What Keeps Mosquitoes Away?

Figuring out what keeps mosquitoes away is in age-old summer conundrum.

No one likes bug bites and getting bitten by mosquitoes is one of the few downsides of summer fun. Not to mention, some mosquitoes can carry disease.

Here’s are the plants, products and DIY tricks that can protect you from itchy, annoying mosquito bites.

Control the Environment

If you find yourself hanging out in your backyard or on your porch during the summer, you have a home team advantage over the mosquitoes. Here’s how to keep mosquitoes away from your yard.

One of the best ways to keep away mosquitoes is to remove any standing water from your property. Your pool is probably fine if it’s chlorinated, but other sources of standing water could be increasing the mosquito population.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so if you want to keep away mosquitoes, you have to remove and limit their water sources. Common places with standing water include pails, buckets, wheelbarrows, kiddie pools, birdbaths, water toys and ponds. Removing the standing water from your yard is one of the most reliable natural ways to keep mosquitoes away.

Products That Keep Away Mosquitoes

Another way you can control your environment is by buying items that keep mosquitoes away. One of the oldest ways that people have protected themselves from mosquitoes is by using nets and screens. Consider adding nets or screens to your outdoor seating area. If you’re in the market for a new gazebo, try looking for one that comes with mosquito netting already.

A surprising way to combat mosquitoes is to change the lighting in your yard. Yellow-toned bug light bulbs will actually discourage bugs of all kinds from flocking to your yard at night. Porch fans are also an effective way to keep the bugs away without any smells or chemicals.

What Plants Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Put your green thumb to work in the fight against bug bites! There are a range of different plants and flowers that double as natural ways to keep mosquitoes away. Here are just some of the top plants that can help keep your garden mosquito-free.

You’re probably already familiar with citronella candles, but did you know about citronella plants? These plants have a lemony scent that naturally repels mosquitoes. They even occasionally blossom with small, pink-purple flowers. Citronella grass, also known as lemongrass, is also effective in keeping mosquitoes away from your yard.

Marigolds are also known for repelling mosquitoes and other garden pests with their pungent aroma. Fortunately, however, they are still loved by butterflies and bees.

The strong scent of lavender is calming to most humans, but despised by mosquitoes. Lavender plants are a great way to keep away mosquitoes. Mint is another go-to plant for gardeners that want to ward off mosquitoes and other pests.

Surprisingly, catnip is also a plant that can repel mosquitoes, though it has the opposite effect with cats. If you don’t want your backyard to be the neighborhood’s next cat club, you should probably pick another plant.

Staying Mosquito-Free on the Go

You probably won’t be spending every summer night in your backyard. So how can you protect yourself from mosquitoes when you’re out and about? Whether it’s a long camping trip or just a night of outdoor dining, mosquitoes are definitely something you’ll want to avoid.

A good way to keep mosquitos from biting is to dress in long sleeves and pants. That barrier will protect you from most mosquito bites, but it can get uncomfortable this time of year. So what else can you do? Get some good repellent.

Bug repellent is a great way to protect yourself from mosquitoes wherever you go. Sawyer Products Insect Repellent contains 20% picaridin, a safer alternative to DEET. It will also spray on evenly without a greasy residue. OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent is also a good choice with 20% picaridin.

However, buying bug repellent off the shelf isn’t the only option. There are some home remedies to keep mosquitoes away. Most home mosquito repellents are made using essential oils, so take care and consult your doctor before using them.

There are also some home remedies that don’t use essential oils. Mosquitoes tend to avoid lemon scents, so mixing lemon juice with water in a spray bottle can be an effective repellent. A diluted mixture of one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts water in a spray bottle can be sprayed on outdoor features and furniture to repel bugs.

Whether you got it off the shelf or made it yourself, be careful with any repellents you use. Remember to protect your eyes and any open cuts on your skin. And don’t overdo it – sometimes a little goes a long way.

Already bitten? Learn how to stop bug bites from itching.

Do mosquitoes eat you up or leave you alone? Do you have any go-to tips or tricks for protecting yourself and your property from mosquitoes? What keeps mosquitoes away? Let us know in the comments below.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.