mosquito Credit: Getty / Zbynek Pospisil
mosquito Credit: Getty / Zbynek Pospisil
mosquito Credit: Getty / Zbynek Pospisil
mosquito
Credit: Getty / Zbynek Pospisil
Summer is my favorite season. I love the heat, humidity and fun vacations that (usually) come with summer. However, travel is more restricted right now due to the novel coronavirus, so we’re likely all spending more time at home. Though it’s possible to have a super-fun staycation in your backyard (tacos and margaritas, anyone?), there’s one annoying part about hanging out in my backyard: mosquitos.
I live in Birmingham, Alabama, which I am convinced is the mosquito capital of the world. I’ve tried planting citronella and other mosquito-repelling plants, but the little suckers seem to still love biting me. And even though I’m a mosquito magnet, I don’t want to spray myself down with chemicals just to avoid a few bug bites.
Best Mosquito Deterrents
If you’re looking for a safer way to spray your yard, Mama Nature’s Mosquito Juice covers up to 8,000 square feet and can reduce your mosquito population by 80% without harming helpful pollinators. Simply mix the 8-ounce concentrate (made with garlic juice and cedarwood oils) with a gallon of water and spray on standing water, trees, grass, gutters or wherever mosquitos gather. (You may also want to stock up on a sprayer for easier application.)
Best Bug Sprays for Mosquitoes
Another ingredient to try out is oil of lemon eucalyptus, which is the only plant-based bug repellent recommended by the CDC. This EPA-registered bug spray from Natrapel has oil of lemon eucalyptus (and plenty of 5-star reviews to back it up).
If you want to target certain exposed areas (like your feet or face), Murphy’s makes a mosquito-repelling balm with essential oils that can get those hard-to-reach spots and keep skeeters at bay.
