Looking for a way to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay this summer? From removing stagnant water sources to using repellents, there are a few different things you can do to prevent yourself from getting bitten. Below are just a few different ways to fend off mosquitoes.
Wear mosquito repellent
Mosquito repellents are applied directly to the skin either as a spray or a rub. They contain strong scents that mosquitoes detest and can be an effective way of preventing bites if you are prone to getting bitten.
Some mosquito repellents contain chemicals like DEET, while others are wholly organic and rely on ingredients like eucalyptus oil. It’s worth only using trusted brands with a good amount of positive online reviews.
Always apply sunscreen before applying mosquito repellent. It’s worth noting that you can use repellent on clothes and bedsheets – not just your skin. That said, most repellents are designed for skin and may not always have a lasting effect on other surfaces.
Install bug screens on windows
While shutting your window at night is an effective way to keep out these bugs, it’s not an ideal solution on a hot summer’s night. Insect screens could be worth installing on bedroom windows, allowing a breeze to come in, while keeping bugs out.
Bear in mind that insects like midges (which are different to mosquitoes, but similarly fly and bite) are small enough to get through certain bug screens – you may want to invest in specialist bug screens to deter these insects. You can also buy insect nets that go over your bed, although these are typically only favoured in tropical countries.
Remove stagnant water from around your home
Mosquitoes like to lay their eggs in stagnant water. By getting rid of stagnant water in your garden, you can prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes and reduce their numbers.
Stagnant water could take the form of anything from a watering can containing some water to a puddle. Mosquitoes typically prefer stagnant water sources that are less than 1ft deep, so you shouldn’t worry about ponds and pools. Bird baths can be a popular mosquito breeding ground – it’s worth regularly tipping out water and refilling to get rid of any larvae.
Turn on electric fans
Mosquitoes typically don’t come out on a windy day because they have trouble flying in any breeze. This is why electric fans can be a good form of deterrence.
There are electric fans that you can buy to use outdoors. These could be worth placing in social areas of your garden, not just to keep you cool but to deter any mosquitoes. Placing a fan near an open window may also stop mosquitoes from flying in.
Light scented candles
There are certain scents that mosquitoes really hate. This includes citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint and lemongrass.
You can introduce these scents to your home by growing certain plants, however an easier option may be to simply use candles containing these scents. While sitting around a table outdoors, you could consider placing a scented candle on the table to ward off mosquitoes. Alternatively, you could try placing them on windowsills to stop mosquitoes entering open windows.
You should bear in mind that these scents aren’t always 100% effective and some mosquitoes may still ignore them. Some scents can also work against other pests.
Use a bug zapper
Bug zappers are designed to give a deadly electric shock to any bugs that fly close. They typically take the form of overhead lights that can be installed over a window or on a patio umbrella. These devices could be worth trying if you have a serious mosquito problem in your home.
Consume the right foods
Eating certain foods may help you to be less attractive to mosquitoes. This is due to certain chemicals in certain foods which can give your sweat a scent.
Garlic is one example. There may be some truth to the fact that garlic wards off vampires – mosquitoes typically do not like the smell of garlic. Lemongrass is another culinary ingredient that gives off a scent that mosquitoes detest. This could be worth also incorporating into some of your meals this summer.
Meanwhile, when it comes to drinks, tonic water has long been used as a means of deterring mosquitoes due to the quinine in it. In fact, this is believed to be the origin of gin and tonic – the British in India found that when drinking gin with tonic water, they were less susceptible to insect bites and less at risk of contracting malaria.
Of course, you shouldn’t rely solely on these foods and drinks to prevent mosquito bites. However, you may find that it provides an extra layer of protection alongside mosquito repellent.
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