Summer is the time to be outside, sitting on the porch or in a hammock with a good book, but if you’re like me, mosquitoes test your patience (and sanity). Here on my little homestead, I’ve realized that there’s a lot that I can’t control, but there are a few things that I’ve done in the past to keep these annoying pests at bay. I don’t use chemical sprays for our health and for the pollinators that I share this place with. So I thought I’d share with others what has helped me the most.
Plant Mosquito Repelling Plants
There’s a reason that my porch planters and extra space in the garden are packed with basil, lavender and citronella and not just because they smell pretty.
- Lemon Balm: This is a fast-growing herb that comes back every year, and it repels mosquitoes with its citrusy scent. It’s also great to dry and use in tea.
- Lavender: Not only does this keep the bugs away, but it also keeps the bees happy.
- Basil & Rosemary: Great for cooking, even better at keeping pests at bay.
- Marigolds: Another pollinator plant, but it also contains pyrethrum, which is a compound that is found in insect repellents.
- Citronella: The plant everyone suggests when you’re looking for mosquito relief. The essential oil is often used in candles to repel mosquitoes.
I like to plant these where I sit, work and walk because when I brush by them, they release their scent into the air.
Burn Herbal Candles or Use Essential Oil Diffusers Outside
On muggy evenings, I’ll light a few of my homemade citronella and eucalyptus candles around where I sit. I’ll also add a few drops of lavender to a diffuser on my table, which creates a relaxing atmosphere while keeping the mosquitoes away.
If you’re a DIY type (if you’re reading this blog, you probably are), making your own candles is surprisingly easy and makes great summer gifts, too!
Eliminate Standing Water
This one may seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook. Mosquitoes breed in just a tablespoon of water! After it rains, I’ve made a habit of walking around my yard and tipping over anything with rainwater in it. Another thing to consider is your gutters, which, if clogged, can create a great breeding ground for these guys.
My chickens also only get water that is closed in, with nipple waterers to prevent standing water. I also refill my birdbaths once a day for the same reasons.
Encourage Natural Predators
This one may not work overnight, but it’s the most worthwhile. I have a small wildlife pond in the back corner of my property, which attracts dragonflies, frogs and birds. All of these feed on pests like mosquitoes. Bats are also another favourite, I’ve installed a bat box in the same corner near the trees. I love seeing them swooping down at dusk to feast.
It’s a good reminder that sometimes the best solution is working with nature.
Try a Natural Yard Spray
We live in a damp climate, so when we get a lot of rain, I’ll do a light yard spray with a homemade mix made of:
- 1 gallon of water
- 1 tbsp of castile soap
- 10 drops each of eucalyptus, citronella and lemongrass essential oil
I use this garden spray mostly around my home and any shady areas where mosquitoes are most likely to hang out. It’s gentle enough not to harm plants, but effective enough for a few days.
I’ve found the best methods for keeping mosquitoes away naturally are consistency and working with your natural predators. While nothing is 100% mosquito-proof, these natural methods have made summer evenings so much more enjoyable. If you have any other tips or tricks, I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
