Mosquito repellent spray is a tried and truly effective way to keep mosquitoes from biting. You can slather it all over your exposed skin and most likely keep yourself/family/friends from getting bit while hanging out outdoors.
We strongly suggest utilizing mosquito repellents that are made solely from all-natural ingredients. There are a few companies now that make all-natural mosquito repellent or you can simply utilize some essential oils to make some yourself.
Studies have shown the below oils all to be effective in keeping mosquitoes away:
An all-natural mosquito spray will always be the first line of defense however, this is not a solution that eliminates mosquitoes. Also, there are many times you simply don’t want to cover yourself or your guests in a slimy, oily, smelly spray. You end up having to reapply, wash your clothes, be cognizant of stains, keep it out of your eyes, etc. So even though it’s effective it’s not always the best solution.
Ah yes, the mosquito repelling candle. It’s been a trusted backyard mosquito repellent technique for generations, especially in the summer backyard BBQ season. The candle most of us are familiar with is the Citronella Candle, which just masks the smell of humans and is moderately effective at best. Studies have shown however that light geraniol and linalool candles perform much better:
“...linalool candles reduced female mosquitoes by 64.9% and sand flies by 48.5%, while geraniol candles reduced female mosquitoes by 81.5% and sand flies by 69.8%.”
As much as a candle seems like a great mosquito repellent option, the reality is that it’s too little too late. This small and weak force field of smell does little more than keep mosquitoes away from a small space and does not eliminate any mosquito populations.
If you are looking for a more consistent and effective solution then hiring a professional mosquito control company, like Pure Solutions, may be your best choice. They will send out a professionally trained and licensed technician to spray your property about every 21 days. Make sure if you are contacting a mosquito control company that they offer an all-natural product and not the harsh, toxic chemicals that have long been used by many pest control companies.
The products used by Pure Solutions are essential oil-based and safe to use around children, pets, and the environment. You can access your property about 30-40 minutes after a treatment, once the product has dried, and mosquito populations will be eliminated on contact as well as a residual effect that lasts up to weeks.
The only drawback to this effective and proven method is that it can be a bit more costly than the other options. However, nothing mentioned in this article will effectively and naturally eliminate mosquitoes from your property then a recurring service from the professionals.
It sounds elementary but yet many people don’t think to utilize a fan outdoors. However, a fan pointed at a patio table, a picnic table or deck can provide just enough of a breeze to fend off mosquitoes. As stated in this New York Times article:
“The Bottom Line: Using a fan can ward off mosquitoes.”
Although we love this option, we also recognize the drawbacks and that it is another example of a repellent with no mosquito elimination quality.
Besides utilizing a recurring mosquito spray service such as Pure Solutions, mentioned above, mosquito proofing your yard may be the second most effective way you can minimize mosquito populations around your home.
Here are 3 steps you can take to help control mosquito populations through landscaping:
The most effective way to kill mosquitoes around your home and eliminate populations before they hatch is a recurring spray service. But a multi-pronged approach that utilizes a few of the options above will be most effective as there is no “silver bullet” to mosquito control. If you are having mosquito issues around your home (or hosting an event and want to make sure it’s not ruined by blood-thirsty mosquitoes), then give us a call today and we can tell you more about our all-natural mosquito services.