There is nothing more frustrating than trying to enjoy a summer evening outdoors in stunning Katy, TX and being pestered by mosquitoes. These tiny bloodsuckers can make life miserable, especially for those who are allergic to their bites. If you are wondering how to get rid of mosquitoes, you have come to the right place. We will discuss various methods that you can use to drive these pests away, including calling a pest control service.
How To Get Rid of Mosquitoes
Plants
There are a number of plants that drive away mosquitoes; these can be planted in your garden or even placed in pots around your outdoor living area. Some of the most effective mosquito repellent plants include:
Citronella
Citronella is an effective mosquito repellent because it contains citronella oil. This oil has a strong scent that deters mosquitoes. Citronella candles are often used to keep mosquitoes away from outdoor gatherings.
Catnip
Catnip is another plant that produces a strong smell, which helps to keep mosquitoes at bay. In fact, catnip is considered to be three times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, which is a common ingredient in insect repellent sprays.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass keeps mosquitoes away by masking the scents that attract them. Plus, you can pick a few leaves and add them to your tea! Lemongrass oil can be used in a diffuser or added to lotions and creams. It’ll make your outside area smell amazing!
Garlic
Mosquitoes are not fans of this plant. In fact, they hate the smell of garlic so much that it will keep them away from your yard. If you eat a lot of garlic, you may also find that you are less attractive to mosquitoes.
You can experiment with different plants to see which ones work best for you and your family. If you don’t have the time to plant seeds and wait for your mosquito repellents to grow, you can head down to your local nursery and ask if they’ve got anything in stock. They will also give you top tips about the plants’ maintenance and requirements for healthy growth.
Essential Oils
If you don’t feel confident about your ability to keep plans alive, there are several other natural mosquito repellents that can be used, including the following essential oils:
Peppermint
Peppermint is an effective mosquito deterrent because mosquitoes hate the smell. You can add a few drops of peppermint oil to lotion and apply it before going outside. You can also add a drop or two of peppermint oil to your diffuser or simply rub a leaf on your skin.
Rosemary
Rosemary is another herb that can be used as a natural mosquito repellent. It can be used in the same way as peppermint oil.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon oil is also effective at repelling mosquitoes. You can add it to lotion or your diffuser or simply sprinkle some powder around your outside living area.
Clove
Clove oil is one of the most potent essential oils and can be used to repel mosquitoes. However, it should be used with caution, as it can cause skin irritation. You can add a few drops to lotion or your diffuser or rub a clove on your skin.
Basil
Basil is another effective mosquito repellent. It can be used in the same way as the other essential oils.
Lavender
Lavender is a pretty and sweet-smelling option to keep mosquitoes at bay. If you have lavender growing in your garden, pick a number of stems, place a candle in an old glass jar, then arrange the lavender around the glass and tie it with a piece of string. The glass will warm up when the candle is lit, and the lavender will release its scent, keeping your outside area mosquito-free.
Thyme
Finally, add a few drops of thyme oil to a lotion or your diffuser or rub some leaves on your skin to chase mosquitoes away.
If you already have a burner for essential oils, that’s perfect! If not, you can purchase one relatively cheaply. Once you have your burner, add water and a few drops of the essential oil of your choice. Place the burner outside in your mosquito-prone area, and enjoy being bite-free!
Deterrents
If you are looking for something stronger than plants, there are many detergents and other deterrents that will do the trick. We highly recommend investing in a good-quality mosquito trap. These devices work by using light and CO₂ to attract mosquitoes. The mosquitoes are sucked into the machine, where they dehydrate and die. There are different types of mosquito traps available on the market, so you must do your research to find one that will be the most effective.
If you have a pond or other body of water near your home, it is important to take measures to prevent mosquitoes from breeding there. Empty any standing water that you find, and consider investing in a mosquito larvicide to keep the population under control.
Netting
Another effective deterrent is mosquito netting. Nets can cover patio furniture, baby strollers, and even your bed. If you are going to be outside for an extended period of time, consider wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants. You can also apply mosquito repellent spray to your clothing. For double protection, you can purchase treated nets that will repel the mosquitoes and keep out the most determined pests.
Call a Pest Control Service in Katy, TX
If you feel like nothing you do is effective, then we recommend giving us a call so that one of our skilled professionals can assess your case and give you help and advice.
What To Do If You Get Bitten
If you do get bitten by a mosquito, don’t worry! There are several things you can do to ease the swelling and itching, such as:
- Apply a cold compress to the area
- Take an antihistamine
- Put a drop of tea tree oil on the bite
- Mix baking soda and water to form a paste, and apply it to the bite
- Rub the affected area with a slice of raw onion
While mosquitoes are annoying, they can also pose a serious health threat. These pests can transmit diseases like malaria, Zika virus, yellow fever, and dengue. These diseases can be deadly, so it is important to take steps to protect yourself and your family. One of the best ways to prevent mosquito bites is to limit their access to your home. To do this, you can:
- Use mosquito netting over doors and windows
- Keep screens on doors and windows in good repair
- Use fans to keep air moving through the house
We hope that you have found this guide helpful and that you will be able to enjoy your summer without being pestered by mosquitoes! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at Life After Bugs. Our team of experts are happy to mix you the perfect formula to exterminate insects and rodents that are bugging you. We offer home services as well as commercial pest control.
