Make The Backyard A Mosquito’s Worst Nightmare, Repel Them More Naturally

Mosquitoes are a nightmare this year in many parts of the U.S., and many are wondering how they will ever reclaim their backyards and successfully repel the thirsty bloodsuckers. Spraying with toxic chemicals is always an option, but more Americans than ever are searching for more natural mosquito repellents for their backyards.

Thankfully, there are safer options out there. Of course, almost everyone knows that standing water is like a mosquito fertility clinic in the backyard. So, get rid of that. If you can’t eliminate standing water, Mosquito Bits and Mosquito Dunks can make sure none of their young make it out of their breeding ground alive. Mosquito Dunks and Mosquito Bits are made from bacteria that should be naturally occurring in the soil called Bacillus thuringiensis strain israelensi, or Bti. Bti, found in the Bits and Dunks by Summit only affects mosquitoes and black flies. Bti gets the buggers when they are babies and is very specific. It won’t kill caterpillars or any other bugs that you actually may want around your yard. The Dunks work longer, but the Bits work faster, according to a review on BugOfff. Neither will harm pets, people or wildlife other than black flies and mosquitoes. Unfortunately, that means it also won’t help with ticks in the grasses near wetlands, but check out what amazing animal can decimate upwards of 5,500 ticks each week.

Next, mosquitoes can’t stand when a yard has been treated with Mosquito Barrier. A gallon lasts a long time and will drive the pests out of your yard. You wouldn’t deliberately set up camp in an area that smells repulsive to you and neither will mosquitoes. Mosquito Barrier is made from garlic oil. You won’t be able to smell it, except when you first spray it, but mosquitoes (and fleas and ticks) will be able to smell it for quite some time and will move on down the road.

Mosquitoes love the smell of mushrooms and rotten fruit. Be sure to get rid of mushrooms in your yard and move any berry plants far away from your play area. Consider growing Citronella, because the living plant is reportedly more effective than the commercial products. A live Citronella plant has a stronger smell that is more offensive to mosquitoes. If your ground frosts or freezes in the winter, the tall, grassy plant will need to be planted in a large pot, so that it can be brought inside for the cold season. If you live in a Midwest or Eastern growing zone, planting Horsemint, also known as Beebalm, is another way to repel mosquitoes. It’s great for around beach areas, because it thrives in sandy areas. Mosquitoes also despise lavender, catnip, peppermint, lemon balm, and marigolds.

If you’re buying mulch for your landscaping, consider cedar mulch. Cedar oil is a main component in many bug sprays. It can keep your landscaped area moist, without inviting mosquitoes to set up a nursery.

If you have a bit more cash to invest in eliminating mosquitoes from your yard, you could also consider purchasing a product like the Mosquito Magnet. Placed upwind of your play area, it really does help control mosquitoes in your yard and helps prevent future generations of mosquitoes from calling your backyard their home.

After repelling and controlling mosquitoes from your yard, check out ways you can keep them off of yourself as well. The Inquisitr would love to hear your ideas. If you have an innovative, natural way to repel mosquitoes from backyards, leave your suggestion in the comments area below.

[Photos via State Line Tack, Mosquito Magnet, and Takkk]