Repelling Mosquitoes Naturally

When the weather warms up, everyone wants to be in the great outdoors. Whether relaxing by the water, playing in the park, or cooking out, the good weather attracts all kinds of people.

Unfortunately, it also attracts unwanted guests: mosquitoes. Summer is the season of these annoying little bloodsuckers, and they bring a host of issues. Nobody enjoys their bites, which cause itchiness and skin irritation, but that’s often the least of your worries. Mosquitoes can spread serious illnesses like West Nile, malaria, and the Zika virus through their bites–and you can find them right in your own backyard.

Luckily, there are multiple ways to keep mosquitoes away without harming the environment. Many of these Eco Actions are easy to implement, too. Pesky mosquitoes won’t be an issue in your backyard if you take any of the following steps:

• Grow plants that naturally repel mosquitoes. Start your mosquito defense from the ground up–literally. Many plants repel mosquitoes and are easy to grow. These include herbs, like basil or peppermint, and flowers like geraniums and marigolds. Check out our article on mosquito-repelling plants for more options.
• Eliminate spots where mosquitoes congregate. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. To keep your backyard from becoming a mosquito nursery, eliminate any standing water by making sure your yard has adequate drainage. If you have a birdbath, change the water every 5 days to keep it mosquito-free. If that’s not doable, consider adding a small waterfall or pump to agitate the water.
• Make your backyard friendlier for mosquito-eaters. Many bat and bird species rely on mosquitoes as a food source. This solution is a win-win: our furry and feathery friends get to eat, and you get to enjoy fewer mosquitoes in your space. Encourage them to stick around and chow down by installing a birdhouse or bat house in your yard. If you’re feeling crafty, you could even make your own birdhouse.
• Spray your backyard with organic, bug-friendly products. The Home Depot carries multiple products that keep mosquitoes away without hurting important pollinators or pets. Many, like EcoSmart and Mighty Mint, are derived from mosquito-repelling plants.

Although mosquitoes can be a nuisance, we know that through small Eco Actions, we can keep them away without harming our delicate ecosystem. We hope these tips will come in handy as you gear up for the summer.