Spending time outdoors is a favorite pastime when the weather is warm. However, your time relaxing on the deck can be cut short if you have to deal with annoying insects biting you. Let’s look at ways to repel mosquitoes on your property so you and your family can enjoy summertime.
Protect Yourself With Mosquito Repellant
Whether you are going for a hike or sitting on your porch, apply insect repellent before heading outdoors. These products are available in spray or lotion form. DEET, or diethyltoluamide, is an effective repellent with the added advantage of repelling ticks. However, you might prefer to use natural insect repellents that contain essential oils of citronella or eucalyptus. They can also be effective against mosquitoes.
Wear Light-Colored Clothing to Repel Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes have a difficult time seeing lighter colors. Don’t wear dark or brightly colored clothing if mosquitoes are a problem. It’s better to wear clothes that provide skin coverage. Breathable long pants and long-sleeved shirts are helpful in minimizing insect bites.
Install Mesh Screens
If you don’t already have screens on doors and windows, install them. Fine mesh screens block flying insects from getting inside your home when you open the door or windows for some fresh air.
Use Screen Panels for Your Porch
Purchase and install netting for your porch. Hang this fabric to enjoy a pleasant evening outdoors without bothersome insects. Mosquito netting is a very fine mesh that insects cannot get through.
Keep the Yard Clean to Repel Mosquitoes
An unkempt yard with tall grass and overgrown bushes provides ideal breeding spots for many insects. Overgrown grass also appeals to snakes and other small animals. Take care of regular mowing and trimming and make sure that there is no standing water in the area. Fill any holes and depressions in the yard that may allow water to pool. Clean up dead leaves and branches to keep mosquitoes away from your lawn.
Get Rid of Stagnant Water
Mosquitoes are prolific breeders. They only need a tiny puddle of water to lay eggs in. Remove or turn over containers on your property that hold water if it rains. Children’s toys, planters, buckets, and the wheelbarrow should be emptied after every rainstorm. Keep the gutters clean to make sure water cannot pool in the channels. Change the water in your pet’s bowl and the birdbath every 2-3 days to keep mosquitoes from breeding there. If you have a pond, add a few fish. Goldfish and koi will eat mosquito larvae, helping to keep mosquitoes under control.
Repel Mosquitoes With Scented Candles and Plants
Some scents repel mosquitoes. Purchase candles made with essential oils like lavender, citronella, peppermint, and lemongrass. Burn the candles on the porch or deck when you’re spending time outdoors.
Add plants to your landscaping that repel mosquitoes. Scented geraniums, peppermint, and lemon balm are popular options.
The methods mentioned above are some of the things you can do to keep mosquitoes away from your home. If you feel like the mosquitoes are a bigger problem than you can handle, call a professional pest control company for recommendations.
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