Mosquitoes are a nuisance, ruining an eventful backyard grill or a peaceful morning conversation. These pesky insects do not just buzz around and cause itchy bites; they also spread serious diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. There are several ways to get rid of mosquitoes and ensure one’s home and yard remain disease-free. In most cases, some tips work, but in severe infestations, professional help can be one’s best bet.

How to get rid of mosquitoes naturally

Plant lavender
One can plant lavender trees in the garden or keep crushed lavender flowers in the house. The fragrance of the plant helps repel adult mosquitoes. Lavender is antifungal and analgesic in nature, which means it can also prevent mosquito bites when applied to bite-sensitive areas like arms and legs and soothe the skin bitten by mosquitoes.

Get rid of stagnant water
Standing water refers to any still puddles, buckets, tree stumps, tree holes, dog bowls, trays under potted plants, or even pools. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in these areas, so it’s best to either keep storage containers like rain barrels, garbage cans, or cisterns tightly sealed or empty/clear any stagnant water. Also, scrub and dry them out after use to remove any moisture or leftover mosquito larvae. It’s best not to leave out any of these containers near the house to avoid their growth and infestation.

Clean dark, humid areas inside the house
Areas under the sink, beneath the furniture, in showers where moisture is trapped, closets, laundry rooms, and other dark and humid spaces are often breeding grounds for mosquitoes. To ensure these insects do not lay their eggs in such places, it’s best to keep them clean, dry, and well-lit.

Clean the gutters
Clogged gutters are another common breeding space for mosquitoes. They contain organic nutrients like sticks or decaying leaves, making them ideal places for mosquitoes to thrive. It’s best to clean the gutters a few times a year, especially during the fall season. A gutter guard or gutter grate, a mesh-like web of holes covering the top of the gutters, can also be installed.

Get natural predators
Some natural predators, like fish or birds, feed on mosquito larvae, disrupting their life cycle. So, one can create a small space in the backyard conducive to such predators, like building bird boxes or introducing fish in ponds. This solution depends mainly on one’s comfort with having these tiny saviors around.

Install fans
Mosquitoes can only fly at 1 to 1.5 miles per hour, and fans tend to circulate wind at higher speeds. This can make it difficult for their wings to counteract the fan speed. So, fans can be one of the best ways to eliminate mosquitoes in small or confined spaces. These tiny insects also get attracted to humans due to the smell of carbon dioxide. Fans ensure that the air is well circulated and the carbon dioxide is dispelled, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate humans.

Use natural oils

• Citronella candles
  Lemongrass is a common smell that can naturally repel mosquitoes. To do so, one can use lemongrass essential oil in diffusers at home or citronella candles with lemongrass oil. One can place them in lounging spaces, like dining areas or outdoor seating.
• Lemon eucalyptus oil
  Apart from lemongrass, eucalyptus oil is also considered an effective natural method to repel mosquitoes and ticks and also kill fungi. Since the oil also gives out a pleasant fragrance, it can be an ideal addition to one’s home, both indoors and outdoors. Mix a part of lemon eucalyptus oil with sunflower oil or witch hazel for best results.
• Thyme oil
  Another natural oil that has shown to prevent these insects, especially malarial mosquitoes, from growing is thyme. Add a few drops of the oil in some base oil like olive or jojoba, and then dab the same on the skin to avoid mosquito bites. Alternatively, one can mix the oil in water and spray the mixture around the house or in the backyard seating area to keep the insects away for about an hour or so.
• Other essential oils
  Some effective essential oils that keep mosquitoes away include peppermint, Azadirachta indica (neem), rosemary, and basil. It’s best to plant these trees around the house or use the oils in diffusers to naturally repel the insects.

Other ways of eliminating mosquitoes
Apart from these solutions, one can also use the following:

• Mosquito dunks are disks that dissolve in water and release a layer of larvicide. These toxic dunks can easily eliminate mosquito larvae, especially those found in ponds or fountains. They usually sustain and work for about 30 days.
• Using store-bought repellent sprays is one of the best ways to get rid of mosquitoes in yards or lawns. This method is referred to as broadcast treatment, and it keeps all kinds of pests away for many months. The treatment is usually done professionally and may cost about $1,000 for a one-acre property.