Having fun in the great outdoors is an Australian tradition – there’s nothing worse than swarms of mosquitoes and midges. Some say fancy gadgets or exotic plants will keep the pests away. So, we did a little fact-checking to see what the experts say:
Ultrasonic Devices
These gadgets claim to repel insects with ultrasonic sound waves, but several studies on electronic mosquito repellents have found them largely ineffective.
Vitamin B Supplements
Another old wives’ tale suggests that taking vitamin B repels mosquitoes. But we searched high and low and couldn’t find any studies to support this claim.
We’ll let you judge the effectiveness of flowers and plants for yourself, but like a few of the methods you see below, most sources suggest this is useful as part of a broader strategy to improve your chances of success.
So What will keep the mozzies at bay?
Without further ado, here are our top 10 methods to help you reduce mosquitos and midgies around your home.
1. Eliminate Standing Water (Most Effective)
Standing water is a magnet for mosquitoes, and you’ll be amazed at all the places it can collect! Check your yard regularly for water build-up in gutters, birdbaths, plant saucers and toys. It doesn’t take long for these critters to breed and multiply, so removing water sources interrupts the mosquito life cycle and can significantly reduce the population.
Even with all of today’s technology, it is still one of the most effective solutions, and best of all, it’s free!
2. Install a Freedom Retractable Screen!
No but seriously, door and window screens are still one of the most effective methods for keeping pests out while letting the fresh air in. Cheap screens can be damaged easily, so for starters, check each of the screens you do have for holes and make sure they’re fitted securely. And if you want to stay outdoors, you can get screens for just about any area to keep the party going, including verticals, automation and all the mod-cons.
If you think this is the solution for you, then give us a call and see how we can help? We’ve been keeping Australians pest-free for decades with the world’s best retractable screens, using patented technology to keep you entertained with continuous protection.
3. Use Outdoor Fans
Mosquitoes and midges don’t fly well in windy areas, so setting up fans to create airflow for your guests will mess with their ability to navigate. This simple yet elegant solution is perfect for hot summer nights and will deter many types of insects while keeping your guests cool.
4. Homemade Citronella Candle (Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 Cup of soy wax flakes
- 20 Drops of citronella oil
- 1 Cotton wick
- 1 Mason jar
What you need
- Double boiler or heat-safe bowl and saucepan
- Thermometer
- Stirring utensil
Preparation: Melt the soy wax flakes using a double boiler setup. Once melted, cool the wax to 140°F (60°C). Stir in the citronella essential oil thoroughly.
Application: Place the wick at the centre of the mason jar, securing it if necessary. Carefully pour the wax mixture into the jar. Allow it to cool and solidify completely. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before lighting. Light these candles around your outdoor area. Citronella oil is a natural insect repellent; the candles add a warm ambience.
5. DIY Insect Repellent Spray (Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 Cup of distilled water
- 20 Drops of citronella oil
- 20 Drops of eucalyptus oil
- 20 Drops of tea tree oil
- 10 Drops of lavender oil
Ingredients
- Spray bottle
- Funnel
- Mixing bowl
Preparation: Combine distilled water in the mixing bowl. Add all essential oils and stir well.
Application: Use the funnel to pour the mixture into the spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray on exposed skin and around the outdoor area, avoiding contact with eyes and mouth. This natural spray is free from harsh chemicals and is gentle on the skin. Always perform a patch test to ensure no allergic reactions.
6. Plant Native Insect-Repelling Flora
Some plants can definitely keep mosquitoes and midges away. However, it’s wise to rely on something other than this as your only solution. Planting native Australian species like these are a good start:
- Lemon-scented tea trees (Leptospermum petersonii): Known for its citrus scent, which can deter insects.
- Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora): Has a strong lemon fragrance that repels mosquitoes.
- Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus): While not native, it’s widely grown in Australia and is known for its mosquito-repelling properties.
- Eucalyptus: Many have oils that are effective as natural insect repellents.
Lavender and Marigolds are also helpful if you’re looking for some non-native species.
Ensure they’re planted close to the entertaining area, and now you have another tool in your arsenal to help the fight against pests. Again, this is not a standalone solution but part of an overall strategy.
7. Install Yellow Bug Lights
Standard outdoor lights definitely tend to attract bugs. Specifically, they are drawn to the wavelength of the light. Replacing your outdoor lights with “bug lights” can lessen this attraction.
Another alternative is to start an LED project in your outdoor entertaining area. LED lights are all the rage these days, and most offer an RGB spectrum that lets you improve the look of your home while shining at less enticing wavelengths to those pesky insects!
8. Create a Herb Bundle Smoke (Recipe)
Ingredients
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Fresh sage leaves
- Dried eucalyptus leaves
What you need
- Fireproof bowl or outdoor fire pit
- Matches or lighter
Preparation: Bundle the herbs together using twine. Allow the bundle to dry slightly if fresh herbs are used.
Application: Place the herb bundle in the fireproof bowl or fire pit. Light the bundle and let it smoke. Position it upwind of your entertaining area. The smoke produced from these herbs acts as a natural insect repellent. It’s an age-old method that’s both effective and aromatic.
9. Mosquito Coils & Traps (Least Effective)
When burned, mosquito coils release an insecticide that repels mosquitoes from the area. Traps may also keep pests down, although they can be an eyesore.
This approach, while effective in small areas, should be combined with other methods.
Sources: CSIRO, Australian Government Department of Health, Queensland Health, Australian Native Plants Society, Northern Territory Government