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What keeps mosquitoes away? The best garden mosquito repellent

What are the most effective mosquito repellent plants?

By Praveen KumarPublished about a year ago 7 min read
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Do you dream of spending a nice summer afternoon in your garden? Perhaps you are worried that mosquitoes will disturb your peace? Learn to fight them... easily and effectively! Check which are the best and cheapest mosquito repellents and enjoy the summer in all its splendor, spending time outside without any limitations.

Can a natural mosquito repellent replace store-bought products?

Natural mosquito control methods can be just as effective as some store-bought products. The only thing that needs to be taken into account is the correct preparation and proper use of such remedies. The most popular method is the use of essential oils as a mosquito repellent, the strong aroma of which repels insects. They are for example:

  • lemongrass oil - also repels flies and mosquitoes,
  • clove oil,
  • patchouli oil,

eucalyptus oil, especially the kind made from lemon-scented gum (Corymbia citriodora).

A homemade mosquito repellent spray can easily be made with essential oils, which is a natural equivalent of store-bought chemicals. To make a homemade mosquito repellent you need: a mixture of essential oils with insect repellent qualities and base oil (i.e. vegetable oil, for example the one normally used in cooking: sunflower, almond or grapeseed oil ).

A homemade mosquito repellent is very easy to make. Just combine the essential oils of your choice with the base oil in the right ratio and mix well. For 100 ml of your base oil you should not use more than 10 ml of essential oil (take this into account especially when using several different essential oils).

Store the mixture in dark glass containers, for example in small bottles.

For greater effectiveness, apply your homemade mosquito repellent every 2 hours in the places most vulnerable to bites.

What are the most effective mosquito repellent plants?

There are certain species of plants that act as natural mosquito repellents. They are mostly flowers, trees and shrubs with strong odors. Fragrant plants and herbs are very unpleasant for mosquitoes, so they are very good if you want to protect your garden from these insects.

A plant known as Plectranthus glabratus or Swedish ivy is an ornamental plant with long, loose leaves. It is a great natural mosquito repellent. It looks best in a hanging pot, so it can be grown on balconies and patios.

Other popular mosquito repellent ornamentals are geraniums. It is a perfect species for rock gardens, slopes and flower beds.

Not only flowering perennials repel mosquitoes. Another brilliant method for natural mosquito control is to plant certain species of trees and shrubs. One of the trees most hated by mosquitoes is the staghorn sumac. The tree can help you get rid of mosquitoes in your garden. It takes up very little space and requires minimal effort, making it a plant anyone can handle, even if you've just started your gardening adventure.

Dissecta is an interesting variety of this species, and it also acts as a mosquito repellent. Its characteristic feature is the broad crown. The tree grows up to four meters high and even six meters wide. The leaves of a disecta turn orange in fall, making the tree even more ornamental.

What keeps mosquitoes away? Learn 3 Proven Mosquito Repellents for Your Garden

Dusting clothes or body sprays with special mosquito repellent solutions is effective but short-lived. This process normally has to be repeated several times a day. What are the best methods to keep mosquitoes out of your garden and prevent them from ruining your nights? Consult our suggestions that will help you win the battle against mosquitoes.

Essential oils and mosquito repellent sprays

The most popular method of fighting mosquitoes is the use of various mosquito sprays, essential oils, or a mosquito repellent candle. You can combine all those methods, which will make them more effective. However, you should be aware that these remedies only retain and repel the insects, rather than completely eliminating the problem.

Incense sticks, candles, and torches, while effective, are very limited in time. Such products protect against insects only when they stay right next to the source. The further away you are from the mosquito repellent candle or stick, the more vulnerable you are to bites. For this reason, even if you decide to burn an incense stick, don't forget to use a repellent oil or spray as well.

Outdoor lighting - an effective mosquito repellent

One of the most popular mosquito repellents for gardens involves installing a special type of lighting. There are certain outdoor lamps that help fight insects. It not only repels, but also completely eliminates flying insects.

Such a lamp emits a subtle ultraviolet light, which attracts insects regardless of the season of the year. One of the most common types of lamps are those that eliminate mosquitoes by electrocuting them. Another method causes insects to stick to the lamp and the device sucks them inside. The method to attract mosquitoes is the same in both devices, while the way to eliminate them is different.

A big plus of such a lamp is the fact that it does not affect people nearby. For this reason it is a perfect solution for allergy sufferers, who cannot use the popular mosquito repellent sprays.

Garden spray - a safe method of mosquito control

The last step in the fight against mosquitoes is to spray your garden. By using the right type of mosquito repellent, you can repel and eliminate the insects that inhabit your garden.

If you want to get rid of several types of bugs, you can mix two different mosquito repellent sprays. Remember to keep the proportions in balance.

Garden mosquito spray is nothing more than a concentrated insect repellent, mixed just before use. Apply it especially in dark, damp places and in tall grass. Since mosquitoes are less active in the morning and at night, spraying can either help decrease their population or make it more difficult for them to reproduce. The larger the area that is sprayed, the more effective the method. However, use the spray responsibly, remembering the correct proportions. A chemical repellent for mosquitoes is a sure way to win the battle with those insects.

What about mosquitoes by the water?

To prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your garden, you must ensure that the water in the reservoir is constantly moving. It is very important because fresh, stagnant water is a place where insects lay eggs. You can produce water movement very easily, for example by adding fountains, streams or a waterfall to your pond. It's an easy way to prevent mosquitoes from reproducing by stopping them from laying eggs.

Since mosquitoes often choose shallow, dense, dirty bodies of water, you should take care of aquatic plants and clean the pond regularly.

Some species of fish and frogs feed on the larvae of insects. Keeping them in your garden pond could prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Do you want to enjoy a peaceful time in your own garden? Be sure to use the appropriate mosquito repellent immediately upon noticing the first insects. This way you can avoid an invasion of mosquitoes. Also check how to get rid of aphids on plants or kill ants in the house.

Bug-Free Holidays: The Best Mosquito Repellents for Summer Holidays

Mosquitoes can be a real nighttime companion during the summer holidays. Not only are they irritating, but they also leave unsightly marks that are very painful on tanned skin. Those who plan to visit tropical areas are especially prone to these insects. In addition, there is another problem: mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases.

Are you wondering how to repel mosquitoes and which products are the most effective during a summer trip? In this case, people who produce a lot of oxygen dioxide or lactic acid -thus, those who perform physical activities- are the most prone to being attacked by mosquitoes. So if you know you're going to be physically active, take extra steps to protect yourself from insects.

This does not mean that those who choose all-inclusive vacations and spend afternoons by the pool sipping drinks are safe. It turns out that mosquitoes are more likely to attack people who have alcohol in their blood. It's basically an invitation to them.

Cigarette smoke is a good mosquito repellent. But if you don't smoke (and we don't encourage you to because it's unhealthy), choose chemical products. Although this method of repelling mosquitoes seems harmful to you, you can use it once a year during a trip, for your own comfort.

Which mosquito repellent should you choose? Products with DEET in their ingredient list are the most effective. The higher the concentration, the better, especially in the case of tropical countries, where mosquitoes are especially active. Be sure to always bring mosquito repellent with you if you plan to visit the following places:

India,

Sri Lanka,

Nepal,

Pakistan,

Thailand,

Argentina,

Brazil,

Madagascar.

These are just a few destination examples, as mosquitoes pose a threat in many African countries and in the Dominican Republic. It is best to make it a rule to always have a DEET product in your medicine cabinet, on every trip.

What is a natural mosquito repellent?

Certain plants release odors that repel mosquitoes. Plectranthus, geranium or disecta are great natural mosquito repellents. Plant them in various places in your garden, especially near where you usually spend time.

What essential oils are good for mosquito repellent?

Lemongrass oil, patchouli oil, clove oil, and eucalyptus oil are great mosquito repellents. It's a good idea to mix them all together, along with some base vegetable oil. You can apply this mixture to your skin whenever you need to go out. Remember to reapply every two hours if you are out for longer.

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