Mosquito Screen

10 Expert Tips on How to Deter Mosquitoes

Nobody enjoys the constant buzz of mosquitoes, or worse, the itchy bites they leave behind.

While the UK doesn't have a serious mosquito problem compared to tropical climates, these insects can sometimes be a big seasonal nuisance, especially during the summer. In some instances, it may be necessary to put in place measures to prevent mosquitoes from invading your garden or home so that you can enjoy your outdoor spaces.

In this article, we shall share 10 expert tips on how to deter mosquitoes from your home and garden. It's largely based on their habits, lifecycle, and weaknesses.

#1 Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes need stagnant water to breed as female mosquitoes lay their eggs on the water's surface. Therefore, it's essential to eliminate potential breeding grounds as your first line of defence.

  • Empty plant saucers, buckets, and outdoor containers including after rain.
  • Regularly clean and refill birdbaths and pet water bowls.
  • Check for clogged gutters and drains, as these often hold hidden water.
  • Cover water butts with tightly fitted lids.
Standing water attracts mosquitoes

#2 Keep Your Garden Tidy

Overgrown gardens are paradise for mosquitoes especially if they contain damp, shady areas which can attract mosquitoes seeking shelter from the wind or sun.

  • Trim long grass, bushes and hedges to reduce potential hiding spots.
  • Remove garden debris, such as piles of leaves, as water can collect here.
  • Keep sheds and greenhouses dry and ventilated throughout the year.
Trimming hedges to deter mosquitoes

#3 Use Mosquito-Repelling Plants

Certain plants are great for naturally repelling mosquitoes due to their strong scents. We recommend adding some of these to your garden or balcony to make your space less inviting to mosquitoes. Always position these plants near seating areas or windows for maximum effect.

  • Lavender
  • Citronella grass
  • Basil
  • Lemongrass
  • Marigolds
Lavender can deter mosquitoes

#4 Install Window and Door Screens

Most homes in the UK don't come with window screens by default. This makes it very easy for mosquitoes to enter when they are present. Installing mesh screens on windows and doors is a simple yet effective way to stop mosquitoes from coming inside your home while still letting fresh air circulate.

Mosquito door screen

#5 Use Outdoor Fans

Funnily enough, mosquitoes are weak fliers and prefer to avoid areas with strong air currents. We recommend placing an outdoor fan near seating or dining areas to keep mosquitoes away. This also helps keep you cool, especially on warm summer evenings when you are most likely to sit outside.

Outdoor fan

#6 Switch to Yellow Outdoor Lighting

Mosquitoes are attracted to certain wavelengths of light, particularly blue and ultraviolet light. Switching your lighting to yellow or "bug light" bulbs in outdoor areas can make your home and garden less appealing to mosquitoes.

Yellow lighting

#7 Wear Light-Coloured Clothing

Mosquitoes are naturally drawn to dark colours because they provide better camouflage. We recommend opting for light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing when spending time outdoors, especially during dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active. This should also help determine what to pack when going on holiday to any location where mosquitoes are common.

Light-coloured clothing to deter mosquitoes

#8 Use Natural or Chemical Repellents

It's very important to protect yourself from bites by choosing only effective mosquito repellents. In particular, we recommend considering natural or chemical options

  • Natural Options: Citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, or lemon balm-based sprays.
  • Chemical Options: Products containing DEET or picaridin offer long-lasting protection.

Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing when heading outdoors. For a natural touch, citronella candles or essential oil diffusers can also help repel mosquitoes around patios or gardens.

Eucalyptus oil to deter mosquitoes

#9 Use Mosquito Traps

Mosquito traps can effectively reduce mosquito populations in your area. Traps work by attracting mosquitoes using carbon dioxide or UV light and capturing them so they are unable to ask. We recommend the following:

  • Place traps near standing water or in areas where mosquitoes are known to live.
  • Clean traps regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
Mosquito trap

#10 Treat Breeding Areas with Mosquito Dunks

If you have water features like ponds or fountains that you can't drain, use mosquito dunks. These safe, eco-friendly products contain bacteria that specifically target mosquito larvae without harming fish, pets, or plants.

Bonus Tips for Mosquito-Free Living

We also recommend some extra tips to keep the mosquitoes away. These tips apply when you are abroad too.

  • Time Your Outdoor Activities: Avoid being outside during peak mosquito activity, which is usually at dawn and dusk.
  • Create Barriers: Hang mosquito nets over outdoor seating areas or use pop-up gazebos with mesh sides.
  • Stay Fragrance-Free: Strong perfumes or aftershaves can attract mosquitoes. Stick to unscented products during mosquito season.

Final Thoughts

Preventing mosquitoes isn't just about comfort, it's about protecting your health too. With these simple yet effective DIY mosquito deterrent solutions, you can reduce mosquito populations around your home and enjoy your outdoor spaces without worrying about bites.

At PestBuddy, we're here to empower you with effective, simple, safety-conscious DIY mosquito control products. You may also find our expert guide useful if you want to learn more about getting rid of mosquitoes in your home or workplace.

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