Using these tricks, you’ll get rid of mosquitoes fast!
During the winter we stay inside our homes, and the same is true for the first part of the spring and the last part of the fall. Yeah, we spend a lot of time inside, and when the weather gets warmer and it’s finally the best time to enjoy your new patio or grill some burgers with your friends here they are. We are talking about the mosquitoes!
Most of the time, their bites are just annoying, but for some people, they can even be deadly. This insect spreads diseases such as malaria, Zika, and West Nile, and this is one incredibly good reason to want to get rid of mosquitoes.
Yes, you can use topical solutions that contain DEET, picaridin, and IR3535 to keep them away, but this is not always the most efficient method and is also time-consuming. You just want to reclaim your yard, right?
Don’t let these tiny fly invaders ruin your summer fun, and check out some of the best ways to get rid of mosquitoes! Have you ever tried any of them before?
1. Plant natural deterrents
This is an incredibly efficient, long-term, and eco-friendly strategy to get rid of mosquitoes. Many people are skeptical about it, and even more of them refuse to try this method because they believe there is too much work involved.
Indeed, those plants won’t plant themselves, but once you notice that these insects are no longer bothering you, it will be clear that this is a good method, and in reality, it is not that hard to plant and take care of these plants.
The secret is to use plants that have scents that mosquitoes hate. For example, citronella is not just a type of scented candle; it’s an actual plant that has a strong citrusy smell that mosquitoes find unappealing. Even more, it is extremely easy to plant, and in general, it loves a warmer climate, but it also does well in a temperate one.
Other amazing plant options to get rid of mosquitoes are lemongrass, basil, peppermint, rosemary, lavender, and sage. Your garden will smell heavenly, and these tiny predators will be far away from your hangout spot.
If you are more of a flower person, you can try Geraniums, Chrysanthemums, and Marigolds, as they are well-known to keep mosquitoes away. A beautiful garden that also protects you from these annoying insects? This is for sure one good way to battle with them!
2. Install some fans
Have you ever noticed that when it’s a little breezy outside, bugs, and mosquitoes are not such a big nuisance? This happens because these insects don’t do well at flying through the wind, especially mosquitoes, as they are weak flyers.
Do some simple math, and the results say that wind helps you get rid of mosquitoes. But what happens when the wind doesn’t blow? Well, in this case, you can take the matter into your own hands and install some fans.
Doing this will make the mosquitoes have a hard time, and in the end, they will stop bothering you. Another thing is that one of the main things that makes these insects so attracted to us is the carbon dioxide (CO2) we exhale. Mosquitoes use their highly sensitive antennae to detect CO2 from distances up to 50 meters.
But when the fan is on, CO2 will quickly dissipate, and mosquitoes will not be able to detect you anymore. Also, the fans will keep a cooler temperature, you will sweat less, and this will also help because mosquitoes are attracted by sweat.
3. Candles and lanterns
Next time you have an outside gathering and you want to get rid of mosquitoes, you should know that lighting candles or lanterns is a good way to keep these insects away. Now, we are not talking about regular candles that only radiate light but the ones to which you can add some essential oils and also release scents in the air.
Citronella candles have long been a popular choice for this purpose, as their strong smell masks the CO2 that attracts mosquitoes. But this is not the only option available when you want to get rid of mosquitoes.
Candles containing geraniol have gained popularity as an alternative to citronella. This is an extract gathered from roses and also citronella and has strong insect-repellent properties. Geraniol candles can be even more effective than citronella at keeping mosquitoes at bay, and this makes them a perfect choice.
If you are looking for something more high-tech, then Thermacell is amazing. It has both lighting and mosquito-repelling properties, and works by creating a zone of protection against mosquitoes.
Also, changing your regular white LED light bulbs with some yellow ones can make mosquitoes run away. They are not attracted to yellow light, and this lowers the chances of them swarming around your yard.
4. Natural predators will always be an option
Transforming your yard and garden into a welcoming place for the natural predators of mosquitoes is a smart strategy. Birds, bats, and aquatic creatures naturally prey on mosquitoes to reduce their population.
The easiest approach is to attract birds. Songbirds, sparrows, and swallows are excellent mosquito hunters, and enticing them that your garden is a great place for them to hang out is not hard. Hanging bird feeders and nesting boxes is more than sufficient. Also, don’t forget to also add a water source for them.
Once they feel at home, these birds will feast on the mosquitoes, and this means you’ll finally be able to enjoy your garden without getting bitten by them.
Bats are another good option, as a single bat alone can consume thousands of mosquitoes per night. If you are open to this idea, you can install some bat houses that can give them a place to reside in your yard. Bat houses should be placed in sunny areas, at least 10 to 15 feet above the ground.
5. Get rid of the standing water
If there’s something that mosquitoes love, that is standing water, for sure. This is why one of the most effective methods to get rid of mosquitoes is to eliminate all of the standing water you have in your yard and garden because they are dependent on it to lay their eggs.
Rainwater in a trash can, waterlogged potted plants, or clogged gutters—any place with standing water can quickly turn into a mosquito nursery, especially during the summer. So, you can start by inspecting your yard and identifying all the places where water tends to accumulate. Drain these areas, and in that way, you’ll prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
If you have bird baths and kiddie pools, make sure to change the water frequently, and this will prevent the eggs from hatching. Also, you can install a water pump that can keep the water moving, and this will keep the mosquitoes away.
If you have a pond or a garden fountain, your best bet is to use dunks, also known as larvicide biscuits. You drop some into the water, and they will target only the mosquito larvae without affecting people, pers, and fish.
In case you want to attract birds into your yard, this bird feeder is a popular choice, and we think it does an amazing job: Bird Feeders for Outside, Metal Bird Feeder Holds 2.35LB Seeds
You should also read: Say Goodbye to Yard Iguanas: 6 Effective Solutions
