8 Effective Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites This Summer

Utilize Citronella Candles or Plants

One of the easiest ways to repel mosquitoes from your next barbecue is by lighting a citronella candle. “Citronella candles have been a staple in deterring mosquitoes,” says pest control professional Kris Bagnara. “It masks your carbon dioxide emissions, confusing their tracking systems.” 

Citronella plants can also be effective and help add some variety to your garden. (Citronella candles are made from the extracted oil of this plant.) They produce a citrusy smell that mosquitoes hate.

Spray Your Yard (or Hire a Professional to Do It)

Spraying your yard with an insecticide specifically formulated for mosquitoes should only be done in extreme cases. If there’s only one or two of the buggers flying around, then try another pest-controlled method. However, if you lose count of how many you see each day, spraying may be a viable option.

“This can be an effective long-term solution, especially for more severe mosquito problems,” says entomologist Trent Frazer. “Always take care when using any insecticides to follow directions from the manufacturer, taking extra caution near pets and children.”

Frazer adds that spraying should be done when mosquitoes are most active, usually around dawn or dusk. Many extermination companies offer professional spraying services and can send an expert to your house to evaluate the issue.

Place a Dehumidifier Near Windows or Doors

This tip is especially useful for those living in the southern U.S. “Mosquitoes thrive in humid environments, so pay close attention to eliminating relevant entry points such as windows in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room,” Frazer says. “Consider using a dehumidifier near windows or doors in these rooms to help prevent mosquitoes from being attracted to that space and entering.”  

Just make sure you empty the dehumidifier as needed. Standing water, even if it’s inside a machine, is an open invitation for more mosquitoes to call your house their own.

Use EPA-Approved Repellents

There are tons of mosquito repellents out there, and each one claims to do the best job. Bagnara stresses picking repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for maximum efficiency and minimal side effects for humans and pets. “A little precaution goes a long way,” says Bagnara.

She adds that you should always read a repellent’s label to know how much to use and where to use it. “Dosage and location of placement matter, especially with kids around,” she says. “Avoid applying sprays to their hands and face, [and] avoid spraying anywhere they might touch and accidentally ingest.” 

The same rule applies to your four-legged children. “For pets, it’s best to avoid spraying near their beds, food bowls, etc,” Bangara adds. “And always check with your vet before using any product around them, even natural ones.”

Rid Your Yard of Stagnant Water

“Mosquitoes cannot breed without stagnant water,” says licensed exterminator Allan Bossel. “Check everything after rain or irrigation. If it holds water longer than 24 hours, it is a hatch site. Even a bottle-cap amount of water could be enough.” 

While birdbaths and buckets are obvious places for standing water to collect, also check overfilled plant saucers, clogged AC drain lines, and even the folds in a patio tarp. Twice a week, walk the yard, dump anything with a puddle, and you’re done. (Your skin will thank you when there are no mosquitoes gnawing away at your arm.)

Limit Outdoor Time During Dusk and Dawn

While the sunrise and sunset can be magical times of the day from an aesthetic viewpoint, they’re also the times when you’re most likely to encounter mosquitoes. “Those are peak mosquito hours because the air is calm and light is low,” Bossel says. If you have to be out during those times, utilize bug-repelling candles and repellents, and be sure to wear protective clothing.

Add a Fan

Fans are a mainstay in the summer to promote better air circulation—but, as it turns out, they can also be a useful tool for fighting mosquitoes. ”They hate air movement because they’re not good flyers, and it keeps them from locking onto your scent,” Bossel explains.  

For covered porches, consider installing a ceiling fan so you can spend time outside without worrying about the bugs. Otherwise, make sure to have an oscillating fan or battery-operated device nearby to keep bugs away.

Hang a Bat Box

Bossel says that one colony of bats can eat thousands of mosquitoes in a week. A bat box is a nesting space for these useful creatures that could attract them to your property. (Make sure bats aren’t an invasive species in your area before installing.)

“If you have the space, hang a bat box eight feet up on the warm side of a tree,” Bossel recommends. “Just keep the area quiet. Bats hate noise and lights. If you give them space, they handle the bugs for you. That is what I call delegation.” 

Bats will eat other insects, too, and in some cases can even act as pollinators. If you choose to go this route, reduce or eliminate your insecticide use as that will deplete the bats’ food supply.