7 ways to stay mozzie-free this summer

Photo: Stefan Rodriguez/Unsplash

Summer's here, which means it’s time to break out the shorts, sandals and tank tops. But Beijing's warm and rainy season is also when the mosquitoes swarm out to feast on all that exposed skin. With that in mind – we've rounded up some of the best and easiest ways to mozzie-proof yourself and your apartment this summer. 

Herb plants

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Mosquitoes hate strong herbal scents, so investing in a lavender, mint, basil or lemongrass plant will not only help to green up your home for the summer, but also help to keep your space pest-free. Just be sure to get rid of any stagnant water that might collect in its pots.

Coffee grounds

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For all you caffeine heads, don’t just throw your used coffee grounds away. Place them in stagnant water or areas where water collects easily – such as the bottom of your flower pot – to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs there.

Essential oils

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Essential oils, whether used in a diffuser or as a spray, not only repel mosquitoes effectively, but also smell amazing. Scents like clary sage, catnip, peppermint and geranium are great for keeping pesky mozzies away, while tea tree oil is great for relieving itchy mosquito bites. 

To make a homemade bug spray, mix a few drops of your preferred essential oil with about 60ml water and 30ml of witch hazel in a spray bottle. Alternatively, mix a few drops of essential oil with equal parts of 'carrier' oils such as aloe vera or coconut oil and beeswax for an all-natural repellent that’s safe to use on skin.

Citronella candles

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Burning citronella candles is a quick and easy way to ensure your home remains mosquito-free. A pack of 30 mini citronella tea candles goes for about 26RMB on JD.com. Scan the QR code below to purchase.

Garlic

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If you don’t mind the smell, crush a few cloves of garlic, boil them and spray the solution around your home to keep the pests away. 

Mosquito coils

Photo: trini/Wikimedia Commons

A common sight in many Asian households, mosquito coils are pretty much the go-to when it comes to repelling the tiny pests. Usually made from a paste of dried pyrethrum powder, the spiral-shaped incense is lit and placed outside the home to keep the area mosquito-free. They can be purchased on JD.com for roughly 13RMB for a box of 40. Scan the QR code below to purchase.

Ultrasonic mosquito repellents

Photo: Home Shielders

An electronic alternative to the other repellents on the list, this option is safe even for households with babies and pets. Plug this palm-sized device into a power socket and it will emit an ultrasonic sound that can’t be heard by humans, but will repel mosquitoes and other small pests. Available on JD.com for 28RMB each. Scan the QR code below to purchase.

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