How to Free Your Yard From Mosquito Bite Misery

Have you ever had the misfortune of coming in from a pleasant evening outside only to discover you’re covered head to toe in itchy mosquito bites? I know this has happened to me on more than one occasion. Here are some tips for enjoying a mosquito-free evening in your backyard!

Remove Standing Water

A bird cooling off and having a drink in a bird bath. Image via Unsplash.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so eliminating it can significantly reduce their population. Start by checking for puddles, clogged gutters, and any containers that collect water and let it sit. Also, don’t forget to empty and clean bird baths, flower pots, and pet bowls regularly to prevent these pesky insects from breeding.

Plant Mosquito-Repellent Plants

Beautiful view — Beautiful sunset and lavender flowers. Image by Leonard cotte via Unsplash

Certain plants can naturally repel mosquitoes. This list includes lavender, marigolds, citronella, and basil, which are great options to plant around your yard. In addition to deterring mosquitos, these add beauty and fragrance to your garden, so it’s a two for one deal!

Use Natural Repellents

Close up of a mosquito. Image by Dwight Ikitan via Pexels.

Natural repellents like essential oils can be effective in keeping mosquitoes away. For example, oils such as eucalyptus, lemon, and peppermint can be mixed with water and sprayed around your yard or on clothes like a natural bug spray. Additionally, these oils act as a great scent booster for any home, especially ones with children or animals. Just make sure to use animal-safe essential oils if you have pets!

Install Outdoor Fans

Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so installing outdoor fans can help keep them at bay. It’s a good idea to place fans on your porch or patio to create a breeze that mosquitoes will avoid. Furthermore, this simple method also helps keep you cool during warm evenings!

Maintain Your Lawn

Multicolor garden bed. Image via Depositphotos.

Keeping your lawn trimmed and tidy can also reduce mosquito habitats. For instance, mosquitoes like to rest in tall grass and dense vegetation, so regular mowing and pruning can make your yard less attractive to these pests. I know when I keep up with my yard work I notice a significant reduction in the number of bites I have!

Use Mosquito Traps

Mosquito perched on a leaf. Image by Erik Karits via Pexels.

Mosquito traps can quickly and effectively reduce the mosquito population in your yard. These devices attract and capture mosquitoes, preventing them from breeding and multiplying. For the best results, place traps in shaded areas where mosquitoes are likely to hide.

Install Screens and Netting

Mosquito dangles from a leaf. Image by Syed Ali via Unsplash.

Screened-in porches and netting can create mosquito-free zones in your yard. Use fine mesh screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out, as these insects could fit through the mesh if it’s too wide. Moreover, canopies with netting can provide a safe space for outdoor activities without the hassle of bites.

Light Candles and Torches

Mosquito and its reflection. Image by Mike Szczepanski via Unsplash.

Candles and torches that contain citronella can help repel mosquitoes. Light them around your outdoor seating areas to create a protective barrier where you wish to sit outside. My family has always done this on our porch, and it creates a nice ambient and mosquito-free environment for all of us.

Conclusion

Mosquito on skin. Image by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases via Unsplash.

To close, mosquitos, although necessary for feeding other animals higher up in the food chain, are a pain to deal with. However, implementing any or all of the above strategies can help keep an evening spent outdoors bite-free. So, find what works for you and take your outdoor space back!