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Summer has arrived, and with it, the mosquitoes. These pests can make enjoying outdoor spaces a real challenge, especially during warm, rainy weather when they are most abundant.
If you’re looking for natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes, here are some simple solutions.
Remove Standing Water
Mosquitoes thrive in standing water, their breeding ground. Tackle this by removing sources of stagnant water, such as clogged gutters, bird baths, and unused containers. Regularly emptying or draining these can drastically reduce mosquito populations around your home.
Invite More Birds
Birds like American Robins, hummingbirds, and purple martins naturally prey on mosquitoes, and installing bird feeders is an effective way to attract them. While attracting predators won’t solve a severe mosquito problem, it can help.
How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden
Mow the Lawn and Trim the Hedges
Trimming greenery and mowing the lawn are strategic moves in reducing mosquito hideouts. Mosquitoes prefer to avoid heat and sunlight, so a well-maintained yard with minimal shade is less inviting.
Grow Mosquito-repelling plants
Certain plants naturally repel mosquitoes thanks to their strong scents or mosquito-irritating chemicals. Planting marigolds, peppermint, eucalyptus, and bee balm can form a living barrier that wards off mosquitoes. Place them strategically around your patio or deck for optimal protection.
Use Citronella Candles
Citronella candles are most notably known for their ability to repel mosquitoes. Citronella has long been regarded as one of the best mosquito repellents. Citronella oil is often repurposed as a bug repellent – from oils to candles and sprays.
It has a very distinct lemon-like smell that leaves behind a wonderful fragrance. This fragrance and scent create a shield that keeps the mosquitoes at bay when burned.
Spread Coffee Grounds
Spread coffee grounds around areas of standing water in your yard. This will cause mosquito eggs to surface and suffocate, killing them before they hatch and stopping further breeding.
Use an Outdoor Fan
An outdoor fan generates a breeze that challenges mosquitoes and other small flying pests. Their weak flying capabilities are no match for a steady breeze, which also helps disperse the carbon dioxide we emit, making it harder for mosquitoes to locate us.
Mosquito Screens
Enclose your outdoor living spaces with mosquito screens or nets. This physical barrier prevents mosquitoes from invading areas like your patio, porch, or gazebo.
Change Your Lighting
Some lights attract bugs more than others. Opt for lights designed to repel insects by changing your fixtures or bulbs.
12 Plants to Grow to Keep Mosquitos Away
Here are some of the best plants that you can grow in your yard to help keep the mosquitoes at bay.
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