It’s that time of year again: the bugs are out in full force, and they’re not afraid to get up close and personal. If you’re like most people—and this includes myself—you hate mosquitoes with a fiery passion. The buzzing, biting critters seem to enjoy tormenting us even more than we enjoy swatting them away (which is saying something).
But it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are some easy ways for making sure your yard is mosquito-free for good.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Use mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR 3535 |
| – Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover your skin |
| – Install screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out |
| – Remove standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed |
| – Use a fan to create a breeze that will keep mosquitoes away |
| – Burn citronella candles or use citronella oil to deter mosquitoes |
| – Apply essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus to your skin |
| – Keep your yard tidy and well-maintained to discourage mosquitoes from breeding |
| – Sleep under a mosquito net when camping or sleeping outdoors. |
Wear Bug Repellent
There are two basic types of mosquito repellents: chemical and natural (or physical). Chemical repellents typically include DEET (which stands for “diethyltoluamide”) and Picaridin, while physical repellents can be in a lotion, spray or vapor form.
Most people will tell you that the best way to keep mosquitoes away is by using a combination of chemical and natural methods, but we’ll focus on the most effective options for this article.
If you want to get technical about it, DEET has been shown to be more effective than Picaridin at repelling mosquitoes in some studies — but many people prefer not to use chemicals so they choose Picaridin instead.
If you’re going with a chemical based product like DEET or Picaridin then apply it directly onto your skin (ideally after showering) before heading out into mosquito territory — don’t forget behind ears and toes!
Reapply every 3 hours if possible since mosquitoes have an annoying habit of coming back after being driven away temporarily by these products if they don’t land on something else first…and remember not apply too often because that’s when side effects start showing up too!
If you’re tired of dealing with mosquitoes and want to get rid of them for good, check out our easy guide on how to get rid of mosquitoes. With simple steps and effective methods, you can finally say goodbye to these pesky insects for good.
Make Your Yard Mosquito-Proof
Here are some quick tips to keep mosquitoes away:
Keep water away from your house. If you have a bird bath or fountain, be sure to empty it regularly, and keep the basin dry.
Mow your lawn regularly and keep it neat. Tall blades of grass provide shelter for mosquitoes, who lay eggs there in large numbers.Trim any shrubbery that’s close to your house or patio, as well as trees that hang over areas where people spend time outside. This will help prevent mosquitoes from breeding in these areas near the home.
Don’t leave porch lights on at night—they attract insects like moths and other flying insects that also provide food for mosquitoes during daylight hours too!
Don’t leave garbage out overnight–it attracts rodents which make tasty snacks for hungry mosquitoes looking for protein sources after dark!
Plug In A Mosquito Trap
Mosquito traps are a way to catch mosquitoes so you can dispose of them. There are two types of mosquito traps: electric and chemical.
Electric mosquito traps attract mosquitoes using ultraviolet light, while chemical mosquito traps attract them using carbon dioxide and octenol.
Electrical mosquito traps use ultraviolet light as bait to trap the unsuspecting creatures and release them into an open container where they will die in less than 24 hours if not released. Some models include a collection tray that allows you to easily dispose of the dead insects without having to touch them at all!
Keeping mosquitoes away is key to enjoying your time outdoors. Our proven ways to keep mosquitoes away will help protect you and your family from the annoyance and potential health risks caused by mosquito bites
Burn Some Sage
Sage is a flowering plant that’s known for its use as an herbal remedy. It has a pleasant aroma and can be used as an ingredient in cooking or to make teas, but it also works as an all-natural mosquito repellent.
If you have sage growing in your yard, pick some leaves and rub them on your skin. Sage is also great when burned in a diffuser or even simply lit on fire outside.
You can also mix it with other herbs such as citronella grass (also known as lemon balm) to make a smudge stick that will keep away pests from gathering around you!
Boost Your Immune System
Mosquitoes are attracted to people who smell good (i.e., like a blood-filled buffet), so if you want them to leave you alone, smell less appetizing by boosting your immune system. Here’s how:
Eat healthy food and exercise regularly. Sleep at least seven hours a night and take vitamins daily (they boost the body’s natural defenses).
Drink plenty of water every day as well—it helps flush toxins out of the body and keep organs running smoothly—and avoid alcohol; it lowers blood pressure and slows down the heart rate, making it easier for mosquitoes to find their prey
Having trouble repelling mosquitoes and keeping them out of your home? Our easy and effective guide on how to repel mosquitoes provides tips and tricks on how to keep these pests away naturally so that you can enjoy a mosquito-free environment.
Run Away From Mosquitoes
If you find yourself being attacked, run in the opposite direction of mosquitoes. Avoid standing water areas, as they are a prime source for mosquito breeding.
Wear long sleeves and pants (preferably white or light colors) when outside during dusk and dawn times.
Make sure to wear shoes when out walking. It’s also important to avoid perfumes, colognes and scented lotions as mosquitoes are attracted by these scents just as much as they’re attracted to blood.
By following these guidelines you’ll be able to avoid getting bitten by pesky mosquitos!
Get Rid Of Standing Water
The most effective way to get rid of mosquitoes is to avoid creating standing water. This means you should take care to not leave any containers with water sitting around, such as vases and flowerpots or even plastic milk jugs.
Also be sure to clean out buckets, kiddie pools and birdbaths regularly so they don’t collect rainwater. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, so eliminating these habitats will help keep the population down in your yard.
Mosquitoes are attracted by dark areas; therefore it’s important that you keep outdoor lighting on at night as much as possible during mosquito season (this includes porch lights).
If possible avoid using decorative lights made from glass globes since these attract bugs because of their glass walls which make them look like a mirror reflecting light outwards (think disco ball).
Mosquitoes prefer still water over moving bodies of water because it requires less energy for them to fly through it than over waves or currents; however if there are no other options available then standing pools may work well enough!
| No. | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. | Remove water from flower pots, bird baths, swimming pool covers, and other items around the yard that can collect standing water. |
| 2. | Empty and clean pet water dishes and change the water at least once a week. |
| 3. | Keep your gutters clean and unclogged to prevent water buildup. |
| 4. | Fix any leaky pipes or faucets that are causing water to accumulate. |
| 5. | Use a mosquito dunk, a small tablet that releases a bacteria that kills mosquito larvae, in any areas of standing water that cannot be easily drained. |
You can also install small fountains if necessary though this may not suffice given how large some lakes can be – so if possible try avoiding them altogether!
Mosquito bites can be itchy, painful, and even dangerous. Fortunately, our easy tips on how to get rid of mosquito bites can help you alleviate the symptoms and keep your skin healthy and smooth
Create A Mosquito-Repelling Brew
There are a few simple ways you can create your own mosquito spray that will keep mosquitoes at bay. The easiest method is to add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, or citronella oil to a spray bottle filled with water.
Shake the bottle well and then spritz it in the air around you as needed throughout the day. If you don’t want to make your own mosquito repellent, there are also many commercial brands available online and at stores like Wal-Mart.
Plant Some Marigolds Or Catnip Or Both!
If you want to plant some marigolds or catnip in your yard, that’s great! Marigolds are particularly good at repelling mosquitoes, and catnip is also an option. If you have both growing in the same area, it will be even more effective at keeping them away.
Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your yard and outdoor activities. Our solved guide on how to keep mosquitoes away from your yard will provide you with easy-to-follow steps to make your outdoor spaces mosquito-free
Try Lemongrass, Basil And Thyme
Lemongrass, basil and thyme are all great mosquito repellents. Lemon eucalyptus is also a good choice. Other plants that repel mosquitoes include catnip, lavender, rosemary, sage, citronella and geranium.
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some ideas on how to get rid of mosquitoes. Remember, there are many ways to control the pests and it doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. We wish everyone a mosquito-free summer!
Further reading
Controlling Mosquitoes at Home: CDC’s guide provides tips and strategies for controlling mosquitoes in your home and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes: This guide from NG Pest Control offers detailed information and expert tips for getting rid of mosquitoes around your home or business.
How to Keep Mosquitoes Away: Taste of Home’s guide offers natural and effective ways to keep mosquitoes away from your yard, patio, and outdoor living space.
FAQs
How to get rid of mosquitoes at home?
- Clean up areas with standing water where mosquitoes breed.
- Use insecticidal sprays or foggers to kill adult mosquitoes indoors.
- Use mosquito nets or screens on windows and doors.
- Use essential oils or mosquito-repelling plants in and around the home.
What are some effective natural remedies for repelling mosquitoes?
- Apply essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus to your skin.
- Burn citronella candles or use citronella oil to deter mosquitoes.
- Plant mosquito-repelling herbs like basil, lemongrass, and catnip in your garden.
- Use a fan to create a breeze that will keep mosquitoes away.
What should you wear to protect against mosquito bites?
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover as much skin as possible.
- Choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear mosquito repellent on exposed skin and clothing.
How can you treat mosquito bites?
- Wash the affected area with soap and water.
- Apply an anti-itch cream or calamine lotion.
- Use a cold compress to soothe the skin.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
What are some ways to prevent mosquito bites outdoors?
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers most of your skin.
- Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin and clothing.
- Avoid being outside during peak mosquito hours, such as at dawn and dusk.
- Use mosquito nets or screens when sleeping outdoors.
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!
