Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Outdoor Parties

It's mosquito season here in East Texas and we're all looking forward to fun parties and get-togethers in our backyard, but with that comes a flying pest that's a pain for most - mosquitoes! However, just because these insects are a nuisance, that doesn't mean you have to stay inside and not enjoy summer. We've compiled a list of 10 tips and tricks that are sure to keep mosquitoes away from your yard.

1. Remove any standing water from your yard.Water is where mosquitoes like to lay their eggs. Look for buckets, empty planters, dishes, old tires or unused kiddie pools, and turn them over or put them away. If you have a bird bath, change the water often or add a small pump to circulate the water. Lastly, clean out those rain gutters so they don't retain water and become a mosquito breeding ground.
2. Grow mosquito repellant plants.Believe it or not, mosquitoes hate the smell of certain plants and herbs, such as lavender, basil, lemon balm, rosemary and marigold. Plant these natural mosquito repellents in your garden as a natural alternative to keep those pesky mosquitoes out of your yard.
3. Replace your outdoor lights with yellow bug lights.These lights are supposed to attract fewer mosquitoes than your regular everyday lights. While these lights aren't necessarily repellents, they can help to deter mosquitoes and other bugs away from your home.
4. Use "mosquito dunks" for any water you can't drain.If you have a pool, fishpond or ditches around your home that contain water, dropping a "mosquito dunk" in there will release a natural larvicide that kills mosquito larvae. You can purchase this product online or at your local home improvement retailer.
5. Keep your grass mowed and shrubs trimmed.Mosquitoes love to hang out in tall grass and weedy areas, so be sure to mow your lawn regularly and remove weeds and dead plants from your landscaping.
6. Use a fan to create a breeze.Mosquitoes hate any kind of wind since they are weak fliers. Plus, since mosquitoes sense when a human exhales carbon dioxide (which is what makes them realize a human is around), a fan will also help by dispersing that scent.
7. Use a carbon monoxide mosquito trap.Tip number six segues nicely into this one, which is using a CO2 trap since we now know mosquitoes are attracted to it. This type of trap mimics human or animal breath by releasing carbon dioxide gas. Please note: The CO2 mosquito trap should not be used indoors under any circumstances.
8. Use chemical repellents.If you walk into your local hardware store, you should find plenty of mosquito repellent options for your yard. Some will be natural, other companies will use chemicals, so it's up to you to decide which route you want to go. If you don't think you can handle this on your own, you can call a professional to come spray your yard and foliage, which might be the most effective solution.
9. Place bug zappers around your yard.These nifty devices attract bugs by using a UV light, and when they get close enough, they will get electrocuted.
10. Put some type of insect repellent on your body.This is the most common method people will try to repel mosquitoes away from them. You can find your typical bug spray that contains DEET at most stores, and this method works fairly well. However, if you'd like to go a more natural route, there are essential oils with scents that are known to repel mosquitoes, such as rosemary, thyme, lavender and peppermint.

Whichever route you decide to go, we hope these tips will help you enjoy the summer months!


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