If you want to use it directly on your skin, mix 4 drops of thyme oil with a base oil (such as jojoba) and apply. Just keeping a basil plant around on your windowsill helps to repel mosquitoes. Here are some solutions to keep mosquitoes away from you and your property: DEET Repellent. Its important that the extract you use contains no additional additives (like sugar or alcohol), so make sure to read the label carefully. You can also diffuse several cloves of minced garlic in mineral oil (allowing them to soak for 24 hours), then strain out the cloves and use the oil as a mosquito repellent spray. The Low Marigold (Tagetes patula) grows well in a window box, tub or pot, while the Erect Marigold (Tagetes erecta) is mostly used as an annual bedding or cemetery plant. Spray the mixture on plants around your home or outside areas to repel insects. . Drain stagnant water. It may sound like a myth, but oil from lemon eucalyptus is actually recommended by multiple government sources as an insect repellent (including the Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Vitamin B1 helps to keep mosquitoes away because when it is excreted by the skin it helps to mask the natural human odors that are attractive to insects. 2022 Eartheasy.com - All Rights Reserved, 10 Ways to Maximize Storage in Your Garden Shed, What Keeps Mosquitoes Away? This article has been updated from its original text. You can also purchase black pepper oil to use directly as a repellent. #2: Mix a Garlic Water Spray Solution Turns out garlic keeps more than vampires away. Citronella plants, similar to citronella candles, emit a scent that keeps mosquitoes away. For more details on how to use bats to help control mosquitoes, read our article, How to use Bats for Natural, Non-Toxic Mosquito Control. While mosquitoes dont like this herb, it can serve as a host for swallowtail butterfly larvae. Unfortunately, mosquitoes are out to spoil your funand then some. The plants will for example greatly improve the look of your garden, while also attracting butterflies. The conclusion is that this technology didnt work in other devices, so why should it work in smartphones? If youre looking for mosquito-repellent herbs to add to your garden, give peppermint a try. If you find the soybean oil odor a bit too strong, you can also add a few drops of another essential oil (like lemongrass) to the solution or couple it with your favorite perfume or cologne. Birds and bats are a mosquito's natural predators. . Lavender, marigolds, lemon balm, pennyroyal, catnip, and basil are just a few of many plants you can grow near your home that will help deter mosquitoes. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. There are honestly so many things about breeding mosquitoes that youd never think about, like not leaving the kiddie pool out for too long. While you may be tempted to cover your yard in chemicals, LJ Brubaker, a volunteer entomology research assistant at the Ward Lab of Drexel University in Philadelphia, says chemical treatments often do more harm than good. Eliminate standing water such as puddles, stagnant ponds, and uncirculated birdbaths to prevent mosquitoes from reproducing and lower mosquito populations in your neighborhood. In fact, they, 2013 study of the effectiveness of low-cost bug repellents, lemon eucalyptus oils are more effective when distilled in water, Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District. Mosquitoes have been shown to have an aversion to strong aromas and that extends to body sprays, perfumes, and cologne. According to Climate Central, the number of mosquito disease danger days is increasing across much of the country as temperatures rise, representing a greater risk for transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. Grow these anti mosquito plants in a partially shaded spot, and keep soil moist but not soggy for the best growth. Bee balm prefers a full sun location, although afternoon shade is appreciated in the hottest areas. Catnip oil. In addition to being a delicious spice to use while baking, cinnamon can also help repel mosquitoes. Allethrin is effective at warding off mosquitoes in targeted outdoor areas. And marigold plats will actually look great in your garden as well! Let the soil dry out slightly before watering, and clip away spent flowers to encourage more flowers all the way through fall. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Flowers like marigolds and calendula, along with herbs like rosemary, mint and lemongrass, can also keep biting insects away from the yard. 3. Rosemary does it all: adds pretty purple flowers to your garden, is a versatile herb in the kitchen, and discourages mosquitoes with its potent fragrance. The following scents are very effective to keep most mosquitoes away: Lavender is such a lovely, appealing plant that has so many uses. There are plenty of commercially available mosquito traps online, at hardware stores, and even in grocery stores. The best way to use a citronella plant is actually to break the leaves and rub the oil of the plant on your skin, as this is what actually keeps the mosquitoes away. When camping in areas with healthy mosquito populations, nothing beats a physical barrier like bug jackets with enclosed hoods and mosquito shelters for sleeping or eating. Its generally considered an annual because it wont come back after frosty weather. What really keeps mosquitoes away? Citronella may be the big name in the anti-bug bite game, but a 2009 study found that geraniol and linalool two different compounds found in a bunch of essential oils and aromatic plants and herbs are actually way more effective in keeping bugs away. If you enjoy the taste of garlic, simply consuming it can help to repel mosquitoes by merging with your natural odor. If you have standing water around your home where you notice mosquitoes laying eggs, applying cinnamon oil to the eggs will help kill them before the mosquitoes even get the chance to hatch. It worked right away, Im going to mix a large bottle of it and spray my home. This one comes in three sizes. Mosquito Traps Pure vanilla extract can be an effective mosquito repellent. 1. Here's a look at the most effective controls . In the past few years, many developers have come out with smartphone applications that purport to repel mosquitoes. Caution: The herb can be toxic to people and animals, so grow it in a container to keep it under control, away from kids and pets. You can also use a few drops in a diffuser if youre going to be outdoors on your porch. It can be a wonderful treat for any feline friends, but it can also keep biting insects away. Although scientists and manufacturers have done many trials to find a DEET equivalent, only a few plant-based source have shown promise. Although they grow best in warm and sunny climates, you can keep them in planters so long as you prune them frequently. A low-growing annual especially well suited to containers, floss flower secretes coumarin, a chemical that mosquitoes hate. That one used a nebulizer containing metofluthrin, an ingredient known to repel mosquitoes when used as a fogger to emit a vapor around its wearer. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of soybean oil with 4 ounces of water to create your own bug spray, then use on your skin and clothes before heading outside. Its leaves, allowed to dry, can be brewed into a wonderfully lemon-tasting herb tea that helps induce sleep. Use a DEET repellent. Rosemary may prevent flies and mosquitoes from ruining a cookout. You should speak to a pest control professional for advice on which devices are suitable for repelling mosquitoes. Mosquito machines and light zappers don't work well. Manage Settings The seriousness of mosquito-borne diseases is the reason so much research has gone into keeping people safe from their bites. Grown as an annual in all but the most mild-winter areas, these mosquito repellent plants thrive in full sun as long as you plant them in sandy soil that drains quickly, and you only water when the soil dries out. 4 4.Do Mosquito-Repellent Plants Really Work? Grow them in a sunny spot, let the soil go dry before watering, and dont bother fertilizing because scented geraniums do best in somewhat poor soil. Permethrin also acts like an insecticide instead of a deterrent, so mosquitoes may still bite you through a permethrin-treated garment and not die until afterwards. . Get some mosquito-repelling plants. (Sadly, consuming garlic hasn't been shown to keep the bugs away.) Keep a dryer sheet in your pocket to ward off mosquitoes, and if they're really swarming, rub the sheet on you for added protection. Well, bugs and insects are attracted to heat emitted by gas-powered patio heaters. For a complete list of ways to deal with mosquitoes before they become a serious health hazard, check out this infographic by the World Health Organization on eliminating mosquito breeding grounds. The oil from citronella plants has long been used in candles as a mosquito repellent. Were you surprised by any of the entries? Citronella grass, also known as lemongrass, is also effective in keeping mosquitoes away from your yard. Rosemary is another herb that we usually use in various recipes. Growing rosemary will provide constant protection from unwanted mosquitoes. RELATED: 30 Plants for Your Easiest Garden Ever. Luckily, there are tons of scents and smells that repel mosquitoes and may be more appealing than your average bottle of bug spray. If youre looking to use it for repellent, purchase some cinnamon oil and create a solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of oil with 4 ounces of water. Keep a Dryer Sheet in Your Pocket. Ive done the tests and found 21 scents that are effective at repelling mosquitoes. Products with 30% to 50% DEET are safe to use on human skin when properly used. Commonly called bee balm, Monarda is a beautiful flowering perennial that attracts desirable pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, but repels mosquitoes with its minty-herbal scent. However, keep in mind that they eat a small fraction of the mosquitoes when other prey is available, so using other controls at the same time is important. American beautyberries grow best in well-draining soil in light shade. Thankfully, there are many ways of getting rid of mosquitoes. Repelling a mosquito effectively does not require much effort if you know what you are doing. Although it is an effective solution, avoiding applying neem oil directly to your skin as it can cause irritation. Many of the scents on this list also repel fleas and other biting insects as well (or have other interesting uses). Thank you so much! The joys of warm weather are many: splashing in the swimming pool, entertaining outdoors, sitting on your patio while watching the sunset. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. It can be used in cooking and its fragrance can help relieve stress. RELATED: 12 Plants You Can Successfully Grow in the Shower. Wearing protective clothing can also help reduce the risk of being bitten. It also keeps other flying pests, such as moths, fleas, flies, and spiders at bay. Rosemary: The woodsy scent of rosemary keeps pests away, and is a great addition to any garden. But this beautiful plant is a great choice to grow in a patio planter as a living repellent to keep mosquitoes away. RELATED: 10 Pretty Plants You Didnt Know Were Poisonous. If you are interested in using its aroma to repel mosquitoes, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of bergamot oil to 4 ounces of water and use in a spray bottle on your skin. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If you want to increase your arsenal directly with some more heavy-duty anti-mosquito solutions, check out some of these product reviews I made. Yes, certain types of peppermint will keep mosquitoes away! Studies suggest Nepetalactone, the essential oil within catnip plants, can be up to ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. Keeps the mosquitoes out but lets the men go wild. Fun fact: They also have a body lotion version, if you prefer that one. Some other ways to use a fire pit to get rid of mosquitoes is by burning eucalyptus, sage, or rosemary. Pennyroyal. RELATED: Buyers Guide: The Best Citronella Candles. The smell basil emits (which is pleasant to humans) is incredibly effective at repelling mosquitoes. Part of HuffPost News. A study published in 2011 found that applying peppermint oil on one arm protected both arms from mosquito bites for up to three hours. Finally, a use for all the little pepper packets you might be collecting if you order takeout frequently! If you arent a fan of the taste, dont worry! Power using an extension cord and replace UV bulbs once per year. Actually, the CDC has recommended use of Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus as an effective insect repellent, not eucalyptus essential oil. They create a bubble of ultrasound vibrations that repels certain pests. Carrying diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile and Zika viruses, they account for more than one million deaths each year according to the World Health Organization. RELATED: 27 Gorgeous Plants That Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden. Mosquitoes have been shown to have an aversion to strong aromas and that extends to body sprays, perfumes, and cologne. Yes, lemongrass is a mosquito repellent. Keep the soil moist, feed monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer, and pinch away any flower buds that develop, as once basil flowers, it stops producing new leaves. It is also effective against ticks. Black pepper has a spicy, subtle aroma that can help keep mosquitoes at a distance. Now we have exactly 21 scented solutions to get rid of those annoying bloodsucking insects. Today's scientists generally agree that the best mosquito controls include a combination of repellents applied to skin or clothing and physical barriers that prevent mosquitoes from reaching you in the first place. Not only will the American beautyberry shrub keep mosquitoes away, it will also add some visual appeal to your garden space and attract songbirds with its gorgeous purple berry clusters. If you're looking for a more natural remedy for how to keep mosquitoes away, this oil will do the trick. Controls That Actually Work - 2. Popular in Asian cooking, lemongrass, as its name suggests, looks like a tall clump of grass, and has a strong lemon fragrance and taste. Mosquitoes really hate when you don't wear a flowery or sweet smelling lotion. Do heat lamps keep mosquitoes away? Cinnamon oil can also help cut mosquitoes off at the source. You might love to smell lotion or candles that contain lavender after a long day at work. If backyard bugs are harshing your vibe, youre likely looking for easy and effective ways to keep them at bay. A few drops of this lavender oil on your skin (or mixed with water to create a spray) will keep flying pests at bay. RELATED: 12 Plants That Will Make Your Garden Smell Great. While researchers conducted these studies before the release of the latest smartphone apps, mosquito-control apps on the market today use the same technology as the ultrasonic devices tested. There are retailers who sell special mosquito repellent incense. There are plenty of commercially available mosquito traps online, at hardware stores, and even in grocery stores. One common ingredient used in these products is the insecticide allethrin. When cases of dengue fever began cropping up in Key West, Florida, local officials asked residents to protect themselves by dressing in long sleeves and long pants at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes were more prevalent and more likely to bite. Bugs fly directly into an electrified grid and die quickly. Repel Mosquitoes with These Foods Too (But You Don't Have to Eat Them) Drinking olive oil won't keep mosquitoes away, but the oil can keep the pests out of your yard. Heres a, 5 Spectacular Ways To Use Marble in Your Home, How to Choose the Right Type of Hardwood Flooring, 11 Tips For Moving With Pets: The Ultimate Guide, First Time Homeowners Guide to Fall Home Maintenance, What Happens If You Dont Service Your Air Conditioner, Things To Consider When Looking For Rubbish Removal Services, Why Organic Latex Mattresses Are Best For your Family, These Ultra-Simple Design Tips Instantly Upgrade Curb Appeal and Home Value. Pennyroyal thrives with plenty of sun and soil thats moist but not saturated. Mosquitoes are a common summertime pest, and many people are looking for ways to keep them away. Well, bugs and insects are attracted to heat emitted by . What really works to keep mosquitoes away? You can simply put peppermint plants around your home, or you can crush the leaves and rub the oils on your skin. How do ultrasonic pest repellers work? Heres a look at the most effective controls backed up by science. In places where you cant remove standing water, try adding mosquito dunks. If you want some more information on plants to place in your garden for repelling insect pests, I highly recommend you to check out this practical article I wrote. Copyright 2014 - 2016 Thewowdecor.com - All Rights Reserved, If you have potted plants, make sure there isnt any stagnant water in the pots or in the plants. In your quest for an itch- and illness-free summer, try cultivating some of the following plants that keep mosquitoes away around your yard and near your favorite outdoor seating areas. Apparently, Victorias Secret will get the boys wild too, ladies, so dont hesitate to wear it on those evening outdoor occasions. Like. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Banana - Place a banana slice on your bite to ease the pain. Despite our best efforts to keep mosquitoes out, sometimes its nice just to leave the windows open, which gives mosquitoes the perfect opportunity to infiltrate our living spaces. Poison sprays arent ideal for the home invasion as youd make yourself sick from home much youd need to spray around your home. LG also unveiled a smartphone with built-in, mosquito-repelling technology. They also have a body lotion version, if you prefer that one. According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, warm yellow LED lights are less appealing to mosquitoes than incandescent lighting. According to a study published in the Journal of Vector Ecology, although citronella in essential oil form can deter bugs, citronella candles dont contain enough active ingredients to prevent mosquitoes from getting all up in your personal space. Eucalyptus plants repel mosquitoes and can be a welcome, fragrant addition to your yard, deck, or patio. Ageratum is a purple-flowered low-growing beauty favorite with bees and hummingbirds. We especially like Onsight insecticide-free mosquito shelters because theyre made from 60-100% recycled materials. Remove from heat and allow it to cool, then strain and place in a spray bottle. There are many varieties of this annual, but lemon, lime, orange, and peppermint geraniums are some of the most effective flowers that repel mosquitoes. Its also the reason so many products on the market claim to prevent you from becoming a mosquitos next meal. Basil: Basil is one of the most common herbs grown in the summertime for things like pesto, homemade pizza, and delicious cocktails. Goddard said a study indicated that while they do reduce the number of bites if a person is near the candle or torch, they aren't a silver bullet. Here also are the most effective remedies that will keep mosquitoes at bay this summer. Keeping these pests from biting greatly reduces any problems resulting from irritating bug bites. Do heat lamps keep mosquitoes away? Neem oil has many natural bug repellent properties that can make it an attractive solution during mosquito season. You can usually find outdoor soap in sports shops. Mix well a few drops of garlic oil or your chosen essential oil with 330ml (10oz) of water in a spray bottle. Like Bromeliads, many plants hold reservoirs of water in natural bowls made of leaves and petals or rely on stagnant water to thrive like water lilies. What actually keeps mosquitoes away? Next time you are looking for a scent to repel mosquitoes, take a look back at this list and enjoy your mosquito-free time outdoors. Keep the soil moist and deadhead regularly to keep the flowers coming until fall. Plant it in a part-sun location in soil that drains well, watering regularly so the soil wont dry out. If you dont know what outdoor soap is, its the kind of soap you use before you intend to leave or enter your home. Caution: The . If you would like to use lemon eucalyptus oil against biting insects, combine 1 teaspoon of lemon eucalyptus oil with 10 teaspoons of witch hazel. (Diffusers, on the other hand, continuously release active ingredients horizontally, covering more of the room or area. RELATED: The Dos and Donts of Deadheading Flowers. However, lemongrass isn't very beneficial against heavy infestation. Both birds and bats feed on mosquitoes and can help . Consumer Reports found that deet-free products can actually work better, which is the first time the magazine has ever come to this conclusion . Bright golden marigolds can be a beautiful, vibrant addition to your garden. As a bonus, both nepetas put up pretty spikes of flowers from spring until fall (white on catnip, and lavender on catmint). It's adjustable and fits most sizes of outdoor umbrellas, with a zipper door to keep you free from bugs. The Victorias Secret Bombshell. These oils include: . ? Suppose mosquitoes have infested your home to the point where you need to sleep inside a mosquito net. Basil is so much more than a delicious herb to add to your favorite pasta or pesto recipe: it can also be a useful tool in your first aid kit or beauty routine. Cloves have a spicy, warm, fruity aroma that can be very pleasing to humans and downright repulsive to mosquitoes. In fact, eucalyptus oil has been used in commercial mosquito repellents for many years. DIY mosquito repellents like dryer sheets or fabric . Supposedly the smoke is really unpleasant to mosquitoes and will keep them away. I am going to try some of these plants. Marigolds are also ideal for making a border when landscaping. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Theyll kill in a few hours and keep working for 30 days. Remember that mosquitoes also spawn in standing water, so make sure to frequently change any water in your yard to reduce mosquito birth rates. Many of these scents can be worn as an essential oil on your skin to help keep these pesky pests from biting you.