How to Keep Your Summer Paradise Free from Mosquito Invasions!

Now that you’ve crafted your summertime paradise with Bahia Verde Furniture, you’re ready to sit back, close your eyes and enjoy. However, the mosquitos won’t leave you alone! These are the infamous unwanted guests that try to spoil outdoor relaxation in any context. Whether it’s at your home, beach house, lake rental, or even an outdoor wedding, mosquitos will barge in once the warmer weather arrives.

So, what can you do to avoid the bites? Fortunately, quite a lot! Read on for some of our favorite tips on saving you and your guests from mosquitos and other flying pests.

 

Initial Precautions

Let’s start with a few general tips. Before your gathering, clean up any standing water around your property. Empty buckets, bird baths, garbage cans, and if possible, remove any puddles. Mosquitoes love to breed in standing water. The more water, the more likely you are to get mosquitoes!

Next, be aware of your clothing. Mosquitoes are drawn to dark-colored clothing, so opt for lighter colors, and wear clothing that is as loose-fitting as possible. If it’s a hotter day, you’ll likely want lighter, looser clothing anyways!

Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothes, especially yoga pants and spandex. It’s also a good idea to avoid scented body products, as mosquitoes are attracted to these as well.

 

Classic Commercial Repellants

Once everyone arrives, you have several options when it comes to repellants. Let’s review some of them! These are the traditional bug sprays you might normally think of, including brands like Off!. However, there are endless choices in stores. Most are available as sprays or lotions.  

In most of these repellants, one of the primary ingredients is DEET. This chemical works by preventing insects from sensing human scent.

It’s important to note that some people have reactions to DEET, including eye irritation or swelling. Additionally, any repellants with DEET should not be used on young children.

 

Candles

Another popular type of repellant is the Citronella candle. Made from a mix of herbs, these can provide protection to outdoor dining or conversation areas. Plus, there’s a variety of candle options that make them aesthetically pleasing!

You can find them in a regular candle shape, or as torches that you can set up around your yard. Check out Amazon for a few basic models!

 

Plants and Natural Remedies

Certain plants, such as marigolds, have a scent that keeps mosquitos and other pests away. At the same time, they attract useful insects. Other beneficial plants include basil, thyme, lemongrass, mint, peppermint, and petunias.

Some of these are also effective as home-grown repellants! Rubbing their leaves on your skin can leave the scent behind and keep bugs away. They can also be ingredients in do-it-yourself lotions.

Lemon eucalyptus oil, for example, has been well known as an insect deterrent since the 1940s, and is approved as an effective ingredient by the CDC. For your own mix, try combining one part lemon eucalyptus oil to 10 parts sunflower oil. Witch hazel is also effective as an alternative to sunflower oil.

It’s important to note that some research cautions against using this mix on children under age 3. Be aware of who will be attending your social gatherings, as well as their sensitivities and allergies.

 

Other Natural Repellants

Catnip, when rubbed between your hands, then applied to other areas of your skin, can be as effective as DEET. Other natural products include tea tree oil, Greek catmint oil, and thyme oil. When burned in a bonfire, thyme leaves offer some protection for up to 90 minutes!

For a few additional ideas, mosquitoes are repelled by the fragrance and oil of crushed lavender flowers. Cinnamon oil is another potential option.

 

Fire Pits and Campfires

If you needed another reason to love campfires, the smoke from your fire pit can keep mosquitos and other annoying insects away. To keep everyone comfy as they enjoy the mosquito-free fire pit area, our Cape Classic Fireside Set provides 6 Adirondack chairs, 3 matching ottomans, and 3 side tables to keep refreshing drinks close.

 

 

 

Treating Your Bites

Sometimes, despite your precautions, bites happen. Try to minimize scratching, as that can lead to open sores and infections. Over-the-counter medicines like Benedryl or Calamine lotion can help stop the itching. Apple cider vinegar might sting, but is also effective when rubbed on the bite.

For a couple additional home remedies, a slice of raw onion or freshly cut garlic can stop the itching, and protect against infections.

 

Keeping it All Together

Of course, your repellants, candles, zappers, and home remedies are only helpful if you keep them at the ready. That’s where your furniture arrangement will shine. Make sure to have plenty of tables available to keep all the gear in a convenient spot (side tables are great for adding space throughout your gathering area!).

 

 

All in all, in the battle of mosquitoes vs. your outdoor social space, we hope this guide has helped you stay ahead of your unwanted guests!