When you don’t want to use chemicals to keep away mosquitoes, it can feel like you’re leaving yourself open to bites. Luckily, there are ways to repel mosquitoes naturally—no DEET needed! Here are three things you can do.

Repel Mosquitoes Naturally

1. Get Rid of Standing Water

One of the easiest ways to keep mosquitoes away naturally is to get rid of standing water. This is where mosquitoes lay eggs, so you can prevent them from reproducing on your property by checking:

• Clogged gutters
• Bird baths
• Landscape ponds without fish or fountains
• Tires
• Toys
• Potted plants that don’t drain properly
• Part of your yard with poor drainage
• Under your deck
• Sandboxes
• Animal food bowls
• Shovels
• Furniture covers after heavy rain
• Kiddie pools
• By your AC unit

2. Use Your Green Thumb

1. Citronella: There’s a reason citronella candles are popular for the outdoors…the smell is an effective mosquito deterrent. If you can’t plant citronella, you can light the candles or consider using citronella essential oils somewhere. Just be warned: you might not like the strong smell either!
2. Catnip: Mosquitoes are not a fan of the catnip plant. Your cats, on the other hand, might gladly take a bite and end up in a drug-like state.
3. Lavender: This plant is a crowd-pleaser for everyone except mosquitoes! You’ll enjoy the smell and beautiful purple flowers.
4. Lemon Balm: All things citrus-esque seem to repel mosquitoes, lemon balm included. This plant is closely related to mint and can fill a pot with beautiful, luscious greens.
5. Mint: Mint is an easy plant to have on your patio or in your garden. It is very low maintenance, growing like a weed without much upkeep. Plus, it’s edible so you can bring it into your home for drinks or desserts.

3. Use Essential Oils

Like plants, essential oils provide a scent that repels mosquitoes. Consider making your own mosquito spray or using a diffuser with:

• Citronella
• Peppermint
• Lemon
• Eucalyptus
• Basil
• Clove
• Thyme
• Lemongrass
• Geranium
• Lavender

ExtermPRO Is Here to Help Keep Mosquitoes Away.

If you’re still having trouble with mosquitoes after using these tips to repel mosquitoes naturally, contact ExtermPRO. We’re your neighborhood exterminators serving northern Virginia. Call us today at 571-620-1168 to schedule a mosquito control service.