Mosquitoes are by far the worst part of summer. You’re trying to enjoy a nice evening outside, and there they are, constantly trying to bite you. You want to get rid of them, but you don’t always want to spray a harsh chemical like DEET. So, are there any other at-home remedies for mosquitoes that really work?
At-home remedies for mosquitoes that work include making your own bug spray, dumping any standing water in your yard, using citronella candles, and installing screens on your windows and doors. You can also wear darker colors and avoid being outside at dusk at dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
Ready to make your own at-home remedies for mosquitoes that actually work? Let’s take a look at how you can do so and which remedies might work best for your family.
Before you go out to buy a chemical bug spray to ward off mosquitoes, there are several at-home remedies you can try:
DIY Bug Spray
One option is to make your own bug spray. There are actually several at-home spices and liquids that mosquitoes don’t like. Mix a few of these together, and you’ll have your very own bug spray to use to repel mosquitoes.
Install Screens
Opening your windows to allow in an evening breeze can help keep your place nice and cool in the summer. But it can also let all sorts of mosquitoes in.
Take the time to install bug screens on all your doors and windows in order to minimize the number of mosquitoes getting into your home. You can also use an outdoor screen for your patio area to minimize mosquitoes there.
There are even some screens that can be installed over an open doorway. These are held together with magnets, making it easy for people and pets to walk through while still keeping mosquitoes and other pests out.
Citronella Candles
Citronella candles (on Amazon) are a well-known mosquito repellent. Placing a few of these on your table, patio, and kitchen can go a long way towards keeping them out of your home.
How to Make Your Own Bug Repellent
Have you decided to go with the DIY bug spray option mentioned above? Here’s how you make it.
You’ll need:
Water
1 small onion, chopped
1 head of garlic, chopped
4 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
Mix all of the above ingredients with 4 cups of water. Then, put the mixture in a spray bottle. Any leftovers should be placed in an airtight jar.
Spray the homemade bug spray near where your children play or where the adults sit and chat. Do not spray this mixture on yourself or anyone else.
How to Prepare Your Yard for Mosquito Season
If creating a spray sounds like too much of a hassle, there are a few other things you can do to keep mosquitoes from being attracted to your yard during the summer season.
Dump Standing Water
Mosquitoes need standing water to reproduce, and if your yard has none, it will ensure there isn’t a breeding ground right outside your door. Dump any sources of standing water and overturn any buckets or pots that could hold standing water after a storm.
This includes children’s toys, like buckets and shovels, that are frequently left outside. Encourage your children to store these where they won’t catch water or bring them inside after each use.
If you have a birdbath or fountain you want to keep operating during the summer, a few drops of canola oil (on Amazon) will keep the mosquitoes from laying eggs and won’t harm birds or other wildlife that wish to bathe in the water.
Get Rid of Trash
Piles of trash in your yard can also host enough water for mosquitoes to reproduce. Remove these piles of trash before the mosquito season to keep them at bay — and you’ll enjoy your yard more when it’s clean.
Install Screens
If you have a patio or specific part of your yard that you spend time in during the summer, consider purchasing a tent with screens, like this outdoor canopy pop-up shelter (on Amazon). Not only will this keep the sun off of you, but the screened sides will keep all sorts of pests at bay, allowing you to enjoy your summer picnics in peace.
Other Tips and Tricks
Don’t like any of the aforementioned mosquito tricks? Don’t worry; below are some more tips and tricks for dealing with mosquitoes this summer season.
Plant Certain Plants
Some plants actually work to repel mosquitoes. Research a few of these plants and consider adding them to your garden in the spring to help discourage mosquitoes in the summer. Rosemary and Sage are two popular mosquito repelling plants.
Tiki Torches
While citronella candles are great for indoor settings and smaller seating areas, it can be a bit odd to carry one around with you as you go about your evening BBQ. Instead, pick up some tiki torches (on Amazon) and put a citronella candle in each one before you spread them around your yard.
Not only will these tiki torches add a certain mood to your summer evenings, but they will definitely keep the mosquitoes away.
Wear Dark Colors
Mosquitoes are attracted to light colors, so do yourself a favor and wear dark blues and blacks this summer. It won’t keep you the coolest, but at least you won’t get any pesky bug bites.
You should also wear clothes that cover as much of your body as is practical. This means long pants and long sleeves.
Avoid Dusk and Dawn
Mosquitoes are most active during dusk and dawn, so try to avoid being outside during these times of the day. Shift your evening picnic to an afternoon, then suggest that everyone joins you inside or under a bug screen canopy for drinks afterward!
Final Thoughts on Mosquito Repelling Home Remedies
Overall, the best way to repel mosquitoes and keep your family safe from bites is by employing several of these methods of mosquito repelling.
Regardless of the combination you choose, once you have a few home-repelling mosquito tactics at work, you’ll be able to enjoy your summer without constantly being bitten.
