Seems like everywhere you go, these buzzing little demons like to follow. In the summer, I find myself bathing in Deet and I swear by my go-to repellent. However, many people are hesitant to cover themselves with chemicals. Have no fear, we won’t let those pesky mosquitos steal any more of your summer. We have done some research and found some of the best natural repellents just for you.
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Plant Mosquito Repelling Plants
There are several plants known for their ability to ward off these unwanted pests. You can plant these plants in your garden, around your patio, or anywhere you sit and enjoy the summer evenings. I keep some of the following plants in big pots on my patio. It gives me the flexibility to move them from place to place.
- Lavender
- Basil
- Mint
- Geraniums
- Lemongrass
- Catnip
- Marigold
- Rosemary
- Beebalm
Natural Oil and Topical Repellents
Many people swear that applying certain oil to their skin has the same effect as a commercial mosquito repellent. I have personally never tried these but if you are sensitive to chemicals, such as deet, it is worth a shot. I would recommend testing a small amount of it on your wrist before covering yourself in it.
Tea Tree Oil – This oil has a very potent smell that mosquitos hate. You can either add a few drops to water in a spray bottle and spray yourself and the area around you, or apply directly.
Lavender Oil – Lavender oil is very pleasant smelling to people but extremely repellent to mosquitos. Again, either dilute in water to make a spray or apply directly.
Dryer Sheets – I haven’t had much success with this method but I have heard of people who have. It is inexpensive, so if you are up to giving it a try, it is not going to set you back much at all.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil – This is what most people swear by. In fact, you can buy this commercially made by REPEL. I have used this product before and found that it did somewhat work. I still got a few bites but I felt more or less protected. My daughter is completely against using deet and will only use this particular repellent. The upside of this repellent is that it has a really nice smell.
Environmental Controls
There are several ways to help keep the number of mosquitos in your yard to a minimum. Obviously, not everyone is going to want to jump on board and try these, but I promise, I have personally had success with these methods.
Ponds/Water
If you have a pond or any sort of standing water in your yard, this is a breeding ground for mosquitos. You can have your water feature and keep mosquitos at bay.
- Create motion in the water. Standing water is a perfect place for baby mosquitos to live. Adding a waterfall or something that keeps the water moving will keep mosquitos from laying eggs in your pond.
- Add fish (such as Koi or Goldfish) that love eating mosquito larvae. Goldfish can be purchased very cheaply from a pet store and they grow quickly. We have had the same goldfish in our pond for years and they do a very efficient job of keeping the pond mosquito-free.
- Sprinkle coffee grounds or vegetable oil in standing water- This might sound strange but it causes the larvae to suffocate from lack of oxygen.
Build a Bat House
This one makes some people a little squeamish but I promise you that it works and the bats will never bother you. We see them swooping around at dusk, but they don’t ever really get close to us and they are good at their job.
Repellents for your Campfire
I have found some way to keep the mosquitos down around your campfire. If you are able to burn certain things in your campfire, you can keep the mosquitos at bay.
Pinion Wood – You will need to look for wood specially labeled pinion wood. The smell of this wood is not pleasant for mosquitos and they tend to give it a wide berth.
Sage – Burning sage in your fire is another way to chase off mosquitos. They don’t like the smell or the smoke.
Citronella Firelogs – I have never tried these but I have seen them around.