MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Summer is right around the corner but many have already had to deal with one of the season’s more unwelcomed guests: Mosquitoes.

During the summer, the Harris Nature Center is one of several places Meridian Township residents can go to spend some time outdoors. But those who choose to walk on one of the nature trails may want to take precautions against mosquitoes before heading out, because the center does not use pesticides of any kind.

“We want everything to be as natural as possible. We’re promoting good, clean habitats for all of the animals and plants," Kit Rich, Senior Park Naturalist and Nature Center Coordinator, said.

Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile Virus, which could cause life-altering ailments. While there is no way to predict how many cases of the virus there will be, the Michigan Department of Community Health says if it is a dry summer, the number could be high.

“A few years ago we had a really dry summer, and the species that transmits West Nile does really well and it breeds really heavily in dry weather,” Public Information Officer Angela Minicuci said.

Although some websites suggest certain home remedies can work, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development say there is only one truly effective method for keeping mosquitoes away.

"The most recognized as effective means of repellent is to use a product with DEET in it," Pesticides Section Manager Brian Rowe said.

Rowe recommends wearing long-sleeves and lighter-colored clothing, if possible, if you plan on going outside, and says that home remedies such as putting a dryer sheet in your pocket could help. But, in the end, Rowe says the only foolproof way to avoid the bite is using insect repellent containing DEET and applying it according to the label instructions on the bottle.

"Anything from 10 to 30 percent range of DEET is what’s going to give you effective control. You can buy stronger than that but it may not be necessary," Rowe said. "For children, get something with 10 percent or less DEET in it and re-apply it as needed."

Rowe also recommends spraying insect repellents onto your clothing as opposed to underneath to avoid irritation.

"Your sweat pores might open up a little more, and it might lend itself to slightly more absorption on your skin,” Rowe said.

The Department of Community Health says that while there are generally sixty-plus mosquito species in Michigan, only one of those breeds can transmit West Nile Virus. They also recommend checking for holes in window screens to prevent mosquitoes from getting into your home.