How to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Mosquitoes can be a very annoying visitor to backyard gatherings. They can also pose a danger to your visitors, children and pets, as they carry many forms of disease. Do what you can to take precautionary steps to keep them away.

Things You'll Need

  • Lavender plants
  • Lavender essential oils
  • Lavender or citronella candles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all water supplies that mosquitoes could breed in. It doesn't have to be much water at all, so check your yard carefully. Flower pots, soda lids and even small pockets of standing water in lower parts of the yard should be removed. Keep your lawn mowed short and flower beds weed free.

    • 2

      Empty and clean bird baths frequently. Also make sure any outdoor ponds have circulation and filters pumps in them, to avoid the water stagnating. Remove anything that is a constant source of still water. Check your yard after every substantial rainfall.

    • 3

      Plant lavender in various spots around your yard, especially by entryways or patios. Mosquitoes do not like the small of lavender and won't linger in the vacinity of the smell. Buy lavender essential oils and mix a few drops in a small spray bottle with water. Spray this mixture around the area of your patio when you plan on being outdoors.

    • 4

      Apply a lavender-based lotion to your exposed skin if you plan to spend time out doors. This is a safe nontoxic way to keep mosquitos away from you. Spray yourself with a lavender scented perfume, or shower with lavender soap.

    • 5

      Burn citronnella or lavender-scented candles on your patio. Citronnella is a strong scent, but lavender is very faint and light. Mosquitos do not like either smell, so try them both.