Mosquito season is upon us. If you’re not ready, mosquitoes can invade your yard and ruin your outdoor activities. This article will help you learn how to keep mosquitoes away from your yard so that you can enjoy the outdoors all summer long!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so eliminating or treating standing water on your property is a crucial step in mosquito prevention. |
| Mosquitoes are attracted to certain scents, so using fragrant products like perfumes and lotions can make you more attractive to mosquitoes. |
| Wearing light-colored clothing and using mosquito repellents can help prevent mosquito bites. |
| Mosquitoes can transmit disease, so it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your family from these pests. |
| There are many natural and chemical solutions available for controlling and repelling mosquitoes. |
A Teaspoon Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Add a teaspoon or two to half a gallon of water, then spray this potent mixture on your plants. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural pesticide and has been shown to work well at keeping pesky mosquitoes away from your garden.
Place A Dryer Sheet In Your Pocket
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket.
Use this method during the morning or evening when mosquitoes are most active.
Leave the dryer sheet in your pocket for at least 4 hours before removing it, or until it falls out on its own.
If you’re planning on going somewhere where there will be lots of mosquitoes, like the beach or camping, consider leaving the dryer sheet in your pocket overnight so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting about it and getting bitten by bugs all day long!
Mosquitoes can be a nuisance and even a health hazard, but they don’t have to ruin your summer. Our easy guide on getting rid of mosquitoes can help you enjoy the outdoors without these pests.
Black Pepper And Lime
To make the best mosquito repellant powder, you’ll need:
- ½ cup of kosher salt
- ½ lime (freshly squeezed)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
With a mortar and pestle or food processor, combine all ingredients. Mix well until all clumps are broken down. Apply liberally to skin and clothing—you want this mixture on everywhere! The lime juice will help repel mosquitoes from landing on you.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is a natural mosquito repellent. It’s effective against mosquitoes, flies and other insects. In fact, it’s so effective that it can be used as an insect repellent spray on your skin or clothing. You can also use it to make a room or tent smell nice.
In the garden: Lavender oil is diluted with water in a spray bottle and sprayed around the perimeter of your yard where you don’t want mosquitoes to hang out (near your doors and windows).
When diluted with water, lavender oil does not have any harmful effects on plants or pets—but make sure you don’t accidentally get any on yourself!
Tea Tree Oil
Although tea tree oil has many uses, one of the most popular is as a mosquito repellent. The smell of the oil can make them think twice about approaching your yard.
To use it, simply mix 2-3 drops of essential tea tree oil into a quart of water and spray it on yourself or your clothes when you know there are going to be mosquitoes about.
If you find yourself with bites from these pesky insects after being out in the yard, tea tree oil can help soothe the irritation and reduce swelling. Simply apply 1 drop directly on each bite or sting and let air dry before covering with clothing again.
Tea tree oil also works great for treating insect bites such as those from ants or bees (not spiders!). It’s not recommended that you use this remedy for spiders because they secrete their own venom which may interact with some oils; however if you’re only dealing with an ant or bee bite then go ahead!
Mosquito bites can be itchy and annoying, but they don’t have to ruin your day. Check out our tips on getting rid of mosquito bites for quick relief from the discomfort.
Basil Leaves or Oil
- How to Use Basil Oil
Basil oil is easy to use and can be diluted with water, vinegar or alcohol (such as vodka) and sprayed on skin, clothes and your yard.
The oil should be stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight so it doesn’t spoil. You may want to use a spray bottle or add a few drops of lavender essential oil for its calming properties before spraying it onto your body or yard.
- How To Use Basil Leaves
Basil leaves can also be used as an insect repellent during the warmer months of the year. You can either hang them near doorways where you enter your house or make an infusion by adding basil leaves into boiling water for about 15 minutes before straining it into another container that can be stored in the refrigerator until ready for use (or until the plants die).
Garlic
In addition to adding garlic to your food, you can also use garlic as a natural repellent. Mosquitoes are very attracted to the smell of garlic, so they will stay away from it. You can use this method at home or when you’re outdoors.
To repel mosquitoes with garlic:
- Crush 5-6 cloves of garlic into a paste
- Apply the paste onto your body (don’t forget your wrists and ankles) in areas where mosquitoes tend to bite
Garlic is also known for repelling fleas and ticks!
Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. Our proven ways to keep mosquitoes away can help you protect yourself and your family from these pesky insects.
Vegetable Oil and Lemon Juice
If you’re looking for a natural remedy that will keep mosquitoes away from your yard and family, try this. Mix 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to your skin and clothes.
Be sure to put it on exposed areas such as the ankles, wrists, neck, ears and face. Wear loose clothing that allows air circulation so that the mosquitoes have no place to land on your body in order to get at their blood source (you).
Repeat this remedy twice daily for one week or two weeks if necessary until all signs of mosquito bites disappear on you!
| Solution | Description |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | Can be used as a base for homemade mosquito repellent. |
| Lemon juice | Can be added to vegetable oil to make a simple and effective repellent. |
Plant Catnip
Catnip is a safe, effective mosquito repellent that can be used on your own property. This plant can be planted in pots, in the ground, or even in hanging baskets (for those with limited space). It’s important to note that catnip is safe for children and pets!
Catnip leaves make a fragrant tea which can be enjoyed by humans and animals alike. If you’re looking for an all-natural mosquito repellent with no harmful chemicals or pesticides involved then this herb might just be the answer you’ve been looking for!
Sand fleas can be a problem for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts, but they don’t have to ruin your fun. Our guide on getting rid of sand fleas can help you enjoy your time outdoors without being bothered by these pests
Use Coffee Grounds On The Soil Around Your Plants.
Coffee grounds are a great natural fertilizer that can be used to control weeds and deter pests. They contain potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus—all essential nutrients for healthy plant growth.
Coffee grounds are also effective at repelling mosquitoes because they have a strong odor that insects dislike. If you’re looking for an easy way to keep mosquitoes away from your yard this summer, try adding coffee grounds on the soil around your plants!
Wear Long Sleeves And Pants When Outdoors.
Practical and comfortable clothing is a must. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts with pants that are tucked in. This will protect you from mosquitoes and ticks well. When using repellent, it should be sprayed on your clothes as well as on exposed skin to provide protection against bites all day long.
You can also use an insect repellent patch or bracelet that contains the active ingredient DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide).
These types of products have been found to be effective when used sparingly according to label instructions, but they may cause irritation if used excessively or incorrectly.
Set Up A Fan In The Backyard To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Guests
A simple solution to keep mosquitoes away from your yard is to set up a fan in the backyard. A fan will help to keep mosquitoes away from your yard, as well as keeping them off of you and your guests.
You may want to set up a table next to the fan for guests who would rather not sit on their butts for hours on end, or simply place it in front of them so they don’t have far to go when they want another beer or refill on their lemonade.
Keeping mosquitoes at bay doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals and expensive products. Our easy and effective mosquito repellent guide offers natural solutions to help you repel mosquitoes without harming the environment.
Conclusion
So there you have it! All the tips and tricks to keep mosquitoes away from your yard. Now that you know all the ways to protect yourself from these pesky pests, you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about getting bitten.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about mosquito control:
How to Stop Mosquitoes from Invading Your Home: This guide from Wirecutter provides in-depth information on how to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home and yard.
8 Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Backyard Party: Food & Wine offers tips on how to keep mosquitoes away from your backyard gatherings without using harsh chemicals.
How to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Home: Ortho provides guidance on how to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and protect your home from these insects.
FAQs
What is the best time of day to avoid mosquito bites?
Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so it’s best to avoid spending time outdoors during these times if possible.
What should I do if I get a mosquito bite?
Clean the bite with soap and water and apply an ice pack or cold cloth to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter creams and ointments can also help relieve itching.
What type of clothing should I wear to avoid mosquito bites?
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants can provide a physical barrier between you and mosquitoes. Light-colored clothing is also preferable, as mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colors.
What are some natural ways to repel mosquitoes?
Citronella candles, essential oils (such as lavender and peppermint), and certain plants (such as marigolds and lemongrass) can all help naturally repel mosquitoes.
Can mosquitoes transmit diseases?
Yes, mosquitoes can transmit a variety of diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. It’s important to take steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites if you live in an area where these diseases are prevalent.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I write about how to keep pests from invading your home. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in pest control and am excited to share my expertise with you!
