8 New Tricks for Keeping Mosquitos Away

Mosquitos. They’re universally despised, and there’s not much we wouldn’t do to keep them away, right? Personally, we’re always on the hunt for a new serum or device or prayer that will help keep them away of the yard so we can actually enjoy our time out there without coming back inside covered in itchy welts. So, behold the latest list tricks and tools to keep them at bay. Repel them This Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller is said to provide 12 Hours of DEET-free repellent and is also scent-free and cordless. Reviews are mixed on Amazon, but, at under $25, we’re willing to give it a shot! Wipe them away Actually, these OFF! Deep Woods Mosquito Repellent Wipes 25% DEET - 12ct keeps them away, and, they're much easier to use (and less messy) than bug spray. If you’d prefer DEET-free wipes, you can find them, too. Dab on the essential oils This was the winning strategy during a recent trip to a very humid, very mosquito-prone land. Liberal amounts of peppermint and rosemary with reapplication about every 30 minutes did the trick. Burn your coffee grounds “Reusing coffee grounds offers benefits from fertilizing plants to repelling mosquitoes,” said Hunker. “Coffee grounds have a smoldering effect after you light them that keeps insects at bay. Mosquitoes, like other insects, are repelled by the odor created from the coffee grounds burning.” Plant some lavender It smells lovely to humans (and is beautiful to look at, too), but mosquitos hate it. Lemongrass, lemon balm, and marigolds are a few more plants you can add to your garden to keep the mosquitos out. Grow some herbs Add basil, garlic, and rosemary to your garden for another potent anti-mosquito punch. One of the best is something you might want to grow for other, tastier, reasons as well. “Basil is so effective at repelling mosquitos (and adding a delicious flavor to Italian fare!) that you'll want to grow it all around your house,” said POPSUGAR. “Windowsills, porches, the garden…the possibilities are endless!” Plug in the fan In a Consumer Reports test, a standing fan proved more successful at keeping away mosquitos than several other “tried-and-true” methods. “CR has tested three methods for controlling mosquito activity in a large area: citronella candles, an oscillating pedestal fan, and a battery-powered area diffuser that emitted geraniol, a natural repellent derived from plants,” they said. “We found that the fan was far more effective than citronella candles or the geraniol diffuser. In fact, our tests showed that the fan reduced mosquito landings by 45 to 65 percent for folks sitting nearby.” Grab a dryer sheet These little wonders have more uses than eliminating static cling. “Turns out, there's actually science behind this age-old myth,” said Buzzfeed. “Dryer sheets contain two chemicals that keep gnats and mosquitoes away: linalool, which is toxic to some types of insects, and beta-citronellol, which is found in citronella, the ultimate mosquito repellent. So, yeah, keep one in your pocket, or if you're really committed, rub one on your arms and any other exposed skin.”