So, if you can get your hands on some citronella scented candles, vaporisers or cleaning products, you're on your way to having a mosquito-free house – make sure the entrance to your home, in particular, is infused with some of this mosquito-busting scent.
For DIY mosquito repellent, mix up a batch of 1/3 hydrogen peroxide and 2/3 water—and spray it over your patio and its perimeter, especially in places where guests will be sitting and eating. Opt for a 3% hydrogen peroxide to keep plants safe.
Maintain fly screens on windows, doors, vents and chimneys. Use insect surface sprays both inside and outside the house to kill mosquitoes. Use an effective mosquito repellent, containing either picaridin or diethyltoulamide (DEET) on all exposed skin. Remove stagnant water around the house so mosquitoes cannot breed.
Mosquitoes hate the smell of lavender, citronella, clove, peppermint, basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass and rosemary. They also hate smells such as smoke, for further insight, see our exploration on, does smoke keep mosquitoes away?
Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents: cinnamon, peppermint, cedar, citronella, lemongrass, patchouli, catnip, lavender, and more. Find a favorite, and use it when you want to spend time outside.
The two main culprits I'm referring to are mosquitoes and sand fleas. Fortunately, I have learned two things that keep these critters away and you only need 4 simple items: 2 Spray Bottles, a bottle of Listerine Mint Mouthwash, and bottle of Pine-sol (or eucalyptus oil for a more natural spray).
Other university studies demonstrate the effectiveness of dryer sheets to repel certain insects, including mites, food-infesting beetles, German cockroaches and weevils. These studies, however, do not show any significant impact as a mosquito repellent.
Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, so removing any items that could collect water is essential. In addition, mosquitoes love trash and decaying leaves, so removing these items also removes the chances of your patio becoming a breeding ground for these pests.
Mosquitoes thrive in areas that are warm and have plenty of moisture. This means if you're located near a creek or river, have standing water such as birdbaths or faulty gutters, you'll be attracting mosquitoes to your home!
Acetic acid makes vinegar an excellent tool for pest control, repelling some of the most common backyard nuisances and even killing weaker insects. It's most effective against ants, spiders, and mosquitos. You can keep spiders from entering your home by spraying vinegar around your property's perimeter and entryways.
Yes: DEET. A repellent with DEET tells mosquitos to buzz off loud and clear. You'll need one with at least 20% DEET to protect your skin for several hours at a time, although more than 50% doesn't work any better (kids should use 10%-30%).
Both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are a good base for an insect repellent, as they deter flies and, combined with specific essential oils, will deter mosquitoes and ticks as well. Oils that have excellent repellent properties include geranium, lemongrass, citronella, rosemary and lavender.
Since coffee grounds have such a pungent and intense smell, mosquitoes do not like to come near it. Mosquitoes are repulsed by all types of coffee, whether it is fresh, used, or burnt. The most effective way to use coffee grounds for mosquito control is by burning them, as it creates a stronger aroma.
For Your Yard
Herbs like basil, coriander, and anise planted in a garden are thought to repel pests. Plant them in the borders of your yard, or line your porch with flower boxes filled with these plants. Garlic plants may work, as well.
You can also apply insect repellent, use specialty candles, and pretreat the garden with a backyard repellent. If nighttime mosquitoes are bothering you indoors, install fly screens to keep them at bay, and sleep under a mosquito net for extra protection.
Deter Insects
We may be fans of Vicks, but insects decidedly are not. Dab a bit on your arms, legs, neck, or other areas of exposed skin to keep bugs (including mosquitoes) at bay, however, it is not as effective at preventing bites as a commercial insect repellant.
Sanitizer contains form of alcohol, ethyl alcohol to name one as active ingredient. And other main ingredients are also water, glycerin and fragrance. But disinfectant cannot be used as mosquito repellent. Almost 99% of disinfectant available in market has no effect on terminating or repelling mosquito problem.
Unscented deodorant will be more effective at keeping them away, and some recent studies have shown that the deodorant compound isopropyl tetradecanoate reduces the number of mosquito attacks.
One of the most effective DIY repellents calls for just coconut oil and peppermint, says Harlow-Ellis. "While this combination of scents is delightful to humans, it will chase away mosquitoes," she says. To make it, mix 1/3 cup coconut oil and 15 drops of peppermint essential oil in a jar.
Choose Your Fabrics Wisely
Mosquitoes have long mouthparts called proboscis, which are sharp enough to pierce the skin and even some more types of fabric. To avoid getting mosquito bites when spending time outside, make sure to wear clothes made of denim, wool, velvet, and nylon ripstop.
Vinegar: Mosquitoes tend to dislike the intense scent and bitter taste of white vinegar. An easy DIY way to repel mosquitoes is to mix 2 parts water to one part vinegar and treatment around your yard.
It seems that coconut-scented soaps are among the most repulsive to mosquitoes, although the most foolproof way to repel the pests is to use a proper repellent.