There’s nothing worse than trying to enjoy time outdoors and being rudely interrupted by pesky mosquitos! That’s why we’ve compiled our top tips for how to keep mosquitos away and get back to enjoying your outdoor area as soon as possible.
At Outer, we believe your outdoor space should be an extension of your home’s indoor living area — somewhere functional, comfortable, and where you love to spend time. We can’t let a few insects get in the way of that!
Keep reading to learn our expert tips — from ensuring your backyard is in great shape to planting bug-repelling greenery — to keep those annoying mosquitos at bay.
How To Keep Mosquitos Away
1) Stay Covered With Outdoor Throw Blankets
Whether you’re indulging in a backyard family movie night under the stars or throwing a get-together with friends, mosquitos can quickly ruin the fun if you don’t have supplies on hand to deter them.
An easy option to help protect your guests from mosquitos (that also happens to add additional cozy vibes and a dash of timeless style) is outdoor throw blankets. They come in a variety of designs and colors to suit whatever style of backyard decor you prefer.
Our brand-new Bug Shield Blankets are enhanced with insect-repellant Insect Shield® technology that’s suitable for the whole family (and pets!). They’re available in three timeless patterns (plaid, houndstooth, and pinstripe) guaranteed to add a stylish, cozy feel to any outdoor space.
But what makes them even better is that they’re lightweight enough to use even in warm summer weather, when mosquitoes are at their most active. Try one out today!
2) Make Sure Your Yard Is In Great Shape
Our first piece of advice for how to keep mosquitos away is to ensure your backyard is in decent condition (great shape would be even better!) by performing a few simple landscaping tasks.
Anywhere that’s dark and damp is a potential breeding ground for mosquitos. A build-up of fallen leaves, tree and grass trimmings, and piles of mulch are prime examples, so it’s important to remove excess debris from your yard often.
In addition, try to keep your grass short to avoid mosquitos making themselves a little too comfortable in your outdoor space. It’s also wise to trim your trees regularly and remove dog droppings every couple of days.
Not only does this make your backyard more appealing for you to spend time in, but it also deters insects, which is exactly what we want!
3) Utilize Natural Insect Repellents
Fortunately, there are plenty of natural ways to repel mosquitos, such as using essential oils or planting particular varieties of flowers and herbs (more on that later).
The most common essential oil used for repelling mosquitos is citronella. You’ve probably seen candles, sprays, and coils that contain citronella oil, and for good reason. This strong scent masks the smells that attract mosquitos and sends them looking for food elsewhere.
Other essential oils that are effective for keeping mosquitos at bay include lavender, cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemon.
You can deter insects by mixing a few drops of oil with a cup of water and using the mixture as a natural spray-on insect repellent for your skin. We also recommend diffusing them in an oil diffuser or burning candles that contain the oils.
Note: If you have pets, it’s important to keep in mind that some of these essential oils aren’t so great for our four-legged friends. Advice on this topic varies, so it’s best to talk to your veterinarian to determine what’s right for your pet.
4) Use Outdoor Fans On Your Deck Or Patio
A simple yet effective way to reduce mosquitos landing in your seating area on your deck or patio is by turning on an outdoor fan.
How does that help? It’s probably exactly what you’re thinking — the breeze from the fan makes it difficult for insects to fly properly! Not only that, but fans also help to disperse our natural scent, making it harder for mosquitos to sense where people are.
The best kind of fan for deterring insects is a pedestal design that swings back and forth. A ceiling fan might be less effective than these standing fans, but if you already have one installed, be sure to test out its mosquito-repelling powers.
5) Plant Insect-Repelling Greenery
Adding more greenery to your backyard while also repelling unwanted insects? It’s a win-win in our book. There are plenty of plants that mosquitoes don’t like, and fortunately for us humans, they’re mostly edible.
Some edible plant options to add to your garden that will keep mosquitos at bay include rosemary, basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, garlic, lemongrass, marigold, and lavender. And that’s not even an exhaustive list!
Some not-so-edible varieties (that are still incredibly effective at repelling insects and great to bring life to your garden) include petunias, venus flytraps, tansies, catnip, and geraniums.
All of the plants mentioned here are easy to grow and fairly low-maintenance, so they’re perfect for even the most novice of gardeners to care for.
6) Get Rid Of Any Stagnant Water
Remember how we mentioned that mosquitos love dark, damp places? Stagnant water — such as backyard gutters, ditches, ponds, and birdbaths — is another example of somewhere these insects can’t wait to get into.
Mosquitos actually lay their eggs in stagnant water, which is why you might have noticed that they like to hang around wet areas.
It’s worth taking a lap around your yard to check for stagnant water that might be continuing to attract these insects. There could easily be a pet bowl or long-forgotten bucket or wheelbarrow sitting out there that’s gradually filled with water.
For water sources that you can’t (or don’t want to) eliminate altogether, such as a fish pond that’s in use or a pool that you use often, consider treating it with a larvicide. This prevents mosquitos from laying their eggs and helps keep your yard insect-free long-term.
7) Consider A Netted Area For Protection
Using netting to protect your family from mosquitos can be stylish as well as functional, so don’t be turned off by our next suggestion!
While a screened-in porch might not be your style, consider adding a netted structure, like a gazebo, to your backyard. It offers great protection against mosquitos, and it can act as a covered area for seating in your outdoor space.
There are freestanding options available to purchase if you’re looking to create a new structure. Alternatively, it’s possible to hang mosquito netting from existing structures, like a pergola or roofed patio.
In addition, if you’ve always dreamed of having a plush daybed in your outdoor space, this might be the perfect opportunity, as many options come with a mosquito net already attached.
While this won’t help to eliminate mosquitos or their eggs, it’s a practical solution for keeping insects away when you’re entertaining guests outdoors and an easy option to combine with some of our other tips.
8) Light Up A Fire Pit
Our final tip on how to keep mosquitos away is to light up an outdoor fire pit!
Thankfully, mosquitos aren’t big fans of smoke, so while you’re enjoying your roaring fire, these insects are turning around and heading for the hills.
A fire pit is also a functional accessory that can take your outdoor space from being just part of the backyard to somewhere you enjoy spending time with friends, family, and neighbors.
With so many pre-fabricated styles to choose from and endless online inspiration to create your own DIY fire pit, you’re bound to find an option that fits in seamlessly with your outdoor space.
Pair your fire pit with comfortable outdoor seating, like our 5-Seater Teak Outdoor Sofa with Armchairs or our 6-Seater Wicker Outdoor U Sectional, throw on some Outdoor Throw Pillows (pun intended), and you’ll be ready to relax all evening long — sans mosquitos!
How To Keep Mosquitos Away: Our Final Thoughts
When it comes to how to keep mosquitos away, you’ve got plenty of effective options to choose from. And we’re happy to be able to offer our own new solution in the form of our Bug Shield Blankets!
By following our expert tips — like keeping your yard neat and tidy, planting bug-repelling greenery, and using our stylish and comfortable bug-repelling blankets — you’ll be able to eliminate the source of the mosquitos in your backyard and keep them away for good.
Remember to make your outdoor space as comfortable and functional as possible by incorporating pieces like our 5-Seater Teak Outdoor Sofa with Armchairs or our 6-Seater Wicker Outdoor U Sectional to transform your backyard into a place you love to be.