Nothing ruins a relaxing evening outside like a swarm of mosquitoes. They’re annoying, they bite, and spraying yourself with harsh chemicals isn’t exactly appealing. Plus, those chemicals can mess with helpful pollinators and other wildlife in your garden.
Luckily, there are some natural, non-toxic ways to keep mosquitoes away—and a few of them might even make your backyard look and smell better. Here are 11 simple tricks to try if you’re tired of being a mosquito buffet.
1. Add Mosquito-Repelling Plants to Your Garden
Certain plants are known to naturally keep mosquitoes away. On top of that, many of them are beautiful and attract helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Some great options include lavender, bee balm, marigolds, catmint, alliums, ageratum, and perennial geraniums. You can also grow garlic and chives in your veggie patch to help repel bugs.
2. Place Potted Herbs Around Your Patio
Herbs in containers not only look nice and smell great—they also double as mosquito deterrents. They’re super easy to grow and you can even use them in your cooking or summer drinks.
Try pots of peppermint, basil, rosemary, thyme, lemon balm, lemongrass, or even nasturtiums around your outdoor seating area.
3. Try Citronella-Based Products
You’ve probably heard of citronella—it’s a natural oil that mosquitoes can’t stand. The plant itself (also called mosquito plant) smells citrusy and looks like a fancy geranium.
You can use citronella in candles, torch oils, incense coils, or natural bug sprays. Look for non-toxic, clean-burning options if you’re concerned about air quality.
4. Make Your Own Mosquito Spray
DIY bug sprays are super simple. Just grab a glass spray bottle, fill it with water, a splash of vodka (to help mix the oils), and about 20–25 drops of essential oils.
Good oils to try: citronella, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, cedarwood, sweet basil, geranium, and lemongrass. Mix up a blend of at least three for best results, and shake before each use.
5. Build a Mosquito Trap
If you’ve already got mosquitoes buzzing around, a homemade trap can help cut down their numbers. You don’t need anything fancy—just common ingredients like sugar, vinegar, baking soda, or yeast.
DIY mosquito traps are easy to make and don’t involve harsh chemicals or annoying zapping noises.
6. Get Rid of Standing Water
Still water is basically a mosquito nursery. After rain, check for puddles in things like buckets, pots, old toys, or clogged gutters.
If you have a fountain or birdbath, keep the water clean and moving. A little vinegar or a natural algae fighter can help prevent it from turning into mosquito central.
7. Keep Plants Trimmed and Tidy
Overgrown shrubs and weeds create shady hiding spots for mosquitoes. Keeping your yard neat, especially near your patio or sitting area, can make a big difference.
Regular weeding and trimming helps cut down on the places mosquitoes can rest or breed.
8. Use Outdoor Fans
Mosquitoes hate wind. A simple fan blowing near your seating area can keep them from getting too close.
You don’t need anything fancy—a regular box fan will work. If you have a covered patio, a ceiling fan is another great option for keeping the air moving.
9. Encourage Mosquito-Eating Wildlife
Some birds and animals snack on mosquitoes, so creating a wildlife-friendly space can work in your favor.
Bird feeders can attract bug-eating birds like chickadees and cardinals. A small pond or water feature might bring in frogs or turtles that eat mosquito larvae. If you’re into backyard chickens, they’ll eat bugs too.
10. Install a Bat House
Bats are mosquito-hunting machines. A single bat can eat hundreds of bugs in one night. Plus, they’re great for pollination and pest control in general.
Mount a bat box to a tree or post to give them a place to roost. It’s an easy way to boost your natural mosquito defense system.
11. Skip the Strong Scents
Mosquitoes are drawn to sweet and fruity smells—think perfumes, lotions, and even fruit bowls. If you’re planning to hang out outside, go for unscented products when you can.
Also, maybe skip putting out too many ripe fruits like melons, mangoes, and bananas during your BBQ. They smell great to mosquitoes too.
Quick Recap: Easy Ways to Prevent Mosquitoes
Dump standing water after it rains
Keep fountains clean and flowing
Trim back overgrown plants
Go easy on scented body products
Plant mosquito-repelling herbs and flowers
With a few small changes, you can enjoy your backyard without constantly swatting at mosquitoes. Natural methods really can work—and your garden might thank you, too.