the Year USA winner in the Outdoor Mosquito Repellent category[3], OFF!® Area Repellent offers a convenient way to help protect shared outdoor spaces.
With a simple spray that creates a protective zone around outdoor areas, it delivers effective, portable mosquito protection around patios, picnic blankets, campsites, sports sidelines and more so mosquitoes don’t interrupt your personal space when outdoors.
4. Dress smart.
Wearing long sleeves and long pants provides a physical barrier that can make it harder for mosquitoes to reach your skin. Light-colored fabrics are also especially helpful because mosquitoes are generally more attracted to darker colors.
5. Don’t forget the fan.
Whether you’re hosting in the backyard or heading to the park or sports sidelines, a portable fan can do more than help everyone stay cool on hot summer days; they can also help make outdoor spaces less inviting to mosquitoes.
According to Dr. Tom Mascari, “Mosquitoes aren’t particularly strong fliers, so increasing airflow around patios and outdoor seating areas can make it harder for them to land.”
From neighborhood cookouts and park picnics to cheering from the sidelines, simple mosquito prevention habits can go a long way. By planning ahead, dressing for the occasion and creating a mosquito protection zone with OFF!® Area Repellent you can spend less time swatting bugs and more time making the memories that define summer.
For more information about OFF!® Area Repellent and to check your local mosquito forecast, visit OFF.com.
[1] Source: Bromic Heating USA survey. Atomik Research conducted an online survey on behalf of Bromic Heating USA of 2,002 U.S. adults who own a single-family home. Fieldwork was conducted in 2025. The margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.
[2] Source: Retrospec. “The Micro-Adventure Resolution: How Americans Plan One-Hour Outdoor Escapes in 2026.”
[3] Product of the Year USA: Based on a 2026 Kantar survey of 40,000 American shoppers https://productoftheyearusa.com/rules
