Figuring out how to keep mosquitoes away is one of summer’s great problems. An evening spent admiring a summer sunset can quickly become ruined by these pesky insects—so what can you do?
It is possible to reduce your yard’s mosquito population without the use of intensive pesticudes While it’s likely impossible to eliminate every single mosquito, the use of mosquito traps, repellants, habitat deterrents, and even certain types of plants can help keep mosquitoes far, far away.
Here’s what you need to know.
Get Rid of Their Breeding Grounds
One of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away is to prevent them from even getting near you in the first place. This can be done by getting rid of mosquitoes’ breeding grounds, both natural and man-made.
Mosquitoes’ favorite habitats are tall grasses, bodies of standing water (both large and small), piles of leaves, and decaying logs. While you can’t do much about the pond in your backyard, keep grasses trimmed and don’t let piles of yard debris build up for too long.
But mosquitoes can also make a home in the things you leave outside—especially if they can fill with water. Items like baby pools, buckets, and watering cans can fill up with water over time and become a mosquito hotspot. Keep these items covered or inside to prevent this.
Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Have a green thumb? Add a few mosquito-repelling plants to your backyard to keep mosquitoes far, far away. Most of these plants are herbs and repel mosquitoes thanks to their strong scents. Here’s a few to add to your garden.
Use Mosquito Repellents
One of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away is through the use of repellents. The most effective personal repellents will use ingredients like DEET or Picardin, and they can keep working for up to eight hours.
If you’d prefer to use a repellent with fewer chemicals, look for ones that are essential oil-based. But keep in mind that these won’t be as effective at protecting you.
To keep mosquitoes out of larger areas, try using repellents meant for patios or decks, like citronella candles or lanterns, or a battery-powered mosquito repellent from Thermacell.
Set Mosquito Traps
Mosquito traps are another easy way to keep mosquitoes away. While you may need to head to the store to purchase a mosquito trap, once they’ve been set up, they’ll get straight to work reducing the mosquito population in your yard. Here are the different types of traps:
