The best ways to get rid of pesky summer mosquitoes

Photograph: Stefan Rodriguez via Unsplash

Summer is here, and that means it’s time to break out the shorts, sandals and tank tops. While it might already be instinct to lather on some sunblock before heading out, what most of us tend to overlook is mosquito repellent. In fact, we probably only think about mosquitoes after getting bitten for the first (or maybe third) time. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best and easiest ways to mosquito-proof yourself and your home.

Herb plants

Photograph: Lesly Juarez via Unsplash

One of the things that mosquitoes hate most is strong, herbal scents, so investing in a lavender, mint, basil or lemongrass plant will not only help to spruce up your home for the summer, but will also help to keep your space pest-free (just make sure you get rid of any stagnant water that might collect when you water your plant).

Coffee grounds

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For all you morning coffee drinkers out there, don’t just throw your used coffee grounds away – place them in stagnant water or areas where water collects easily, like the bottom of your flower pot, to prevent adult mosquitoes from laying their eggs there.

Essential oils

Photograph: Tiara Leitzman via Unsplash

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 mosquitoes away, while tea tree oil is great for relieving the itch from mosquito bites. 

To make a homemade bug spray, mix a few drops of your preferred essential oil with about 60ml water and 30ml witch hazel in a spray bottle. Alternatively, mix a few drops of essential oil with equal parts of a carrier oil like 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 that your home remains mosquito-free. A pack of 30 mini citronella tea candles goes for about 26RMB on Jingdong. Extract the QR code below to purchase.

Garlic

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If you don’t mind the smell, you can crush a few cloves of garlic, boil them and spray the solution around your home to keep the pests away. But if you ask us, we would stick to keeping the garlic in the kitchen and using essential oils around the house instead.

Mosquito coils

Photograph: trini via 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 Jingdong for about 13RMB for a box of 40. Extract the QR code below to purchase.

Ultrasonic mosquito repellents

Photograph: courtesy 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 Jingdong for 28RMB each. Extract the QR code below to purchase.

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