9 ways to combat mosquitoes naturally

It’s been a wet and rainy month and with all the water standing I would like to remind you to make sure all standing water has a way to drain or is poured out. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in as much as ¼ inch of water. This year looks to be a good year to have a lot of mosquitoes so here are a few ways to combat these pesky and disease carrying pests.

Turn On a Fan

Mosquitoes are small and lightweight. A fan blowing set at a low to medium speed simply is overpowering to a mosquito. So strategically place fans around your deck or patio to get a good bug-free breeze going.

Plant Lemon Grass

Thai lemon grass contains citronella oil, which has a strong scent that makes it hard for mosquitos to find you. At the same time, lemon grass is a beautiful mounding perennial. Plant some on your property wherever your family and friends like to congregate.

Dress Appropriately

Certain species of mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors like black, blue, and red. And mosquitos are attracted to heat. So stay cool by wearing lighter colors. Also you can try to avoid wearing scented perfumes or lotions.

Change Your Lightbulbs

Mosquitoes aren’t attracted to all kinds of light—just some. Instead of standard bulbs, opt for LEDs, or yellow “bug lights”. That should reduce the number of mosquitoes swarming as you go in and out of the house during evening hours.

Try Out Catnip Oil

Believe it or not, the essential oil in catnip, nepetalactone, repels mosquitos more effectively than DEET. Catnip oil-based insect repellant does a good job of protecting exposed skin.

Build a Bat House

In only one hour, a bat can eat hundreds of insects, mosquitoes included. Build or buy a bat house, hang it in a well-ventilated area, and let those web-winged creatures do their thing.

Spray On Garlic

Garlic makes an effective natural mosquito repellant. Mix one part garlic juice with five parts water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and spritz yourself as needed.

Remove Standing Water

Standing water is where mosquitoes make more mosquitoes. Limit the insects’ ability to breed by clearing your gutters of clogs, filling in sunken parts of your lawn, and regularly changing the water in your bird bath or kiddie pool.

Use Natural Insect Spray

Made with five natural essential oils, Herbal Armor was voted “Best Gear of the Year” by National Geographic. Before heading outside, grab a bottle of this popular DEET-free insect repellant spray; reapply every two hours.