Everyone loves to be outdoors in Summertime. We love to barbecue, play in pools, and work in our gardens. But how many times have you been outside at dusk, enjoying your time in the yard when suddenly, you realize there are mosquitoes all over you, and the kids? You don’t want to make everyone go inside just yet, in the midst of all the fun, so you make the decision to spray everyone down with bug spray, assuming it’s probably alright and won’t hurt you.
There is evidence that proves that mosquito repellant is not hazardous to your health, but if you could avoid having to use it, that would be all the better. Let’s take a look at just a few of the ways you can use natural methods to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
Citronella
You can find candles, oil lamps, sprays, and even bracelets infused with citronella oil. Citronella oil comes from the leaves of the tropical Asian Citronella grass. You can make your own citronella infused skin oil by purchasing citronella essential oil and combining it with a carrier oil such as olive or jahoba. This concoction should then be applied every thirty minutes. You can also plant citronella grass in your own yard if you live in zone 10 or under, in the area where you spend the most time.
Bats
Bats love to eat mosquitoes Take advantage of this by putting up a bat house in your yard. You can make your own or purchase one from a garden or outdoor supply store. You should see a huge difference in the amount of mosquitoes in your yard in no time.
Use A Fan
Have you ever noticed that you seem to get more mosquito bights on still, calm days as opposed to windy ones? Mosquitoes are known to be weak fliers and can not easily land on you in the wind. If you bring a fan outside and place it near you as you work, you will probably be left alone by these pesky bugs.
Eliminate Standing Water
This is probably the best, easiest way to keep your local mosquito population to a minimum. Believe it or not, but most of the mosquitoes that you see in your yard were most likely born there. One mosquito can lay eggs in very shallow standing water, and only a few days later you are left with a huge mosquito problem. Make sure all flower pot saucers, trash can lids, bird baths, and large leafed plants are not holding water. This one method of prevention could save your family from hundreds of mosquito bights.
These are just a few of the easiest methods to naturally eliminate your mosquito problem. You don’t need to spray your loved ones down with chemicals, or make them come indoors when the mosquitoes start biting. Try one or all of these easy and safe ways to ward off mosquitoes, and start enjoying your backyard again!
