When it comes to keeping mosquitoes out of your yard this summer naturally – a few simple tips and tricks can go a long way to help prevent them from ruining your outdoor activities
Mosquitoes can put a damper on outdoor fun in short order. Whether it’s trying to enjoy an evening out watching the stars, or spending time on your patio or deck with friends, they can wreak havoc with their painful, itchy bites.
For many, spraying all kinds of chemicals on their skin and in the air seems to be the only answer for protecting themselves and their family from attack – even though it usually is a little worrisome thinking about just what might be in those commercial bug sprays and bug bombs.
Making matters worse, many of the products on the market that are designed to kill mosquitoes also take their toll on beneficial insects as well. But here’s some good news – you don’t have to resort to chemical bug killers to keep mosquitoes out.
Believe it or not, by combining a few simple methods that can repel them and prevent them from breeding, you can put a serious dent in your backyard mosquito population – all while keeping your outdoor fun time free of their presence.
3 Simple Secrets To Keep Mosquitoes Out Of Your Yard – Naturally!
#1 Mosquito Proof Your Yard
The best way to keep mosquitoes out from the start is to make your yard less inviting to them. Unfortunately, this is where many homeowners actually create an environment that mosquitoes don’t just like – but love!
One thing is for sure, if you eliminate a mosquito’s ability to multiply, you eliminate future generations from haunting your outdoor spaces. And one of the best ways to do that is to eliminate any standing water around your property.
Mosquitoes breed in still water. And by eliminating any sources of stagnant water around your home and landscape, you can put a severe dent in their breeding cycle. But to eliminate all sources of stale water, you have to look long and hard beyond the obvious.
For starters, old tires, buckets and any vessel that can collect and hold water need to be eliminated. But don’t just stop there. If you have a children’s pool or bird bath fountain, it’s vital to empty and replace the water regularly.
Last but not least, remember that spouting and downspouts can be a breeding ground too. If they are clogged with debris, they become excellent places for water to lie, and mosquitoes to breed.
It’s important to note that mosquitoes can lay and hatch larvae in as little as 48 hours. That means a single rainfall that collects in any container can produce mosquitoes fast. With that in mind, stay vigilant with keeping all areas clear of standing water.
#2 Use Plants To Deter Mosquitoes – 3 Simple Secrets To Keep Mosquitoes Out Of Your Yard
Did you know that what you plant in your yard and around your patio and deck can play a big role in helping to keep mosquitoes away?
Certain plants give off scents or chemical markers that mosquitoes are not fond of. And when planted near sitting areas these plants can do wonders for helping to repel mosquitoes. Marigolds are a prime example of this and are perfect for growing around patios and decks.
The pungent scent of both the marigold’s foliage and flower has the same deterring effect on mosquitoes. Not only can you add beauty to your area – but keep it bug free too! See: How To Get Your Marigolds To Bloom Big All Summer!
Nasturtiums are another great annual to have around to fight mosquitoes. The plants produce a unique chemical marker that mosquitoes detest. Once detected, they tend to stay far away from wherever it grows.
As an added bonus, both nasturtiums and marigolds also help to keep other annoying pests such as aphids, whiteflies and squash bugs away as well. Nasturtiums are wonderful in planted pots on patio tables, or as a border edging plant in beds. Marigolds make a great garden border plant or when planted in large patio pots.
Don’t Forget The Oregano! 3 Simple Secrets To Keep Mosquitoes Out Of Your Yard
Another great option is to pot up some oregano and place it on your patio tables. Mosquitoes simply do not like the aroma of oregano. But this plant can also be helpful to make all-natural repellents for your skin.
The oil extract from oregano leaves is great for making all-natural repellent spray or putting in a diffuser to keep mosquitoes away. Even better, for a quick fix to biting mosquitoes, pick a few leaves off of your oregano plant and rub them on your arms and legs to keep mosquitoes from biting! Affiliate Link: Pure Oregano Essential Oil 4 oz.
#3 The Power Of Air Flow – 3 Simple Secrets To Keep Mosquitoes Out Of Your Yard
Last but not least – you can use the power of air flow to help keep any area free of mosquitoes One thing is for sure – mosquitoes hate fans and moving air.
For starters, mosquitoes, with their thin and frail insect bodies, find it extremely difficult to fly when there is a strong breeze. They are unable to navigate the air stream, and have even more issues trying to actually fly to their target.
But strong breezes and wind also prevent mosquitoes from finding you in the first place. As humans, we omit carbon dioxide every time we exhale. Carbon dioxide that mosquitoes can sense and then follow to inflict their bites and pain. But when there is a strong wind or current, carbon dioxide is diffused and quickly dispersed.
The end result is that mosquitoes then have a much harder time finding you. Especially when they have to attempt to fly through a strong breeze to get to you in the first place.
Use the power of fans to keep them at bay. Especially on porches, patios and decks. By simply installing or setting up a few fans nearby, you can all but end mosquito attacks in the general vicinity. Portable table fans work great for this and keep where you eat and sit free of mosquitoes! Affiliate Product Link: Chemical Free Bug Fan To Clear Bugs, Mosquitoes, and Flies
Additional Protection – How To Keep Mosquitoes Out Of Your Yard
Attracting Predators
In addition to using fans, plants, and keeping your property free of standing water – there are also some other excellent defenses you can put in place to help keep biting mosquitoes away.
Purple martins, bluebirds, robins and bats are all predators that are all extremely efficient at insect control. It almost sounds too good to be true, but they can eat thousands of mosquitoes per day, and all for free!
But to bring these helpful predators in, you need to create an inviting space for them to live. And the best way to do that is to provide them with long term shelter. Many birds, such as bats, purple martins and bluebirds can be brought in by simply offering them a home.
By erecting a few “homes” around the outskirts of your yard for any of these birds, you will be amazed at the natural protection they can provide.
The Power Of Smoke – 3 Simple Secrets To Keep Mosquitoes Out Of Your Yard
Outdoor fire pits and flames can also help to keep mosquitoes away. But here is an interesting fact – only if it is a wood fire and not one from a gas source.
Mosquitoes are actually attracted to gases such as carbon dioxide. That little fact means that contrary to popular belief, your backyard fire pit might be attracting mosquitoes and not repelling them. If you light your backyard gas fire pit thinking the flame will help to keep mosquitoes away, it won’t. In fact, the carbon dioxide emitted by the fire actually brings more mosquitoes to the party.
A wood fire pit on the other hand will actually help repel mosquitoes. The smoke from the wood embers is offensive to mosquitoes and will drive them away. Throw a little sage or rosemary on the fire as it burns, and it can really clear them out.
Here is to keeping your backyard free of mosquitoes this year – and to enjoying life outdoors more than ever! Happy Gardening – Jim and Mary.
Old World Garden
Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.
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