Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitoes

Watching the sunset from your porch or taking a walk around the yard at night may become an unpleasant experience due to nasty mosquitoes flying around. That being said, it's our responsibility to control the blood-sucking pests around our properties and to protect our homes from them.

The good news is that you can protect yourself without the use of chemical repellents. When it comes to children, pregnant women, and people with sensitive skin in general,  natural repellents may be a safer option for outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, or just hanging out in the backyard.

In our comprehensive guide, you will find out how to get rid of mosquitos and stop them from biting you.

Check also: What Do Mosquitoes Bites Look Like

The best way to get rid of mosquitoes in your house

You're more likely to encounter mosquitoes in the yard than inside, but they can be annoying when they buzz around the house during the night. With that being said,  we have compiled this list of top solutions to repel mosquitoes inside your home:

Fix gaps in screens and doors.

Although it might sound a bit old-school, it makes perfect sense. If you don't want mosquitoes inside your house, just don’t let them in.

Insects and bugs can be controlled by repairing obvious gaps in your window screens and doors. Even a small tear can allow bugs to enter. You should install window screens if you don't already have them.

In addition to windows, doors are another point of entry for mosquitoes. Mice and other pests don't need a wide opening to enter, either. With a door strip or weather stripping, create a good barrier on the outside. This will additionally protect the home from cold and hot air, as well as other pests, such as rodents.

Use a mosquito net

Invest in a mosquito net for a night of better sleep. Drape the mosquito net evenly around your bed so that it touches the floor on all sides. Only this measure alone can effectively prevent the flying insects from biting you in your sleep, especially if there are open windows and doors nearby.

Essential oils

Some essential oils are known to repel mosquitoes, but they may not be as effective as traditional pesticides. The best option for you is to use essential oils that are made from lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus. Lemongrass, peppermint, clove, and tea tree oil are options, as well.

Simple prep work is required. Pour a few drops of your chosen essential oil into a spray bottle with water, shake it, and voilà! You have an anti-mosquito spray! It can be applied directly on your skin and around your house, but be careful with fabrics - you can stain them.

Candles

Citronella candles and lavender candles are very effective at repelling mosquitoes - the insects cannot stand the aroma. The downside of the method is that it works only against mosquitoes that are in close proximity to the candle. 

Another negative point to make is that you cannot keep mosquitoes out of your yard with them. While on the topic of ways to keep mosquitos out of your garden…

How to keep mosquitoes out of your yard

Water is essential to mosquitoes. The best method to decrease their population is to find and eliminate their breeding grounds. For this reason, you should remove any standing water.

Keep the yard tidy

Anything that holds water can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, whether natural or artificial. Small rainwater pools and irrigation that falls on leaves, palm fronds, and other yard debris, create the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Needless to say, you can prevent this by keeping the yard tidy. 

Additionally, don't leave pet bowls, furniture, candle holders, or other items where water can collect. Also, make sure to keep the gutters clean and well-maintained.

Use a fan

If you're sitting outside and want to keep mosquitoes away from you, turning on an ordinary household fan is probably the easiest method. It's best to use an oscillating fan to cover a large area, but a simple box fan will do the job.

The option is also very effective because it can disperse carbon dioxide, chemical cues, and odours mosquitoes use to locate and feed on hosts.

Install mosquito traps

By mimicking a person or animal, mosquito traps are designed to attract female mosquitoes. They combine several cues that mosquitoes usually use to detect people, such as light, colour, temperature, chemical odour, and carbon dioxide. Mosquito traps are available in a wide variety. The traps' effectiveness will be determined by how often they are maintained, what kind of attractant they use, and where they are placed.

When choosing one, the size of the area you want the mosquito trap to cover should always be considered. Outdoor traps, for example, typically attract the blood-feeding insects with ultraviolet light and carbon dioxide. Generally, they also have a larger capacity than indoor traps.

Mow your lawn regularly

Mosquitoes hate full sun; it can cause them dehydration problems, so they prefer tall grass and shrubs, where they can hide. Cut your lawn to the recommended height for the type of grass you have, and trim bushes around seating areas so the insects won't have a place to lay in wait for you.

Grow mosquito-deterrent plants

Mosquito repellents don't have to be just functional - they can be beautiful, too. Adding natural deterrents to your garden can help keep the insects at bay while enhancing your landscape. For mosquito control, you can grow the following plants: marigold, lavender, rosemary, basil, peppermint, sage, or citronella.

Opt for a professional mosquito control solution

Despite some possible success with DIY methods, it’s always best to hire a professional pest control company if you have bigger problems with mosquitoes.

Takeaways

• Keeping your garden tidy is the best way to keep mosquitoes away. Moreover, take care of places where mosquitoes can lay their eggs by eliminating water sources and mowing your lawn regularly;
• You can also install mosquito traps on your patio or around your backyard to control the insects;
• While some essential oils can repel mosquitoes, they may not be as effective as traditional pesticides;

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