The best way to get rid of mosquitoes is to prevent them from breeding in the first place.
You can do this by removing stagnant water from your property, as that’s where most female mosquitoes lay their eggs. You can also use mosquito-repelling plants such as citronella and lavender to keep these pesky pests away.
Overall, here’s how to get rid of mosquitoes naturally:
1. Garlic
This is an old-fashioned home remedy to keep away pesky insects.
To get rid of mosquitoes with garlic, crush a few cloves and boil them in water. Next, allow the solution to cool before adding it to a spray bottle.
Spray your DIY garlic spray around the home to repel mosquitoes.
2. Camphor
Mosquitoes hate the scent of camphor, which will drive them out of where they are.
Soak some camphor tablets in small bowls of water and place them around the house. Alternatively, light camphor in infested rooms and shut the doors and windows. Leave for at least 30 minutes before opening up again.
3. Mosquito Netting
Nets draped around beds will at least protect them from mosquito bites throughout the night. They may also keep out a lot of other unwanted insects.
4. Mint
This strong-scented herb is well worth trying as a repellent.
Mint leaves or mint essential oil around the house and yard will keep away mosquitoes. Growing some mint plants near the house will also help.
5. Coffee Grounds
Many people just throw coffee grounds away, but burning them can repel mosquitoes outdoors.
Moreover, sprinkling coffee grounds in stagnant water will kill mosquito larvae. It will also deter the females from laying eggs [1], maybe because of the dark color of the water.
6. Pinion Wood
Instead of burning regular firewood, adding some pinion wood to your fire pit will deter mosquitoes. These pesky pests totally dislike the scent.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Mosquitoes don’t like the scent of tea tree oil and some other essential oils.
Therefore, make a homemade mosquito repellent spray by combining 10 drops of tea tree oil and 30 ml of coconut oil in a spray bottle. The anti-inflammatory properties of the tea tree will also soothe mosquito bites.
8. Eliminate Stagnant Water
In the battle to control mosquitoes outdoors, it is important to deal with stagnant water that can become breeding grounds for these unwanted insects.
Eliminate eggs from puddles and any type of container that holds water. This includes old tires, birdbaths, pet outdoor water bowls, and buckets.
Empty these in the evening and replenish them daily if necessary. Additionally, ponds can benefit from netting or fish that eat mosquito larvae.
Other safe larvae-destroying treatments to add to stagnant water include Mosquito Down and Altosid SR-5.
9. Beer
Regular beer drinkers may find that they are constantly plagued by these flying insects. That’s because alcohol stimulates mosquito attraction [2].
Therefore, leaving a few opened cans of beer on the patio will serve as bait to keep mosquitoes away. Of course, that will only work if you’re not drinking beer.
10. Lavender
Most people love the smell of lavender, and it was once popular to make sachets for drawers, suitcases, and closets.
However, mosquitoes don’t feel the same way about it. A solution of lavender oil and water around the area will send them away.
For the recipe, you’ll need 10 drops of lavender oil, 3 tablespoons of vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a cup of water.
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle, shake well, and apply to your skin throughout the day. You can also dab a little lavender oil on pillows and sheets.
Furthermore, crushed lavender flowers can be used in the same way. Just rub it on your skin to release the oils.
11. Lemon Balm
Use this plant as a natural barrier against mosquito bites. Simply crush some of the fresh leaves and apply them to areas of your body vulnerable to mosquito bites.
What’s more, lemon balm repels gnats naturally.
12. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)
Bti is a bacterium that occurs naturally in the soil. It produces toxins that target the stomachs of the larvae of mosquitoes and certain other pests, killing them.
Moreover, it is non-toxic and safe to use in bird baths, flowerpots, ponds, and lakes. Buy online and apply according to the instructions to eliminate mosquitoes.
13. Fan
A high-speed rotating fan is useful to have nearby to deter these flying insects.
Since mosquitoes are weak fliers, the wind from the fan will blow them away. This gives them no opportunity to bite, breed, settle, or lay eggs.
14. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a proven remedy to fight mosquitoes naturally and will keep them away for hours.
Make a homemade mosquito spray by adding 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel to 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil. Dab on ankles and wrists to keep the pests at bay.
15. Basil Leaves
These leaves can control mosquitoes naturally. Simply take a few leaves, crush them, and rub them onto your skin.
Alternatively, make a repellent solution by placing a handful of fresh basil leaves in a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for about 4 hours before adding it to a spray bottle.
Use this spray to coat your skin.
16. Vinegar
Most kitchens will already have some kind of vinegar handy. Any sort will do, but apple cider vinegar can be particularly effective.
Combine ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with the same amount of water in a spray bottle. Next, add about 40 drops of an essential oil such as peppermint, rosemary, or lavender.
Shake well and use a repellent spray. However, be careful not to let it get on fresh cuts, scrapes, or into your eyes.
17. Bug Zappers
These devices are often seen fixed to walls in restaurants and public places. They kill insects attracted by the light by electrocuting them.
This may be an instant method to kill mosquitoes, but it may also kill beneficial insects. An electric bug-zapper racket may be a better choice.
18. Thyme Oil
This is also thought to be very effective protection against the common house mosquito.
Mix a few drops of thyme oil with another base oil like jojoba or olive and dab on exposed areas. You can also make a spray of 5 drops of thyme oil and 2 oz. of water.
19. Cinnamon Oil
This oil is capable of killing off mosquito eggs and also repelling adults.
Add cinnamon oil to water at a ratio of 15% oil to 85% water. However, do not add it to ponds or water bodies that might contain fish.
To repel the adults, make a spray of 1 teaspoon of cinnamon oil and 4 ounces of water. Use the solution on your skin.
20. Citronella
This is a well-known repellent for mosquitoes, sold in products like candles, sprays, and soaps. Add 10 to 15 drops of citronella oil to an ounce of water to make a spray.
21. Rosemary
Rosemary is among the plants that repel mosquitoes. Its pungent scent also drives away other bad bugs.
Throw a few sprigs of rosemary on the BBQ. Mosquitoes hate the incense it gives off when burned. Moreover, it gives off an even more powerful scent when mixed with sage.
22. Dry Ice
Use dry ice to make a homemade mosquito killer. You can get it easily at some grocery stores.
Simply get a cloth bag with a string and place the dry ice in it. The ice will give off carbon dioxide, which will attract and kill the pests.
23. Natural Predators
Invite natural predators of mosquitoes into your yard or garden. These include bats, dragonflies, birds, crane fly larvae, and frogs.
Bats are wonderful mosquito eliminators, devouring up to 1000 mosquitoes an hour [3]. Make or buy a bat house, place it where it gets plenty of sunshine by day, and watch the bats come by night.
See also: how to attract dragonflies to eat mosquitoes.
24. Door and Window Screens
These are great for keeping out all kinds of unwanted creatures, including these insect pests. The material can be bought and installed on your own or by a professional for permanent results.
25. Essentria IC-3
This is a commercial product comprising geraniol, rosemary oil, and peppermint oil. Essentria IC-3 is a safe and natural insecticide great for killing mosquitoes and other insect pests.
Takeaway
Mosquitoes can become a really big problem, especially when you suffer from their painful bites. However, the above home remedies and natural mosquito control methods should help eliminate the problem.
Additionally, keep weeds at bay and grass clipped short to avoid hosting mosquitoes hiding there by day.
See also: natural ways to control cockroaches.
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