Where did everyone go?
We have all been there — enjoying a nice, outdoor gathering of friends or family on your deck when the uninvited guests begin to show up. They will begin to make themselves known one or two at a time until dusk arrives and you and your guests are forced indoors. On such a lovely night, with the moon all aglow and the grilling underway, the mosquitoes arrive to steal the show.
Mosquitoes function best at 80o F, become lethargic at 60o F, and cannot function below 50o F. With our warm temperatures here in the Columbia area, spring through fall are the most active times for mosquitoes. Keep in mind that despite what you may have thought to be true about mosquitoes, certain species such as the Asian Tiger mosquito actually bite during the day making it difficult to plan an outdoor event around their feeding schedule.
Here in our area, not only are mosquitoes a nuisance, but they are also responsible for mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis, and other California serogroup viruses, Saint Louis encephalitis virus, and dog/cat heartworms. According to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, mosquito control agencies throughout South Carolina are responsible for providing mosquito control to help protect residents from annoying bites and diseases. You can also help protect your family’s health by using safe mosquito repellents and by eliminating mosquito breeding sites on your property.
In many cases, especially on properties close to wooded or low-lying areas or near a creek or water source, mosquitoes can be difficult to control in your outdoor living space if your property is not properly treated. However, there are ways to overcome these pests without sacrificing your enjoyment. Consider the addition of a protected outdoor living structure such as a screened porch.
Not only will a screened porch addition keep the bugs that are bugging you at bay, but it will also deliver immense benefits protecting beyond the bite. It will allow for uninterrupted time outdoors during inclement weather and also serve as a refuge from the heat. Those homeowners who have outdoor allergies or conditions limiting sun exposure can still enjoy the benefits of their backyard without putting their health in jeopardy.
Beyond offering you and your family protection from the “bite,” a screened porch is also versatile, making it exceptionally popular among SC homeowners for many reasons. When created with multiple zones for relaxing and entertaining, the screened porch can be the perfect spot to give you a little more solitude, calm, and quiet. Additionally, this outdoor room, while still letting you feel you are savoring the natural world outside, is just right for accommodating parties and more informal socializing. Pair the screened porch with a deck or patio and you have an outdoor living space combination giving you the best of both worlds; protected areas and open spaces!
Interior of gable roof aluminum screened porch in Lexington, SC.
As the area’s premier outdoor living space contractor, we would enjoy the opportunity to work with you to translate your outdoor living visions into a design that will fit the way your family wants to enjoy the outdoors. Our commitment to excellence in outdoor structure design and building ensures your project will bring enjoyment and pride for many years to come!
The Archadeck of Central SC team – Mike Reu, Marshall Reu and Tucker Reu.
Call Archadeck of Central South Carolina at (803) 784-1566 today for a free design consultation or email us at centralsc@archadeck.net.
