Do you want to take a more natural route to your pest control solutions? You aren’t alone! As more and more people look for natural alternatives to solve everyday problems, the question is, “Are natural-based products as effective as the chemical-based versions?”
Today, you can find soaps, detergents, cleaners, and even cosmetics that use all-natural ingredients. When it comes to outdoor pests, most of us would probably prefer to use natural mosquito repellent options over a chemical-based alternative, especially if they can work equally well. With this in mind, we decided to take a closer look at one eco-friendly pest control that’s being used to help people enjoy more time outdoors: Mosquito yard spray.
Common Ingredients in Natural Mosquito Yard Sprays
What makes the most effective natural mosquito spray for yards? Essential oils! While humans may love the scent of essential oils such as rosemary, lemongrass, peppermint, and garlic, mosquitos loathe them! This is good news for us and kind of bad news for them. Essential oils are plant-based and also very effective when used as a repellent spray. Here at Mosquito Joe®, we use the following as natural base mosquito repellant:
Rosemary
Rosemary is a very common kitchen ingredient and makes a great addition to your herb garden. Known for its distinct, pungent aroma, it also does a great job of repelling flies, mosquitos, and cabbage moths. Add rosemary to your garden for a little extra repelling power in your backyard.
Lemongrass
Most of you have probably heard of lemongrass soup, but did you also know this strong-smelling grass also contains citronella, a very common natural ingredient in many mosquito repellents and sprays? Many outdoor candles and torches contain citronella, which gives off a strong order that mosquitoes and other biting insects simply don’t like.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a pleasant-smelling essential oil used in things like gum and lotions that also happens to be a great insect repellant! Although children and adults often both enjoy the refreshing fragrance of peppermint and the cooling sensation of peppermint oil, when diffused and used in a concentrated form, peppermint oil is very effective at keeping mosquitoes away. And when applied properly, it can also ease the itching of mosquito bites.
Garlic
Most of us are aware that garlic has the power to repel blood-sucking vampires. But did you know it works for mosquitoes, too? That’s right, this vegetable (yes, it’s a vegetable, not an herb) is a classic blood-sucker deterrent. Whether it’s vampires or mosquitos, garlic has long been hailed as a fantastic natural repellant. And since it doesn’t do harm to plants and most animals, it can be applied with little worry…unless you’re a bug. They can’t stand the odor.
While synthetic oils and sprays may be more affordable and more readily available, oils sourced naturally are better for you and the environment.
How Natural Mosquito Sprays Work
Like chemical sprays, natural yard sprays for mosquitos can be applied using a sprayer that targets shrubs, plants, flowers, vegetable gardens, and around ponds where mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas like to feed.
Before having your yard treated, it’s a good idea to inspect for any larvae or eggs that may be present. Also, check for and remove any standing water to get rid of potential insect breeding habitats. Even easier, you can call your local pest control pros at Mosquito Joe to help you identify potential mosquito breeding grounds and how to remove them.
When applied correctly, these naturally-derived sprays repel all types of mosquitoes for 14 to 30 days. Use them to create an itch-free space so you can enjoy the great outdoors again!
Choosing the Best Natural Mosquito Spray for Your Yard
When choosing the best natural mosquito spray for your yard, consider factors like the size of your yard, the areas you want to treat, and who or what will have access to the space, including pets or small children.
You can create an organic mosquito spray for your yard by combining lavender oil, tea tree or melaleuca oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, and lemon oil with water and witch hazel. Another option is to create a garlic spray using crushed garlic, apple cider vinegar, and water.
Spray whatever mixture you make over the areas of your yard where you struggle with mosquitos the most. The scent will repel them, discouraging them from living and breeding in your space.
Natural repellents work best when reapplied every few days, especially after rainfall. They should also be used in places with a lot of standing water or heavy foot traffic to help combat the threat of bites and the transfer of common mosquito diseases.
Organic vs. All-Natural Mosquito Yard Sprays: What’s the Difference?
There are a lot of all-natural mosquito yard spray options available, but be sure to look at the labels! Not all sprays are created equal.
An “all-natural” label typically means that the ingredients used are free of synthetic chemicals or preservatives. An “organic” label speaks more to the farming practices used to grow and harvest ingredients.
Understanding the certification and labeling of natural mosquito repellent ingredients can be confusing! Don’t be afraid to call in an expert for help choosing the right type of mosquito control services.
Environmental Impact of Eco-Friendly Mosquito Repellents
Before applying any type of barrier spray, test it on a small section of your yard. This will ensure no allergic reactions occur in the people or pets with access to the space. Some local plants may also be sensitive to your natural mosquito-repellent ingredients. If you are concerned about this, apply the spray to a small section of the plant and watch for any adverse reactions before applying it to a larger area.
The way you store your spray can also impact its effectiveness. Always store homemade sprays in cool, dark places away from direct sunlight and high heat. These things can degrade the oils in your mixture and lower its effectiveness rate.
Natural Mosquito Repellent FAQs
We know how to select the right natural mosquito spray for your yard. If you have any questions, your local Mosquito Joe experts have the answers you need.
What is the most effective ingredient for mosquito repellent?
While we believe in the effectiveness of all essential oils, lemon and eucalyptus seem to be the most potent and effective ingredients for mosquito repellent.
Is it worth spraying your yard for mosquitoes?
Yes! The wrong mixture could poison your yard without solving your mosquito problem. Professionals like Mosquito Joe will use the right ingredients for your needs. Plus, you can rest assured knowing that our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee!
What smell do mosquitoes hate the most?
Make your garden an unwelcome environment by using scents mosquitoes hate, like citronella, peppermint, cedar, catnip, patchouli, lemongrass, lavender, and garlic.
This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Mosquito Joe for more information and a professional on-site assessment.
