We’ll be the first to admit that mosquitoes are bothersome and hard to control. If you’ve created your dream outdoor living space, but the mosquitoes are biting every few minutes, it can be hard to enjoy. It’s frustrating, but don’t throw your hands up just yet. Instead, we’ll show you some options for repelling them.
All of us at Capital Landscaping want you to enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest — and keeping mosquitoes at bay is part of that. Chemical repellents still work best but natural repellents can have a place in your landscape.
The most important thing is to eliminate all sources of stagnant water since they act as breeding grounds. Mosquitoes can reproduce in extremely small areas of water, so it’ll help to get rid of any standing water around your home. Birdbaths, tree stumps, wading pools and any containers that collect water should be dumped out or changed regularly. If you have a pond or water feature where you can’t do that, install a pond pump or introduce fish that feed on mosquito larvae. Goldfish, bluegills, or minnows can make a dramatic difference. If you have a birdbath, consider adding a water wiggler to produce movement, which the birds will also appreciate.
Certain plants produce defense chemicals that ward off hungry animals and those same chemicals happen to deter mosquitoes, too. A few plants that repel mosquitoes include lavender, citronella grass, marigolds, geraniums, and rosemary and basil. They should be planted near where you spend most of your time in the yard as they only produce the deterring chemicals when their leaves or stems are brushed up against or slightly crushed.
Mosquito repellent light fixtures are another option to try that can be integrated into your landscape lighting. These fixtures function as a light source and contain a cartridge with mosquito repellent.
Some homeowners prefer using candles or sprays to repel mosquitoes but be aware that natural mosquito repellent formulas only work so well. When it comes to store-bought products, those containing DEET are more effective. They’re still not foolproof since mosquitos are attracted to our odor, CO2 output, and heat — and the scents found in insect repellent sprays only mask body odor, providing a barrier. That means they can wear off, making you susceptible to bites. To keep mosquitoes away, the best advice you can take is to reapply often, following the instructions on the bottle.
There’s no foolproof way to get rid of mosquitoes for good, but using a combination of these efforts will definitely make a difference. We can help mosquito-proof your outdoor living area, so go ahead and give us a call. Our expert landscape designers are ready and excited to work with you.