Mosquito Traps and Deterrents
Bug zappers and traps don’t contain any harsh chemicals, and are in fact mostly odorless. These options are high-tech but also attractive and subtle, so you’ll hardly notice they’re around.
Outdoor Lantern Mosquito Trap
Mosquito Repellent Diffuser
Besides using this tiny mosquito-repelling diffuser in your yard, you can pack and take it on a camping trip with ease. All you need to do is put in a repellent cartridge and turn it on. The batteries are rechargeable, and the repellent in the cartridge is both scent- and DEET-free.
Allethrin Lamps and Diffusers
Allethrin is a natural repellent found in chrysanthemums and is effective in repelling insects. You can find plenty of products that use this natural essence, but Thermacell’s outdoor lanterns will also add ambience to your patio or porch. The lantern will create a 15-foot radius of protection, and you won’t be able to detect the odor even if you’re sitting right next to it.
Misting Hoses and Fans
While still water will attract mosquitoes, moving water actually deters them. You can buy misting hoses to install onto deck railings to keep the bugs away and stay cool. Some manufacturers make fans with misting capabilities, or offer a misting set you can add onto a fan you already have.
Mosquito-Repelling Accessories
Outdoor accessories and decorations can work double-duty when it comes to mosquitoes and other pests. Many of these small products can sit on a tabletop or tuck in a corner to keep bugs away.
Mosquito Control Dunks
Mosquitoes are drawn to standing water, like in ponds and marshy areas, to lay their eggs. These small cork discs float on top of the water and slowly dissolve, releasing a bacterium that kills mosquito larvae. This product is harmless to other aquatic insects, fish, and animals.
Geraniol or Citronella Candles
Mosquito-repelling candles can help ward off the pesky insects. Look for candles that have geraniol, citronella, or other natural oils like eucalyptus, for best results.
Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
There are a handful of manufacturers that make mosquito bracelets in all different colors, fabrics, and sizes. Simple Natural Products has created microfiber bracelets that are made with natural citronella oil. These cloth bracelets are comfortable to wear, and still work if they get wet.
Mosquito Coils
Smoke and strong scents are known to keep mosquitoes at bay. Mosquito coils combine the two, releasing small amounts of smoke with a citronella smell as it burns. Look for a terra-cotta burner that matches your outdoor decor style so it’ll appear to be another attractive accessory.
Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Strongly scented plants can help deter mosquitoes (and other pests like moths and flies) in a natural way. However, simply planting mosquito-repelling plants isn’t effective; you need to crush or cut the leaves to release the scented oil that mosquitoes don’t like. You can use the oil as a natural insect repellent spray by rubbing crushed leaves on your skin. Be sure to test for any allergy first by rubbing the leaves on a quarter-size patch of skin on your inner forearm for a day or so; if there’s no irritating reaction such as a rash, it’s likely safe for you to use on your skin. The best part of this mosquito hack? These plants will look lovely in your existing landscaping or they can be used in container gardens. Some mosquito-repelling plants include:
Scented geranium Beautyberry Lavender Mint Basil Lemongrass Marigold
