what can you do to repel mosquitoes

Natural and effective ways to repel mosquitoes

• 1. Citronella candles Citronella candles are known to repel mosquitoes, and while some approve wholeheartedly about their effectiveness, others are leery. ...
• 2. Electric fan ...
• 3. Mosquito repelling essential oils ...
• 4. Bug repellent luminaries ...
• 5. Natural homemade mosquito repellents ...
• 6. Wear light colors ...
• 7. Garlic-infused mosquito repellent ...
• 8. Mosquito netting ...

Full Answer

What are home remedies to keep mosquitoes away?

Highly Effective DIY Mosquito Repellent Remedies

• Use Baking Soda & Vinegar for a DIY Mosquito Repellent. ...
• Lemon Eucalyptus Oil to Get Rid of Mosquitoes. ...
• Cinnamon Oil Recipe for Bugs. ...
• Mouthwash & Salt Spray Recipe. ...
• Get Rid of Mosquitoes with Rubbing Alcohol. ...
• Deter Mosquitoes with Lemongrass & Rosemary Oil. ...
• Repel Insects with Tea Tree Oil. ...
• Lavender Oil, Vanilla, & Lemon Insect Repellent. ...

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What is the best homemade mosquito repellent?

List The Best Homemade Mosquito Spray Reviews

• SUMMIT CHEMICAL CO 117-6 30OZ Mosquito Bits
• Repel 94109 HG-94109 Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect, 4-Ounce Pump Spray, 1 pack. ...
• Sawyer Products SP657 Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents, Trigger Spray, 24-Ounce

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How to make homemade mosquito repellent?

Method 3 Method 3 of 3: Using Commonly Found Ingredients Download Article

1. Create a vanilla extract bug repellent. Mix 5 oz (147.86 ml) of baby oil, 2 tsp (9.85 ml) of vanilla extract, and 5 tbsp (73.93 ml) of distilled water ...
2. Use coconut oil and peppermint to create your repellent. Mix 1/3 cup (78.86 ml) of coconut oil with 15 drops of peppermint into a bowl.
3. Mix garlic, mineral oil, and lemon juice together. ...

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Do mosquitoes really ever go away?

Mosquitoes don’t go away for good until the first freeze, followed by temperatures consistently below 50 degrees. In the southern continental U.S. and Hawaii, there may be at least a little mosquito activity year round.

What scent keeps the mosquitoes away?

Mosquitoes hate the smell of lavender, citronella, clove, peppermint, basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass and rosemary.

What repels mosquitoes from biting you?

Use insect repellentDEET.Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)IR3535.Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)Para-menthane-diol (PMD)2-undecanone.

Is there a natural way to repel mosquitoes?

Citronella oil is one of the most popular natural ways to repel mosquitoes. It works by masking the scents that attract mosquitoes and other insects. Citronella oil is safe for use on skin and clothing and does not require frequent reapplication.

How do you instantly repel mosquitoes?

How to Repel Mosquitoes without Bug SprayPut Up Air Curtains. ... Install a Mosquito Misting System. ... Create Bug Repellent Luminaries. ... Remove Standing Water. ... Use Portable Traps and Systems. ... Use Citronella Candles. ... Essential Oils. ... Try Crushed Garlic.More items...

Can vinegar keep mosquitoes away?

Apple cider vinegar: It's a truly multipurpose remedy that can help with so many things, including mosquitoes. Add equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use it on areas where mosquitoes tend to hang out. You can even spray it on yourself to keep them away.

How do I stop getting bitten?

cover exposed skin – if you're outside at a time of day when insects are particularly active, such as sunrise or sunset, cover your skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers. wear shoes when outdoors. apply insect repellent to exposed skin – repellents that contain 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effective.

How do I keep mosquitoes from biting me at night?

How to get rid of mosquito bites while sleepingApply mosquito repellent: Apply hit mosquito repellent it to exposed skin and/or clothing, using enough to cover the entire area. ... Wear long-sleeves and long pants: ... Use mosquito nets while sleeping: ... Put on bright color clothing while sleeping: ... Install Fans in the room:

Do dryer sheets keep mosquitoes away?

Answer: Both. Although dryer sheets haven't been officially proven to repel mosquitoes, their effectiveness hasn't been disproven, either. It's possible these common household items are a successful mosquito-repellant.

What kills mosquitoes the best naturally?

To naturally get rid of mosquitoes around the house, some popular methods include these:Burning coffee grounds.Lighting lavender candles.Leaving plates of sliced lemons or cloves around the house.Setting out mosquito traps.Spraying with essential oils such as lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus.

What household items keep mosquitoes away?

Lemongrass, citronella (not citronella candles), and catnip can act as natural mosquito repellents. Essential oils, like lemon eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, and tea tree oil, can also have positive effects on mosquito prevention.

Does Irish Spring soap keep mosquitoes away?

No, there is no scientific backing from the EPA or CDC that Irish Spring soap repels mosquitoes.

Do coffee grounds repel mosquitoes?

You can control them with coffee grounds, a safe and effective way to keep pests away. Not only do they repel mosquitoes, but also other insects such as wasps and bees. Coffee grounds are the bee's knees when it comes to staying bug bite free.

Is there a pill you can take to prevent mosquito bites?

There is simply no evidence taking vitamin B will offer any significant protection from mosquito bites. In reality, if there was even moderate scientific evidence that taking a vitamin supplement could prevent mosquito bites, our supermarket shelves would be full of “mosquito repellent pills”.

Does Rubbing alcohol keep mosquitoes away?

Unfortunately, there is no credible evidence to support the claim that rubbing alcohol repels or deters mosquitoes.

What color do mosquitoes hate?

Certain colors repel mosquitoes. If you don't want to become a mosquito's next meal, try wearing lighter, more subdued hues. White, beige, khaki, pastel yellow, and even soft gray are good options. And as a bonus, these colors will also keep you cooler on a warm day.

How to Repel Mosquitoes Without Bug Spray

Just because the mosquitoes enjoy the warm summer months, doesn’t mean you have to spend your entire summer hiding indoors. There are numerous ways...

What Kind of Plants Repel Mosquitoes?

When it comes to repelling mosquitoes outdoors, individual plants might be your best defense against the pests. Not only do plants offer a natural,...

What Herbs Repel Mosquitoes?

Along with the numerous plants that you can plant around your yard to help repel mosquitoes, there are a variety of herbs that will do the trick as...

What Colors Repel Mosquitoes?

When it comes to being outside, certain colors can help to repel mosquitoes. When you wear the following colors, you become less attractive to mosq...

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away While Camping

The fastest way for your camping trip to be a bust is to become the feast for mosquitoes. Along with using the methods mentioned above, there are s...

How to Make Natural Mosquito Repellent

When it comes to repelling mosquitoes while you are outside, there are many commercially produced bug sprays on the market. The only problem with t...

How to keep mosquitoes down?

Outside of spraying yourself, or covering up, every time you step outside, the use of fragrant plants to repel mosquitoes in your yard , is a beautiful way to keep mosquito numbers down.

What herbs repel mosquitoes?

Using many of the same herbs that you would want to plant around your garden to repel mosquitoes (mint, sage, rosemary, lavender, and thyme ) you can make a homemade mosquito repellent that actually works.

Who do mosquitoes bite the most?

Some prefer a combination of bacteria and sweat, while others are more attracted to body odors and carbon dioxide.

How many cloves of garlic to make mosquito repellent?

It takes nothing more than water, biodegradable dish soap and 4 cloves of crushed garlic to make a spray that keeps mosquitoes away.

What is the water needed to lay mosquito eggs?

A thimbleful, or less, of water is all mosquitoes need to safely lay and store their eggs.

What is the greatest determining factor when it comes to being a mosquito magnet?

Our metabolic rate, the amount of CO2 our bodies release as they burn energy, is perhaps the greatest determining factor when it comes to being a mosquito magnet.

Why do people need mosquito netting?

If you plan to camp and sleep outside, mosquito netting is absolutely essential to prevent waking up with hundreds of bites.

What are the best ways to repel mosquitoes?

There are a couple of mosquito-luring qualities you can do something about. 1 Beer: Mosquitoes love beer. Drinking just one 12-ounce bottle of brew makes humans more enticing to mosquitoes. ( source) This is not true of other types of alcohol consumption – just beer drinkers. 2 Clothes: The color of your clothing can make you more of a target. Mosquitoes tend to find their victims visually and if you’re wearing dark colors like navy, dark brown, or black, as well as very bright colors like red, you’ll be seen by them more easily.

What blood type do mosquitoes prefer?

Pseudomonas, Delftia, and Actinobacteria make a person less enticing. Blood Type: Just like humans and ice cream, mosquitoes have favorite flavors, too. Experiments have shown that they greatly prefer Type O blood but don’t really care for Type A blood.

Do mosquitoes like beer?

There are a couple of mosquito-luring qualities you can do something about. Beer: Mosquitoes love beer. Drinking just one 12-ounce bottle of brew makes humans more enticing to mosquitoes. ( source) This is not true of other types of alcohol consumption – just beer drinkers.

Do you have a favorite method to repel mosquitoes?

Share it in the comments section below. However, my friends, keep in mind that the comments section is not vetted – please do your own research before opting to use a remedy that some guy on the internet said worked for him. Also, feel free to double check my conclusions, too. If you disagree, cite your sources so that we can all learn more about it.

What is the best natural repellent for mosquitoes?

Read on to see which natural repellents work best. 1. Lemon eucalyptus oil. Used since the 1940s, lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the more well-known natural repellents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved eucalyptus oil as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent. A recent study.

How to treat a mosquito bite?

To treat mosquito bites at home, you can try rubbing apple cider vinegar at the site of the bite. Putting a slice of raw onion or freshly cut garlic on the bite can also provide relief and guard against infection . Calamine lotion or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help as well.

What is the best candle to use for mosquitoes?

Citronella . Citronella is a common natural and effective essential oil that works against mosquitoes. Made from a mix of herbs, it’s an ingredient in many mosquito repellents. When outdoors, citronella candles can provide up to 50 percent extra protection.

What happens if you get a mosquito bite?

If you do develop an infection or allergic reaction due to a significant amount of mosquito bites, take note of your symptoms and contact your doctor. An elevated temperature, pus or bleeding where the bite is, or scabs that won’t go away could be a sign of a problem.

How long does Geraniol repel mosquitoes?

It’s from plant oils like citronella, lemongrass, and rose. As an ingredient in mosquito repellent, it’s known to be effective for two to four hours, depending on the species.

What is the best insect repellent?

8. Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil , or melaleuca oil, is a popular essential oil from Australia. This oil is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. But recent studies also suggest that tea tree oil may be an effective insect repellent.

Can you use a deet repellent?

You might choose to avoid using these products unless you’re visiting places that have a high risk for mosquito-borne diseases like Zika. DEET is recommended for people at risk for mosquito bites carrying any disease.

How do mosquito repellents work?

Repellents work by making people less attractive to mosquitoes, so they're less likely to bite you. When deciding what type of mosquito repellent to use, you should consider: How long you will be outside. How many mosquitoes are in your area. Risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases where you live.

How to stop mosquitoes from sneaking under clothes?

Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks to prevent mosquitoes from sneaking under your clothes. When it's 90 degrees outside, this may be the last thing you want to do. But it's one way to help prevent mosquito bites without using chemical mosquito repellent. Use fans.

How old do you have to be to use mosquito repellent?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says mosquito repellents that contain DEET or picaridin are safe for adults and children over the age of 2 months, when used correctly. But there are other options that are deemed "natural" because they are derived from natural materials such as plants.

How to use insect repellent?

When using an insect repellent, follow these safety tips from the CDC: 1 Don't use products that combine DEET and a sunscreen, because insect repellent usually doesn't need to be applied as often as sunscreen. 2 When using sunscreen and DEET at the same time, apply sunscreen first and then DEET. 3 Don't apply insect repellent to children's hands or allow young children to apply themselves. 4 Never apply repellent over skin wounds, cuts, or otherwise irritated skin areas. 5 Use and reapply insect repellent according to the instructions on the product's label.

What is the best insect repellent for mosquitoes?

Catnip oil. This insect repellent is derived from the nepeta cataria plant. It may offer mosquito protection for 7 hours, according to the EPA. Cinnamon oil. This has been shown to help make you a bit less attractive to mosquitoes for up to an hour and a half, which is longer than many other natural oil repellants.

How long does OLE repellent last?

Repellents containing OLE or PMD may provide up to 2 hours of protection. If you decide to try OLE, make sure you buy the insect repellent version and not "pure" oil of lemon eucalyptus (essential oil). They aren't the same. The safety and effectiveness of the essential oil as an insect repellent is not clear.

What is the best oil for mosquito bites?

Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). This is a natural, plant-based oil. It works as well at preventing mosquito bites as products that contain lower concentrations (6.65%) of DEET. PMD is a version of oil of lemon eucalyptus that is produced in a lab. Repellents containing OLE or PMD may provide up to 2 hours of protection.

How to keep mosquitoes away from my house?

How to use it: Many tales claim that taking an undiluted tablespoon of apple cider vinegar at least once per day is just what you need to keep mosquitoes away for good. For a more pleasant experience, you can mix the dose with honey.

How does apple cider vinegar repel mosquitoes?

Like most of the other ingredients on this list, apple cider works by altering your scent. This makes you less appealing to those pesky mosquitoes. Don’t worry – it won’t affect the way you smell to other people!

What fruit is good for mosquitoes?

6. Grapefruit. How it works: Not only is this juicy fruit an excellent source of vitamin C and health-boosting antioxidants, grapefruit has been linked to deterring mosquitoes and is also effective against ticks. It has been suggested that it may repel other insects such as bed bugs and head lice as well.

What do mosquitoes rely on to identify their favorite food source?

Mosquitoes mostly rely on their keen sense of smell to identify their favorite food source: People.

How to use citrus fruits?

How to use it: Citrus fruits can make a great addition to your daily meal routine. Try eating half a grapefruit for breakfast before you start your day, or combine it with other citrus fruits to create a fresh fruit salad.

Does allicin mask pests?

Allicin interferes with your natural scent, therefore helping to mask you from those persistent pests. Onions and other members of this plant family, such as leeks, shallots, and chives, also emit allicin when consumed, so they can be used interchangeably.

Can tomatoes be used to stop mosquito bites?

Thiamin-rich tomatoes make you less enticing to mosquitoes and prevent them from biting. If you still get bit, you can rub the juices from your leftover tomatoes on the affected area to stop the itching! How to use it: With so many ways to use them, tomatoes can easily be incorporated into your daily meal routine.

What are your favorite natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes?

We'd love to hear from you. Have you tried any of these methods and succeeded in removing mosquitoes from your environment? Leave us a comment below and let us know your personal experiences!

What to put on your body to keep mosquitoes away?

Fun fact: You can also put some on your body to avoid getting bit! 5. Mint. Similar to lavender oil, mosquitoes also hate the smell of mint. Once again, use this to your advantage! Take fresh mint or mint oil and place it around your environment. You can also consider growing mint shrubs to keep them away for good! 6.

How to keep mosquitoes away from my house?

Garlic. Garlic is made up of several properties that help keep mosquitoes away. To test this method out, you can crush a few cloves of garlic and then boil them in water. Then, you'll want to pour the solution in a spray bottle and spray it around your room, garage, etc.

What is the best way to kill mosquito larvae?

Basil leaves are known for killing mosquito larvae. What does this mean for you? You can simply plant a basil plant in your backyard or at the entry points of your home. You can also spray some basil oil to repel mosquitoes.

Why do mosquitoes die in stagnant water?

Mosquito eggs will come up to the surface and die due to not having any oxygen.

How to keep bugs out of apartment?

We know it can be difficult to keep bugs and insects out of your apartment. Try using these natural mosquito repellent methods next time you catch mosquitoes swarming around your environment. 1. Camphor. Camphor is a natural home remedy that will assist in getting rid of mosquitoes around your house or apartment.

How to get rid of mosquitoes in a spray bottle?

The same goes for mosquitoes. Just mix a few drops of tea tree oil in some water and add it to a spray bottle.

How to make mosquito repellent spray?

Cut garlic cloves into slivers and scatter them around your outdoor living areas, or combine with oils and other liquid ingredients to make a repellent spray for your yard. Furthermore, you can blend garlic with essential oils to make a mosquito repellent spray for your body.

What is the best insect repellent for mosquitoes?

Citronella oil, which comes from the lemongrass plant, is commonly used in commercial bug sprays and candles. It features a lemon-like citrusy scent that is irritating to mosquitoes, but wonderfully pleasant to people. Lemongrass can be planted outside your home as an attractive, yet effective repellent.

What essential oils repel biters?

The essential oils contained in the basil plant emit a powerful aroma that is irritating to these bothersome biters. Take full advantage of basil’s repellent properties by growing it in your yard as well as creating homemade sprays from its essential oils. 4. GARLIC.

Why do mosquitoes smell?

Mosquitoes have a very keen sense of smell. In fact, it’s the primary reason that they are drawn to humans and other animals as a blood source. The carbon dioxide and many of the fragrances we emit are irresistible to these annoying pests. Mosquitoes likewise find a variety of scents unappealing. These aromas can be used to keep mosquitoes ...

What is the best mosquito repellent?

Lemongrass can be planted outside your home as an attractive, yet effective repellent. Additionally, citronella oil can be applied directly on your skin or paired with other essential oils to make your own natural deterrent. 2. PEPPERMINT. Minty fragrances are unpleasant to a mosquito’s keen senses.

What is the best herb to use to kill mosquitoes?

This aromatic plant works wonders when planted in your garden, easily tackling small mosquito infestations. When barbecuing, place a few sprigs of rosemary on the grill to keep mosquitoes away as the scent wafts through the yard.

How to repel mosquitoes with catnip?

In recent years, this has become a very popular method of repelling mosquitoes. A study in Science Daily even suggests that Nepetalactone, the plant’s essential oil, is approximately ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. Therefore, much less of this oil is needed to be effective. Plant catnip in your garden as a backyard defense, or crush the leaves and rub them directly on your skin. Some people even use the leaves in their tea for natural healing. Of course, you can also provide surplus leaves to the very thankful felines in your home.

Dangers of Mosquitoes

There are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes in almost every country around the world, with roughly 200 species in the U.S. alone. Unfortunately, these flying pests can carry malaria, West Nile virus, dengue, yellow fever, Zika virus, and more.

How to Get Rid of Indoor Mosquitoes

You’re more likely to have a mosquito issue in your yard than in your home itself, but having mosquitoes buzzing around during bedtime can be frustrating.

The Best Way to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Yard

Now that you know how to get rid of mosquitoes in your home, here are a few ways to keep these pests out of your yard. The most effective methods to get rid of mosquitoes outdoors include these:

Professional Mosquito Control

While you may find some measure of success with DIY methods, if you’re dealing with tons of mosquitoes, you need to call in a professional pest control company. Professional pest control companies have the expertise to kill mosquitoes at all stages of the life cycle and are more knowledgeable about safety practices when applying chemicals.

Local Pest Control Companies

Some homeowners prefer to select a pest control company a little closer to home, whether a local business or a locally owned branch. Others simply prefer to be called instead of calling around for quotes. To be contacted by local pest control companies in your area, fill out this form or insert your details into the tool below.

Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing unbiased and comprehensive reviews for our readers. This means earning your trust through transparency and having the data to back up our ratings and recommendations. With that in mind, we spent time creating an objective rating system to score each best pest control company.

How to keep mosquitoes away from my house?

Planting mosquito-repellent plants or using certain types of lighting or torches can naturally keep mosquitoes at bay. There are also certain landscaping tricks you can do to lessen mosquitoes, like making sure your planters and yard have proper drainage or using landscaping to your advantage.

How to get rid of mosquitoes in my yard?

There are products available that use all-natural ingredients to repel mosquitoes after you use them to treat your yard.

How do bug zappers work?

You can purchase one to hang on your porch or install wherever you spend most of your time in your yard. Bug zappers work by emitting UV light, which attracts mosquitoes. When the mosquito lands on the bug zapper, it ‘zaps’ and kills them. Recent bug zappers also emit carbon dioxide for a double-whammy at attracting and destroying mosquitoes. If you don’t mind cleaning your bug zapper every now and then or the light and noise it emits while killing mosquitoes, consider trying one in your yard to live mosquito-free.

What is the best way to use citronella oil for mosquitoes?

The citrus-like aroma of citronella works wonders at repelling mosquitoes and other flying pests. If you’re looking to use citronella to protect your yard, consider investing in citronella candles or torches. By burning the citronella oil, you’ll create an effective area of mosquito repellent. As a bonus, citronella torches often come in decorative holders that can really brighten up your yard when they are placed strategically.

What plants repel mosquitoes?

If you have already read our recommendations for 21 mosquito repellent plants, you already know that there are certain plants you can grow that will keep mosquitoes away without the harsh use of chemicals. Lavender, marigold, and lemongrass are a few of the more popular and beautiful options, but there are so many more that will also really spruce up your yard while also keeping the area free of flying pests. Many of these plants are both visually appealing and effective at keeping mosquitoes away. There are also certain herbs you can grow that are great for keeping your kitchen stocked while also repelling mosquitoes, like basil, thyme, and rosemary. Take a look at the article listed above for mosquito repellent plants and also this list for even more plants you can grow to keep mosquitoes away.

How to get rid of mosquitoes around fire pit?

If you’re looking to repel them without chemicals, try burning pinion wood next time you have a gathering around the fire. Pinion wood has a smoky pine fragrance that adds a great aroma to the air and also helps repel mosquitoes. You can purchase pinion wood from home goods stores or order it online ( here are some pinion mini-logs perfect for your next fire pit ). Just make sure that it is authentic pinion wood and not merely mislabelled. Many stores will label regular pine wood as pinion, so ask an expert before purchasing or look up the brand online to ensure your money is being well-spent.

How to keep mosquitoes out of bird bath?

If you want to keep bird baths or other containers, remember to change the water weekly to eliminate any mosquito larvae that may be hiding inside. Adding a current to pools or ponds will also reduce the possibility of mosquitoes using the water to reproduce.