There is nothing worse than having to constantly fend off pesky mosquitoes during your outdoor cookouts and parties. With summer in full swing, their numbers are rapidly multiplying, especially in areas with stale water or ponds. Avoid the irritation and calamine lotion this year by trying a few of these home remedies:

Garlic water

              To get the same effect as citronella candles without the extra expense, mix four cloves of crushed garlic with one gallon of water and spray it near all your outdoor lightbulbs. When the bulbs heat up, a faint garlicky scent will spread across your yard, repelling mosquitoes and other bugs.

Pinion wood

              Burning this pungent species of wood has been known to keep away mosquitoes and other insects. Luckily for us, these logs give off a strong pine scent that can actually be quite enjoyable for humans, so consider replacing your regular wood with pinion wood during your next bonfire.

The “Mosquito Plant”

              The Lemon-scented Geranium is commonly referred to as the “Mosquito Plant.” Not only will this beautiful flower spruce up your patio, they are also known to repel mosquitoes due to their strong scent that is reminiscent of citronella grass.

Coffee Grounds

              Sprinkle used coffee grounds in standing water around your house to kill off mosquitoes at the source. The coffee grounds force the eggs to the surface and deprive them of oxygen, thereby killing the mosquitoes before they ever hatch. This method also happens to be environmentally friendly.

Air Circulation

              Sometimes repelling mosquitoes is as easy as creating a little airflow and making it too difficult for them to fly. Set up a couple of fans at your next party and enjoy the cool breeze without the pests!

              We hope that with these tips you are able to find a method that is effective in protecting your home. However, if you are in need of a stronger arsenal, your local Stockdale’s has plenty of mosquito repellants to help you fight back.