As summer slowly approaches, we know what also tags along – mosquitos. Those annoying little bugs that hover around you and your children do more than just bug you, they can make you seriously sick.
Mosquitos can carry parasites and viruses that transfer to humans upon biting them. These viruses can, like West Nile and malaria, can make humans sick to the point of it being life-threatening. Although it’s easy to ignore a mosquito because the most common side effect is the itchy red bump you get, it’s important to remember how serious mosquito bites can really be. Read more why you need to remove mosquitoes & ticks” here.
If you plan to spend much of your time outside with your family, then you’ll want to mosquito-proof your yard. We have six tips that will help keep them away.
How to Keep Mosquitos Away From Your Yard (and Kids)
Add Natural Repellents
You don’t always need to rely on chemical-based repellents to keep mosquitos at bay. Many plants are a great defense mechanism against those pesky bugs, as well as hungry wildlife like deer. Citronella is an excellent example of a plant to incorporate in your yard to naturally deter mosquitos.
Other options to consider are rosemary and garlic. Not only are they excellent herbs for the kitchen, but the outdoor plant also helps to repel mosquitos.
It’s important to note that these plants only release their defense chemical upon being harmed. So, if you know you’ll be outside for a while, rough up the plants a little bit first.
Remove Any Sitting Water
Sitting water is a haven for mosquitos. Have you ever noticed all the mosquitos flying around on a farmyard after a long rain shower? The standing water attracts mosquitoes. If you have a bug problem, look for any standing water. Even the smallest amount, like the plants under your flower pots, is enough to attract many mosquitos.
Set Out Candles
If you’re looking for a way to rid your yard of mosquitos while adding to the atmosphere, take a look at the variety of candles and lanterns that do both. Many stylish outdoor candles have geraniol in them that help to repel mosquitos. If you’re going this route, make sure that you have enough to cover the whole area you’ll be hanging out in.
Add a Tent
If you’re already looking to add shade to your deck or patio, use tents that also help keep mosquitos away. You can even get net accessories to add to any existing tents you have. These nets must be very fine so that the tiny bug can’t get through them.
Keep Your Coffee Grounds
In a study published in Parasites and Vectors, coffee grounds sprinkled over sitting water can help prevent mosquito eggs from hatching. The coffee grounds force the mosquito eggs to float to the surface of the stagnant water. They will then lose oxygen and die before hatching.
Hang Lavender Ribbons
We find lavender to be a beautifully calming scent. For mosquitos though, not so much. Lavender is a great way to deter mosquitos from wherever you are naturally. Place a few drops of lavender on a ribbon and hang them throughout your yard for where you’ll be.
Protect your yard and your family this summer by using these tips to keep mosquitos away.
p.s. Related posts:
Hiking and Camping Books for Kids
How To: Detect & Get Rid of Lice
BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books.
Here’s one more tip, Mia. Put up a bat house :). They can eat thousands of mosquitoes in an hour!!