Summer is coming and with it the dreaded mosquitos. These pesky insects can ruin a perfectly good day outdoors, not to mention they can transmit diseases like the Zika virus. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t want to spend your summer indoors because of mosquitos. So, how do you protect your garden from these bugs? In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to keep your garden mosquito-free this summer!
Remove Standing Water
One way to protect your garden from mosquitos is to remove any standing water. Mosquitos lay their eggs in water, so by removing any sources of standing water, you can help reduce the mosquito population. This can be as simple as emptying out any buckets or kiddie pools that are not being used. You should also check your gutters and make sure they are not clogged so that water can drain properly. If you have any birdbaths, you should empty them out and refill them with fresh water every few days. You may also want to consider installing mosquito dunks in any sources of standing water that you cannot remove, such as ponds.
Use A Natural Mosquito Repellent In Your Garden
There are many natural insect repellents that you can use in your garden to keep mosquitos away. One popular option is citronella candles. These candles release a scent that they find repulsive, so they will stay away from areas where citronella candles are burning. You can also buy a natural mosquito repellent that you can spray on your plants. This will create a barrier that they will not want to cross. The best part about using a natural mosquito repellent is that it is safe for both humans and animals.
Keep Your Grass Cut Short
Another way to protect your garden from mosquitos is to keep your grass cut short. Long grass is a perfect place for them to hide and lay their eggs. However, by keeping your grass cut short, you will make it harder for mosquitos to find a place to hide. You should also trim any bushes or trees that are near your house. Mosquitos love to hide in these areas, so by trimming them back, you can help reduce the insect population in your garden.
Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Another way to protect your garden from these pests is to plant mosquito-repelling plants. Some examples of these plants include citronella, marigolds, and catnip. In addition to natural insect repellents, you can also purchase mosquito-repelling products if you do not want to use them.
Citronella Plant
If you decide to potted plants around your porch or patio, consider adding citronella to the mix. This plant is known for its mosquito-repelling properties, especially the oil that you can extract from the plant’s leaves. Namely, you need to crush the leaves and rub the oil on your skin.
Marigolds Help Keep Away A Variety Of Pests
Marigolds are not only beautiful, but they also help keep away a variety of pests, including mosquitos. These flowers release a substance called linalool which is known to repel these insects.
Catnip is a Natural Mosquito Repellent
Catnip is a member of the mint family and is known for its mosquito-repelling properties. In fact, the essential oil from catnip is more effective at repelling mosquitos than DEET, which is a common ingredient in mosquito repellents. You can plant catnip around your garden or patio, or you can make your own insect repellent by adding a few drops of catnip essential oil to a carrier oil such as coconut oil.
Install Insect-Repelling Lights
Another way to keep mosquitos away from your garden is to install repelling lights. These special lights emit a high-frequency sound that only mosquitos can hear. The sound is so annoying to them that they will stay away from the area where the light is installed. You can buy these lights at most hardware stores or online.
Use A Fan To Keep Mosquitos Away
Mosquitos are attracted to the CO₂ that we exhale. To keep them away from your garden, you can use a fan to create a wind barrier. The wind will prevent mosquitos from being able to reach you, and they will eventually fly away in search of an easier target. The way to do this is to set up a fan near your seating area so that it blows away from you.
Scatter Coffee Grounds
Another way to keep mosquitos away from your garden is to scatter coffee grounds around the perimeter. Mosquitos are attracted to the scent of coffee, so by scattering coffee grounds, you can help keep them away from your plants. For an even better result, use water with coffee and used coffee grounds. This will keep them from laying eggs as a recent study has found. Lastly, add used coffee grounds to your compost pile to help keep these insects away from that area as well.
Use Mosquito Nets
Mosquito nets are not just for babies! If you want to enjoy your garden without being bothered by mosquitos, consider using a mosquito net. You can purchase a mosquito net that is large enough to cover your entire patio or porch. Or, if you’re feeling really ambitious, you can build your own mosquito netting enclosure around your garden. Therefore, the insects will be kept away from your skin, and you can still enjoy the outdoors.
Do Some Research
Before attempting any of these methods, it. You can purchase mosquito nets at most stores that sell gardening supplies. However, you may want to do some research before using any of these methods, as some of them may not be effective in your area. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of standing water, it is unlikely that mosquito-repelling plants will be effective. In this case, you may need to use more than one method to keep mosquitos away from your garden.
To conclude, you don’t have to worry about mosquitos ruining your gardening plans this summer. Namely, you can use natural repellant, install insect-repelling lights, or use a fan to keep them away. You can also scatter coffee grounds around your garden or use nets to keep these pests at bay. Do some research to find out which method will work best in your area, and enjoy your garden all summer long!
