Mosquitoes are not included in the phrase “Keep your enemies close and your friends closer.” Mosquitoes are a major problem during the late summer months, especially if there is water or warmer temperatures nearby.
It’s not impossible to prevent mosquitoes, even though it is a tricky task. It’s important to find out what mosquitoes hate so you can keep them out of the house, your yard, and your life. You may need to use multiple strategies to combat the insects, depending on the severity of the infestation.
Mosquito Repellents That Are Known
Understanding how mosquitoes work is key to finding the most effective repellents. Mosquitoes can find their next meal by using visual cues and scents. They also use heat, carbon dioxide, and other factors. You can have a pleasant evening outdoors without worrying about being eaten alive by mosquitoes if you confuse their senses.
Mosquitoes are attracted to 10 things that repel them.
1. Mosquito Repellent
Mosquito repellents are proven to keep mosquitoes at bay for a period of time. DEET, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus, and picaridin are all ingredients in bug sprays. Picaridin is more effective than DEET and has a less oily texture. Natural, DEET-Free repellents are also effective against mosquito bites.
2. Herbs That Are Good For You
Citronella is one of the most effective natural repellents. Other scents include catnip and patchouli. Add some of these plants into your landscaping in order to repel them. You can also buy candles and torches that are designed to repel these pests or try the essential oils. You’ll enjoy a more comfortable evening, free of insects!
3. Artificial or Natural Wind
Mosquitoes can’t fly very well, which is surprising. It’s a good thing for humans, because we can create some wind to deter mosquitoes. You can use a high-speed fan to keep mosquitoes away. You won’t have to worry about mosquitoes getting close enough to you.
4. Garlic Scent
Bring on the garlic. We are lucky that mosquitoes dislike the tasty vegetable. You can cook with garlic, and eat your meal before going outside. If you are one of those rare people who don’t like the taste of garlic, sprinkle some minced garlic on your porch to have a similar effect.
5. Clothing That Is Loose
Mosquitoes aren’t concerned about your clothes being stylish, they just want to get on your skin. It is harder for mosquitoes to bite you if your clothing is loose. Mosquitoes are able to penetrate thicker clothing, such as corduroy or denim.
6. Sober Individuals
You can add this to your list of benefits for being the designated driving — mosquitoes may skip you and feast on your inebriated friends instead. Mosquitoes may be attracted to beer drinkers because of their smell. Alcohol can make people sweat, and mosquitoes love sweaty skin.
7. Light Clothes
Dark clothing is more visible to mosquitoes, who are attracted by things that they can easily see. Light clothing makes you blend in with the background and is harder to see. Wearing light clothing will make you less attractive to mosquitoes.
8. Smoke
You probably didn’t have enough marshmallows for everyone, but that’s okay because mosquitoes don’t like the smoke and won’t bother to come to your campfire. No campfire? Set the egg carton corner on fire and place it in a safe location, such as on top of your grill. The smoke will last for a while, keeping mosquitoes at bay.
9. Dry Areas
Mosquitoes prefer moist areas. They need standing water in order to reproduce. Standing water can be found in buckets, gutters and swimming pool. Avoid marshes, especially in the morning or evening when mosquitoes will be most active. Keep standing water away from your yard and use bug spray whenever you are near water.
10. Scent-Free Lotion
It’s best to use scent-free products and lotions when you are going outside, as mosquitoes tend to be attracted by sweet smells. If mosquitoes can detect your scent, it will be easier for them to find you. Avoid sweet scents and keep mosquitoes at bay when you are outside.
