Don’t let irritating mosquitoes break up your outdoor event while the night is still young! Keep the party going with these simple but effective ways to keep mosquitoes out of your yard this summer. Don’t hesitate to talk to the team at Magnolia Hardware & Supply to help you get started!

#1: Burn Citronella Candles and Torches

Mosquitoes hate the aroma of citronella, making citronella candles and torches a very popular choice for mosquito repellents. They also come in a variety of sizes and styles to add some flair to your backyard decor!

When you need something more powerful than a candle, Citronella oil torches can be placed around the yard. Larger torches are great for larger yards, around pools, or in dense vegetation for an extra boost of repellent.

#2: Install Mosquito Nets

Hanging flowy mosquito nets over outdoor seating areas adds a whimsical touch to your patio space while keeping mosquitoes at bay. For covered patios, nets are easy to install on the ceiling over the porch. For areas that aren’t covered, you can purchase canopies and gazebos made to support mosquito nets around seating areas. Mosquito nets are also great for keeping flies and other insects away, making them a great addition for outdoor cooking and parties.

#3: Plant Naturally Repelling Plants

Besides upgrading your summer salads, herb gardens can naturally deter mosquitoes! A good tip for choosing which plants to include is to choose herbs with the strongest aromas. Besides Citronella, here are some other plants that can help keep mosquitoes away:

• Lemongrass
• Basil
• Peppermint
• Sage
• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Peppermint

#4: Have Fans Running

A tiny mosquito is no match for even a gentle breeze! When sitting outside, bring out standing fans, or even small tabletop ones. While very effective at keeping you cool on the hottest days, mosquitoes are not strong enough to fly against the wind from a blowing fan. Keeping fans around is also great for deterring flies and other insects that may be attracted to food or lights in your home.

#5: Try an Electronic Gadget

Nifty devices for deterring bugs are worth a try! Consider buying an ultrasonic mosquito repeller that emits frequencies that mosquitoes hate. These create a safe zone from mosquitoes and other annoying insects. Read reviews and select the best option that meets your needs. Some require batteries and refills, so it’s a good idea to stock up on these accessories.

Another option is an electronic bug zapper that draws mosquitoes in using light and sometimes sound, then zaps them when they make contact with the device.

#6: Be Watchful of Water

Certain landscaping features can actually make it harder to rid your space of mosquitoes. They are attracted to standing water, so features like bird baths, rain barrels, or pools can create a haven for bugs. Ensure that you always cover your pool when not in use, and empty bird baths and small water features daily.

Also, long grass and dense bushes create a haven for mosquitoes. Consider removing or trimming back vegetation, and be sure that you don’t plant larger bushes and thick grass near seating areas.

#7: Spray with Mosquito Lawn Spray

Pest control lawn sprays are very effective at repelling mosquitoes; however, they may not be the best option for you. Since the spray is applied to grass, vegetation, and the lawn, it’s not recommended for use in areas where pets and small children play. That being said, if you’re not in the habit of sitting directly on the grass, it’s an effective way to reduce mosquitoes in a large space compared to the reduced area that other methods offer.

Try these helpful tips to make the most of warm summer nights in your backyard, without worrying about itchy mosquito bites!