How to Repel Mosquitoes Naturally

How to repel mosquitoes naturally

I've been enjoying working in my garden in evenings now that the days are getting longer. It’s nice that I can spend a few hours after dinner doing some weeding, watering or mowing the lawn. Unfortunately it’s also that time of the year that the mosquitoes are out and trying to bite me.

Mosquitoes have always been attracted to me. When I was little I would get huge welts on my skin from the bites. My reactions aren’t as bad anymore but I think everyone can agree that mosquito bites are the worst!

Recently they managed to bite me through my tank top and even though my back wasn’t exposed I still got itchy welts on my skin!

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What scent do mosquitoes hate?

Mosquitoes are naturally deterred by the following essential oils and
A blend of these oils will help keep mosquitoes away:

• catnip
• lemon grass
• eucalyptus
• lavender
• tea tree
• cloves
• citronella
• geranium

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How to keep mosquitoes out of your yard

One way to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes is to prevent them from coming into your yard in the first place.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water so make sure you get rid of any standing water like you might have in a bird bath. If you need to have water set out for pets or wildlife try to dump out the water and replace it with fresh every day so that the mosquitoes don't have time to lay eggs in it.

I have many of the herbs suggested for deterring mosquitoes growing in my garden and unfortunately just having the plants growing hasn’t been enough to keep the bugs away. I have been bitten many times while weeding my catnip and lavender herbs.

Staying out of the garden at dawn and dusk can help prevent you from getting bitten as that is when the mosquitoes are most active. Unfortunately for me, that's when I like to spend time in my yard because it's not as hot as mid-day.

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Does spraying the yard for mosquitoes work?

Yes, but you probably shouldn't do it. Mosquito control services usually spray an insecticide from a backpack-style tank, targeting the underside of leaves, vegetation, ground cover and other cool, dark areas where mosquitoes lurk.

The E.P.A. says registered compounds they use are safe and effective when they are prepared and applied according to their labeled use. Still, the agency’s website notes: “No pesticide should be regarded as 100 percent risk-free.”

Mosquito control companies usually recommend that children and pets be kept inside during spraying, and for 30 minutes to an hour afterward. Pyrethroids that are in the insecticide can be toxic to bees and fish.

Personally, I would rather suffer from a few mosquito bites than possibly harm bees, fish and other wildlife.

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Does incense repel mosquitoes?

Try burning incense while you are outdoors to help repel mosquitoes and other bugs. You can purchase citronella or sandalwood scented incense to keep mosquitoes away. This is a great idea for your next backyard BBQ when you want to enjoy your outdoor areas with your friends and family.

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Do bats keep mosquitoes away?

They can definitely help! In addition to mosquitoes, bats can help control the populations of beetles, moths and leafhoppers. Even the very presence of bats in an area can reduce insect populations as many insects can hear bats up to 100 feet away and will keep their distance from areas occupied by bats.

Place a bat house near your home to attract bats and help control the mosquito population.

How to prevent mosquito bites while sleeping

Is there anything more annoying than waking up in the morning with fresh, new mosquito bites driving you crazy with itchiness? How is it fair that they can bite you when you aren't even awake to defend yourself?

Make sure you keep windows and doors closed at night and if it's too hot to close them then make sure you have screens up.

Many of the ideas for keeping mosquitoes away outdoors can also be adapted for indoor use too. Except for bats. Definitely don't try to get any pet bats for your house 🙂

Standing water can be an issue inside your home too. My mom had a lucky bamboo plant that was growing in a vase of water. One day she realized the water was full of mosquito larve! Ewww.

Burn citronella incense and diffuse oils from the list above indoors before bed that can help repel bugs.

Apply some natural bug spray before bed. Try my non-toxic recipe below.

DIY mosquito repellent recipe

The repellent oil I mixed up works really well to repel mosquitoes and other bugs. It smells great and if you do get a few bites you can actually uses this on your itchy bites as well to get relief later on.

Supplies for DIY mosquito repellent

• 1 oz almond oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions for DIY mosquito repellent

Mix the almond oil and the essential oils into a bottle dropper or dark glass bottle. Apply to your skin before you head outdoors and you will be bug free for several hours.

It’s important to use almond oil or another carrier oil as a base for the essential oils. Essential oils should never be applied directly to your skin. It can burn and cause skin sensitivities or rashes.

How do you keep mosquitoes and other bugs from biting you?