Taking back your yard. Learn how to control mosquitos naturally.
High temperatures & humidity, paired with rain is a breeding ground for mosquitos. Instead of applying chemical bug sprays to your skin and yard, try using natural landscaping, essential oils and eliminating breeding grounds to keep those tiny winged creatures out of your yard and off your body. Why steer clear of chemical sprays? There are two ingredients that are widely used in them. DEET, which over a long period of time may cause severe skin reactions, as well as insomnia and mood changes. Pyrethrin’s. This may lead to breathing problems. Both your children and pets roll in the grass and play in the yard, try a few tips from our list of alternatives for a happier and healthier family.
- Clear your yard as best you can of standing water. Something as small as a bottle cap is enough to breed in.
- Consider planting the following. Basil, Catnip, Citronella Grass, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Marigolds, Peppermint, and Rosemary. Each have properties that repel mosquitos.
- Maintain your yard organically. You will attract wildlife that love to dine on mosquitos and their larva.
- Avoid wearing dark clothing.
- Make your own spray with essential oils of plants that have repelling properties.
- Research adding a bat house to your property.
By putting in a little bit of work, you will add beauty to your yard, keep your family, yourself and wild life safe from toxic chemicals, and keep mosquitos to a minimum.
Homemade Mosquito Spray
Ingredients:
- ½ cup witch hazel
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 20 drops lemon essential oil
- 20 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil
- 8-ounce glass spray bottle
After mixing in your spray bottle, spray over your entire body avoiding the mouth and eyes.
*Essential oils should never be put on the skin directly. Always dilute in a mixture.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water and/or very moist soil – most species do one or the other. So removing any areas of standing water from around your home can reduce their opportunities to lay eggs nearby. This can include:
- Open garbage cans
- Clogged gutters
- Tarps
- Old tires
- Plant bases
- Bird baths
- Containers that collect water, such as toy trucks, plant drainage lids, soda bottle caps, etc
Filling in ditches or any other areas that might collect standing water is also important.
