The arrival of summer has the inevitable return of the dreaded mosquito, dedicated to sucking blood and bugging us with their buzzing. Even though the market is full of mosquito repellents, some home remedies are always one of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away from our skin and out of our homes and gardens.

What are the 5 Best Mosquito Repellents?

We’ve gathered some of the best ways to repel mosquitoes from your home, garden, patio, and deck. The great thing is that you probably have most of these items in your house already.

Essential oils

Some essential oils are one of the most effective home remedies against mosquitoes. Try soaking some cotton balls in these oils and place them in a jar.

  • Eucalyptus
  • Lemon
  • Lavender
  • Almond
  • Citronella
  • Rosemary
  • Geranium

You can also put a couple of drops of these oils on your neck or your pajamas to get rid of these insects at bedtime.

Citronella

Use citronella candles. Like essential oils, some aromatic candles can also be used to make mosquitoes buzz off. We recommend citronella because it is one of the best natural mosquito repellents. The smoke they give off will keep the mosquitoes well away. Place them near the windows, or look for large candles that you can use on your deck or patio.

Aromatic Herbs

Herbs that you use daily like basil, rosemary, laurel, or mint can become an excellent mosquito repellent. Try placing a pot with these herbs somewhere in the house or your garden to keep these insects away with their smell.

Lemon and Cloves

Yes, lemon and cloves together are a great mosquito repellent.  Cut a lemon in half and put a few cloves on top. Leave the lemon on your windowsill or sitting out on your patio.

Best Mosquito-Repelling Plants

If you want to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home or your yard, planting the right flowers is your best bet. Here are the very best plants that act as a mosquito repellent:

  • Lemon Balm
  • Catnip
  • Citronella (Don’t be afraid to use the plant and a candle to double up on mosquito protection.)
  • Basil
  • Marigolds
  • Lavender
  • Peppermint
  • Garlic
  • Pennyroyal
  • Geranium
  • Rosemary

It’s important to remember to avoid any standing water where mosquitoes can breed. This includes pools, puddles, or stagnant birdbaths. If you have a birdbath or pond, you might want to add a little fountain. Solar-powered fountains are a great way to prevent stagnant water and reduce mosquito breeding grounds.

Call us today at 317-636-9408 and let Aisling View help you create the perfect backyard outdoor retreat, without those pesky mosquitoes.