Mosquitos stink. Anyone who has tried to enjoy a summer day or night outside knows mosquitos and their bites are a nuisance. From growing certain plants to removing yard debris, there are a variety of natural repellents and good practices you can utilize in your yard to keep away those pests that can put a damper on summer. 

Natural Mosquito Repellents

There are a few plant varieties that naturally repel mosquitos. Varieties like ‘Hidecote’ lavender, Mexican marigold, lemon-scented geranium, and rosemary are the best to use. These plants produce natural chemicals to deter animals which will also ward off insects. It’s important to remember that these plants need to be harmed for them to release these defensive chemicals, so make sure to rough them up before heading out to enjoy your outdoor space. These plants are a natural way to help keep a lot of mosquitos away from your yard. 

Candles and Lanterns

Another way to keep away mosquitos is to light candles or lanterns with essential oils that repel them. Candles and lanterns that have wax containing citronella, clove, cedarwood, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass, and geraniol are best. Spearmint and lemongrass are usually preferred as they repel twice as many mosquitos as any of the others. Mosquito-repelling candles or lanterns also work best in small areas without a lot of air movement.

Good Yard Practices

Preventing mosquitos from populating your outdoor living space is a great way to stay ahead of the pests. A lot of mosquitos lay their eggs in fresh standing water. To combat them laying eggs in your yard and producing more bugs in your space, remove all standing water from your yard. This includes puddles, kiddie pools, ponds, pool covers, etc. If you can’t get rid of standing water, putting coffee grounds on the water’s surface will also keep mosquitos from laying eggs there. Yard debris such as leftover wood or leaf piles can also collect the dampness that mosquitos like. If all else fails, a professional may be able to find and treat spots attracting mosquitos that you’re not aware of. 

Don’t let pesky mosquitos keep you indoors this summer. There are many natural ways to repel mosquitos and good practices that can help prevent them from coming into your space in the first place. At Lurvey Home & Garden, we have everything you need to make your garden more attractive to you and less attractive to bothersome mosquitos.