Andre CampbellOne of the best ways to get rid of mosquitoes is to prevent them from breeding in your surroundings in the first place. You can do this by removing standing water from your property.
You can also use mosquito-repelling plants, such as citronella and lavender, to help keep biting insects away.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Naturally
Below are more home remedies and natural solutions to control mosquitoes.
1. Garlic
Garlic is an old-fashioned home remedy believed to help repel mosquitoes and other 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 outdoor seating areas and entry points where mosquitoes gather.
2. Camphor
Mosquitoes dislike the scent of camphor, which may help keep them out of indoor spaces. Soak some camphor tablets in small bowls of water and place them around the house.
Alternatively, light a piece of camphor in mosquito-infested rooms and shut the doors and windows. Leave for at least 30 minutes before opening up again.
However, use camphor carefully in well-ventilated areas, and keep it away from children and pets.
3. Mosquito Netting
Nets draped around beds will help protect you and your loved ones from mosquito bites throughout the night. They may also keep out many other unwanted insects.
4. Mint
This strongly scented herb repels many insects, including mosquitoes, as they hate minty scents.
Therefore, some crushed mint leaves or essential oils should be placed around the house to help keep mosquitoes away. Growing some mint plants in your yard may also help.
5. Coffee Grounds
Many people throw coffee grounds away, but did you know that burning them can repel mosquitoes outdoors? Yes, the pungent aroma will deter blood-feeding insects.
Some studies suggest coffee grounds may help discourage mosquito breeding in stagnant water, though results can vary. It may deter the females from laying eggs [1].
6. Pinyon Wood
Instead of burning regular firewood, adding some pinyon wood to your fire pit can deter mosquitoes. These pesky pests dislike the scent.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Mosquitoes also do not like the scent of tea tree oil.
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 scent will discourage mosquitoes from biting.
Always test a small area of skin first, as tea tree oil may irritate sensitive skin.
8. Eliminate Stagnant Water
To control mosquitoes outdoors, addressing stagnant water, which can become breeding grounds for nuisance insects, is essential.
Eliminate eggs from puddles and any container that holds water. These containers include old tires, birdbaths, pet outdoor water bowls, and buckets.
Empty the containers in the evening and replenish them daily if necessary. Additionally, ponds can benefit from netting or fish that eat mosquito larvae.
Other safe larvicidal treatments for stagnant water include Mosquito Down and Altosid SR-5.
9. Clove and Lemon
Mosquitoes dislike the strong scent of cloves and citrus [2]. This simple home remedy may help deter them naturally outdoors and indoors.
Cut a lemon or lime in half and stick several whole cloves into each half. Place them on patios, tables, windowsills, or near entryways where mosquitoes are a problem.
You can also place the clove-filled citrus halves beside beds or outdoor seating areas to help deter mosquitoes from approaching.
10. Lavender
The fragrance from crushed lavender flowers or lavender oil may help repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. A lavender oil-and-water solution around the area will send them away.
For the recipe, you’ll need 10 drops of lavender oil, 3 tablespoons of vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 cup of water.
Combine the 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.
However, avoid applying lemon juice mixtures before direct sun exposure, as lemon juice may irritate the skin or increase sun sensitivity. Also, stop using the spray if skin irritation occurs.
Crushed lavender flowers can also be used in the same way. Just rub them on your skin to release the oils.
11. Lemon Balm
Use this plant as a natural barrier against mosquito bites. Crush some fresh lemon balm 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 often used to kill mosquitoes and other insect pests’ larvae.
Moreover, it is non-toxic and safe in bird baths, flowerpots, ponds, and lakes. Buy online and apply according to the instructions to eliminate mosquitoes.
Bti targets mosquito larvae specifically and is commonly sold as mosquito dunks or bits.
13. Fan
A high-speed rotating fan helps to deter these flying insects.
Since mosquitoes are relatively poor fliers, the fan’s wind will blow them away.
14. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is one of the more effective plant-based mosquito repellents. Use a commercially prepared oil of lemon eucalyptus product according to the label instructions.
15. Basil Leaves
These leaves can control mosquitoes naturally. Take a few leaves, crush them, and rub them on 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 using it as a DIY mosquito spray.
16. Vinegar
Vinegar-based sprays may temporarily deter mosquitoes due to their strong scent.
Combine ¼ cup 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, then use it as a mosquito pest control spray.
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.
Bug zappers may be an instant method to kill mosquitoes, but they may also kill beneficial insects, so use them with caution.
18. Thyme Oil
This oil is also highly effective against the common house mosquito.
Mix a few drops of thyme oil with another base oil, such as jojoba or olive oil, and dab it onto exposed areas. You can also make a spray by combining 5 drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water.
19. Cinnamon Oil
This oil can kill off mosquito eggs and repel adult mosquitoes.
Add a few drops of cinnamon oil to standing water to help discourage mosquito larvae. However, do not add it to ponds or water bodies containing fish.
20. Citronella
Citronella is a well-known natural mosquito repellent, sold in products such as candles, sprays, and soaps. Therefore, add 10-15 drops of citronella oil to 1 ounce of water to make a mosquito-deterrent spray.
21. Rosemary
Rosemary is among the plants that repel mosquitoes. Its pungent scent also drives away many other pesky insects.
Throw a few sprigs of rosemary on the BBQ. The strong scent may help repel mosquitoes. Moreover, mixed with sage, it gives off an even more potent scent.
22. Catnip
Catnip is another natural mosquito repellent. Research suggests it may help repel mosquitoes because it contains a compound called nepetalactone [3].
Grow catnip in pots around patios or seating areas to help deter mosquitoes naturally. You can also crush a few fresh leaves to release the scent around outdoor spaces.
However, keep in mind that catnip may attract cats to your yard or garden.
23. Neem Oil
Neem oil is also a popular home remedy for keeping mosquitoes away from your skin. You can use it to make a repellent spray.
However, mix neem oil with a carrier oil or an emulsifier before use.
Combine 1 part neem oil with 10 parts carrier oil or water, and add a small amount of mild liquid soap to help the mixture blend properly. Apply it to exposed skin before heading out.
24. Natural Predators
You can also invite natural predators of mosquitoes into your yard or garden. These include bats, dragonflies, birds, and frogs.
Bats eat many night-flying insects, including mosquitoes [4]. Therefore, make or buy a bat house, place it in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight daily, and watch the bats come by at night.
See also: how to attract dragonflies to eat mosquitoes.
25. Door and Window Screens
These are great for keeping out all kinds of unwanted creatures, including these insect pests. The material can be purchased and installed by you or a professional for permanent results.
26. Essentria IC-3
Essentria IC-3 is a plant-oil-based insecticide labeled for mosquito control. This commercial product comprises geraniol, rosemary, and peppermint oil.
Takeaway
A mosquito infestation can become a huge problem, especially when you suffer from mosquito bites. However, these home remedies and natural mosquito control methods can help tackle the problem.
Keep your yard weed-free and cut the grass short to avoid attracting mosquitoes that hide there during the day.
The best long-term mosquito control strategy combines repellents with prevention methods such as eliminating standing water and maintaining a tidy yard.
See also natural ways to control cockroaches.
Sasha Campbell
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