As summer draws nearer, there are plenty of things to do outside to keep us occupied and entertained. But this is also the time that one of our biggest nuisances in Florida comes out to play as well. Mosquitoes are out in full force, and they bring more than just annoyance and itchiness. As the mosquito population increases, so to do mosquito-borne illnesses. For this reason, here are a few clever ways to repel mosquitoes around your home.
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Plant Rosemary and Basil
If you are already planning on upgrading your backyard landscaping, now would be a perfect time to include some rosemary and basil in your plans. These fragrant herbs grow well in Florida, have a plethora of uses in the kitchen, and add a lovely touch to any garden space. But the best part is that their strong herbal scent is known to repel mosquitoes.
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Burn Piñon Wood
One common outdoor activity is having a bonfire. After ensuring proper safety precautions are in place, also consider what type of wood to burn. Piñon wood is a type of pine that is commonly grown in the Southwest United States. It has a lovely pine smell, and it is even sold in small logs specifically for use in firepits. Bonus points go to this wood because between the smell and the smoke, mosquitoes will be driven away.
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Hang a Citronella Spiral
So you’ve tried citronella candles before? Well, citronella spirals are a whole other experience. They are cedar spirals soaked in citronella oil that burn like incense, so there is no open flame to worry about. And they can be hung from eaves or even tree branches and look quite decorative as well.
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Hang a Birdhouse
When nothing else seems to work, it is time to bring in the big guns…or small birds rather. Handing a birdhouse and feeder will attract birds to your yard, and many smaller songbirds love to eat mosquitoes.
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Install Ceiling Fans
Another option, if you have outdoor wiring in your covered patio, is to install a ceiling fan. These fans keep the air around you moving, which means that you will be kept cool and comfortable, and that mosquitoes will be repelled by the moving air.
Lawn Maintenance
The only sure way to prevent mosquitoes is to make sure you don’t lay out the welcome mat for them. That means regularly checking your yard for standing water—from pet dishes to bird baths and other shallow areas where water may have gathered. If nothing’s doing the trick, you can always hire a pest control company to spray your yard for mosquitoes. Consolidated Pest Control is here for all your pest control needs.
