Mosquitoes can quickly ruin a pleasant outdoor experience with their pesky bites and buzzing around your head. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to keep these annoying insects at bay while enjoying the great outdoors. From natural remedies to commercial products, here are some tips on how to keep mosquitoes away while sitting outside.
1. Use Mosquito Repellent
One of the most effective ways to deter mosquitoes is by using mosquito repellent. Look for repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, as these ingredients have been proven to be effective in repelling mosquitoes. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label for proper application.
2. Wear Protective Clothing
To prevent mosquito bites, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when spending time outdoors, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Light-colored clothing can also help deter mosquitoes as they are attracted to dark colors.
3. Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so eliminating any sources of stagnant water around your outdoor sitting area can help reduce the mosquito population. Regularly empty any containers that collect water such as bird baths, flower pots, buckets, and gutters.
4. Use Citronella Candles or Torches
Citronella is a natural insect repellent that can help keep mosquitoes away. Lighting citronella candles or torches around your sitting area can create a barrier against mosquitoes. Be sure to place them strategically to maximize their effectiveness.
5. Install Outdoor Fans
Mosquitoes are weak fliers and are not adept at flying in breezy conditions. Installing outdoor fans not only helps keep you cool but also creates airflow that can deter mosquitoes from coming near you. Position fans strategically to create a barrier against mosquitoes.
6. Plant Mosquito-Repellent Plants
There are several plants that naturally repel mosquitoes due to their strong scents. Planting herbs such as basil, lavender, mint, and rosemary around your outdoor sitting area can help keep mosquitoes at bay. You can also crush the leaves of these plants and rub them on your skin for added protection.
7. Use Mosquito Nets or Screens
If you have a patio or outdoor sitting area, consider installing mosquito nets or screens to create a physical barrier against mosquitoes. This can help keep mosquitoes out while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without pesky insect bites.
8. Avoid Perfumes and Strong Scents
Mosquitoes are attracted to strong scents, including perfumes, scented lotions, and even sweat. Avoid wearing heavily scented products when sitting outside to reduce your attractiveness to mosquitoes.
9. Create a DIY Mosquito Trap
You can create a simple DIY mosquito trap using a plastic bottle, sugar, and yeast. Mix warm water with sugar and yeast in the bottle, then cut the top off and invert it into the bottle to create a funnel. Mosquitoes will be attracted to the mixture and enter the trap, but have difficulty escaping.
10. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil have natural insect-repelling properties. Dilute a few drops of your preferred essential oil in a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply it to your skin as a natural mosquito repellent.
By following these tips on how to keep mosquitoes away while sitting outside, you can enjoy your time outdoors without the nuisance of mosquito bites. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you and your outdoor space.
