How to keep mosquitoes away from your house naturally

The redness, swelling and the uncontrollable itching that comes with a mosquito bite can ruin any barbecue or picnic. Some people are allergic to mozzie bites too.

While you can use any store bought insect repellents to keep mosquitoes away, some of these insect repellents contain a toxic pesticide called DEET that is dangerous to human health. Heavy exposure to DEET has been linked to memory loss, headache, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, tremors and shortness of breath in humans and is particularly toxic to children and also pets. Luckily, there are so many other effective ways to keep mosquitoes away using natural remedies…

1. Burn citronella candles

Citronella essential oil is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents in the world. You can find citronella candles almost everywhere and burning them will release an aroma that keeps mosquitoes away. Place a few candles around your patio or garden and create a mosquito proof barrier.

2. Use a few drops of lavender

We love lavender, but mosquitoes hate it! To keep mosquitoes out of your home, add a drop of lavender to ribbon or even a clay diffuser and place around open windows. The mosquitoes will certainly think twice about entering.

3. Apply lavender body oil

Add 30 drops of lavender essential oil to two tablespoons of vegetable oil — such as olive oil — and rub onto exposed skin. Not only will you smell amazing, but mosquitoes will avoid landing on you.

4. Throw some rosemary on the barbie

Mosquitoes often strike while we are barbecuing, but this simple trick will turn your barbecue into a natural mosquito repellent, while also adding delicious flavour to your food! Throw a few stalks of rosemary on the hot coals to give off a mosquito repelling aroma.

5. Plant mosquito repellent plants

There are a number of plants that have mosquito repellent properties — for example feverfew, citronella, catnip and lavender are four of the most effective. Plant these in flower beds or containers placed around your garden and keep mosquitoes away.

6. Eat more garlic

While this may repel mosquitoes, unfortunately it may also repel fellow humans! However, after eating lots of garlic, garlic oil is gently released from your pores. This garlic oil acts almost like a barrier between your skin and the mosquitoes.

7. Apply Neem Oil

Neem oil is a vegetable extracted from the neem tree native to the Indian sub-continent — it is sometimes referred to as “the tree of life”. Neem oil is a natural insecticide used on plants to keep harmful insects away, and it works the same way on humans. Apply neem oil to the skin and keep mosquitoes away.

8. Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Getting rid of standing water will cut down the number of mosquitoes in the immediate vicinity. Standing water can include bird baths, puddles and pet water bowls. Make sure gutters are draining well especially during this storm season and empty any garden items that collect water.

How do you keep mosquitoes away? Does your skin react to mozzie bites?