10 Mosquito Repellent Ideas

Mosquitoes can put a damper on a fun day at the park or an afternoon in the backyard.
They can also spread diseases like Zika and West Nile. Using a mosquito repellent can help protect you from bites and the diseases they may carry.
There are many different types of mosquito repellent. Some are natural, and some contain chemicals.
Some are better for certain situations than others. Keep reading to learn about 10 mosquito repellent ideas.
1. Use a fan

Mosquitoes are not strong fliers, so using a small fan can help keep them away.
Position a fan in front of a doorway to prevent mosquitoes from entering your house.
You can also place a fan near your outdoor seating area to keep mosquitoes at bay.
2. Burn citronella candles

Citronella candles are a popular way to keep biting insects away from your outdoor activities.
The smoke from the candles can prevent mosquitoes from homing in on you.
Citronella candles are available in many stores and online. You can also make your own.
3. Use a mosquito coil

Mosquito coils are a popular way to keep mosquitoes away. These are made of a powder that’s been combined with a chemical repellent.
The powder is then lit and smolders to release a chemical vapor in the air.
Mosquito coils can be an effective way to keep mosquitoes away, but they’re not safe to use indoors.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and keep them away from pets and children.
4. Install yellow lights

Mosquitoes are attracted to light, so if you have bright white lights outside your home, you may be attracting more mosquitoes than you’d like.
Instead, try using yellow bulbs. Mosquitoes are less attracted to yellow light, so you may see a decrease in the number of mosquitoes around your home.
You can also try using yellow bug lights, which are designed to repel bugs.
5. Use essential oils

Essential oils can be used to make your own natural mosquito repellent. Oils such as lemon eucalyptus, citronella, and lavender can be effective at repelling mosquitoes.
To make a natural repellent with essential oils, combine 30 to 50 drops of essential oil with 2 1/2 tablespoons of a carrier oil.
Examples of carrier oils include jojoba, sweet almond, and avocado oils.
You can also use rubbing alcohol or witch hazel, or a combination of the two, as a base for your spray. Then, pour the mixture into a small spray bottle.
Be sure to shake the bottle well before using. Store any unused repellent in a cool, dark place.
6. Make your own mosquito repellent

If you want to skip the chemicals and store-bought products, you can make your own mosquito repellent at home. Use a blend of essential oils, suchjson as:
• citronella
• eucalyptus
• lemon
• lemongrass
• orange
• peppermint
• tea tree
• thyme
• clove
To make your own mosquito repellent, mix 10 to 25 drops of essential oils with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
Popular carrier oils include jojoba or almond oil. You can also use witch hazel or vodka. Shake the solution and apply to skin as needed.
7. Install a mosquito trap

Mosquito traps use a combination of carbon dioxide, heat, light, and moisture to attract mosquitoes and then trap them.
Once the mosquitoes are caught, they dehydrate and die.
Some traps use propane to create carbon dioxide, while others have a built-in carbon dioxide tank.
Mosquito traps are most effective when placed around the perimeter of your home, especially near areas with standing water.
8. Plant mosquito-repellent plants

Many plants contain essential oils that can repel mosquitoes. Some of these include:
• citronella
• lavender
• marigold
• basil
• catnip
• rosemary
• lemon balm
• geranium
• bee balm
Plant these in pots to keep mosquitoes away from your porch or deck, or create a garden of these plants in your yard.
If you have a garden, you can also make a homemade mosquito repellent spray that you can apply to your skin.
9. Use garlic

Garlic makes a natural insect repellent.
Mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas may stay away from you if you eat garlic, make a garlic spray for your body, or add garlic to your favorite dishes.
To make a garlic spray, take a few garlic cloves and soak them in vegetable oil for 24 hours.
Strain the oil and mix it with lemon juice. You can use this mixture as a spray or add it to a lotion.
Make sure to test it on a small area of your skin first to check for any allergic reactions.
10. Keep your surroundings clean

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, so it’s important to remove any standing water from your property.
This includes water in pet dishes, bird baths, and kiddie pools.
You can also prevent mosquitoes from entering your home by keeping doors and windows closed, or by installing screens.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many mosquito repellent ideas out there. The best way to keep mosquitos away is to keep your yard clean and free of standing water. If you need help with landscaping or pest control, we can connect you with a local landscaping professional or pest control professional.