What is the Best Way to Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Whether you are trying to protect your children from mosquitoes or just want to keep them away from you, there are plenty of ways to make your home less attractive to these bugs. Many commercial repellents contain chemicals, but there are also some natural options that are proven to work.

One way to prevent mosquitoes from biting you is to wear a EPA approved personal repellent. These products have been tested and shown to work well, but they do eventually wear off.

If you’re looking for an alternative to chemical-based repellents, there are several ways to use essential oils. Some smells, like eucalyptus, can be very effective at deterring mosquitoes. Others, like lavender, have analgesic properties and can help soothe your skin.

Other essential oils can be used to make candles or oil diffusers. Citronella, for example, is an excellent mosquito repellent. You can buy citronella candles in stores or make your own. You can also use a vaporizer to diffuse the oil.

Another natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay is to cut back the plant life around your home. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in damp soil or leaf piles, so trimming away these areas can reduce their populations.

When it rains, try to remove any standing water. Rain gutters and empty ceramic pots can collect water and can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

If you have an outdoor water source, like a swimming pool, you can keep mosquitoes from laying their eggs by pumping the water. You can also keep it flowing with a pond pump.