Tips for Keeping Mosquitoes Away When Enjoying the Outdoors

Spending time outdoors in the evening can be an enjoyable way to unwind. But mosquitoes can quickly put a damper on the relaxation. Getting bitten by mosquitoes is irritating and scratching the bites can lead to infection.

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying - they can also transmit dangerous diseases like West Nile virus, malaria, and Zika. That’s why it’s important to take precautions against mosquitoes when sitting outside near dusk and at night.

Thankfully, there are many effective natural strategies for keeping mosquitoes at bay so you can sit outdoors comfortably.

Why Mosquitoes Bite

Before getting into ways to prevent mosquito bites, it helps to understand why mosquitoes are attracted to humans in the first place.

Only female mosquitoes bite. They need the protein in blood to develop their eggs. Mosquitoes are particularly drawn to the carbon dioxide we exhale when breathing. They also use scent receptors to hone in on their targets.

Research shows mosquitoes are attracted to the odors given off by bacteria on human skin. They also seem to favor certain blood types over others.

When Are Mosquitoes Most Active Outdoors?

Mosquitoes generally bite most frequently around dusk and dawn. This is when they are most active.

During the day, they typically rest in cool, shady areas. But as the sun starts to set and temperatures cool in the evening, mosquitoes emerge looking for a meal.

Morning is another peak biting time as the females search for blood after a night of rest.

Mosquitoes can bite at any time but taking precautions at dawn and dusk can help reduce your risk.

Choose the Right Outdoor Sitting Area

Your choice of seating area can make a difference when trying to avoid mosquito bites outside. Here are some tips:

Avoid shrubbery - Mosquitoes like to rest in dark, humid vegetation during the day.
Steer clear of standing water - Mosquitoes breed in any stagnant water near your home.
Sit away from light sources - Bug zappers and porch lights attract mosquitoes.
Pick an open, breezy spot - Wind deters mosquitoes from landing and biting.
Stay close to the house - Being near the building means you’re further from prime mosquito habitats.

Apply an Effective Natural Repellent

Using a mosquito repellent is one of the best ways to prevent bites. DEET products are effective but contain harsh chemicals. Thankfully, some natural repellents get the job done without toxins:

Citronella oil - Derived from lemongrass, it hides human scents that attract mosquitoes.
Neem oil - Obscures carbon dioxide and masks odors that appeal to mosquitoes.
Lemon eucalyptus oil - Repels mosquitoes as effectively as low concentrations of DEET.
Catnip oil - More effective than DEET at deterring mosquito bites, research shows.
Soybean oil - Blocks mosquitoes’ scent receptors so they can’t zero in on you.

Wear Protective Clothing

Covering up exposed skin is another way to halt mosquitoes. This inhibits them from landing and biting you.

Wear lightweight, loose long sleeves and pants when relaxing outside at dusk. Light colors are best since mosquitoes are drawn to dark hues.

Some clothing comes pre-treated with permethrin, an insect repellent. You can also buy permethrin sprays to treat your own clothes and further deter mosquitoes.

Use Fans

Adding a bit of a breeze can help minimize mosquito activity near you. Portable battery-powered fans are great for outdoor use.

Oscillating fans that rotate back and forth create more wind. This makes it harder for mosquitoes to fly steadily toward you without being blown off course.

Position the outdoor fan so it blows over the area where you’re sitting to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Burn Natural Mosquito-Repelling Incense

When enjoying cooler evenings outdoors, burning mosquito-repelling incense can add another layer of protection.

Incense containing eucalyptus, citronella, catnip, lavender, or lemongrass oils dispel mosquitoes. The smoke masks human scents and discourages them from biting.

Look for coil or stick incense formulated with natural essential oils specifically for deterring mosquitoes.

Deploy Strategic Lighting

While mosquitoes are drawn to some types of light, certain lighting tricks can minimize mosquito activity:

Use yellow “bug lights” which attract fewer insects.
Avoid overhead lighting which casts shadows mosquitoes can hide in.
Place lights away from seating areas to draw bugs away.
Install lights on perimeter fences to pull mosquitoes away from you.

Apply Mosquito-Repelling Plants

Leveraging plants is a fragrant, natural way to repel mosquitoes from outdoor living spaces. Certain plants release oils that deter mosquitoes but are pleasant to humans.

Some top mosquito-repelling plants to use are:

Lavender
Lemon balm
Catnip
Marigolds
Basil
Peppermint
Lemongrass
Rosemary
Geranium

Place these plants in pots around seating areas. You can also crush leaves to release more oils.

Use Mosquito-Repelling Essential Oils

Diffusing certain essential oils is a great way to create a mosquito-free outdoor haven. The strong scents deter mosquitoes.

Some of the best oils to diffuse are:

Citronella
Geranium
Peppermint
Eucalyptus
Lemon
Lavender
Rosemary
Tea tree

You can use battery-powered or electric diffusers designed for outdoor use. Position these near your seating area and switch them on before going outside.

Employ Mosquito-Repelling Garden Torches

Outdoor torches that burn mosquito repelling oils or fuels are another way to create a mosquito-free space. The torch flames generate scented smoke which serves as a barrier.

Citronella and other natural oil-fueled torches are safe for use on patios, decks, and other outdoor sitting areas. For larger yards, propane-powered thermacell torches effectively cover larger mosquito protection zones.

Use Mosquito Traps and Zappers

Traps and zappers lure mosquitoes away from you, reducing bites. Mosquito traps use scents, warmth, and carbon dioxide to attract the pests. A fan then sucks them into a containment chamber.

Mosquito zappers similarly attract bugs but then electrocute them with an electric grid. While chemical-free, the zapping can be loud which detracts from relaxation.

Place traps and zappers away from your sitting area so they divert mosquitoes away from you.

Enjoy the Outdoors Mosquito-Free

Don’t let bothersome mosquito bites stop you from unwinding outdoors in the evenings. With the right strategies, you can enjoy the serenity without getting bit.

Applying natural repellents, wearing protective clothing, using fans, and leveraging plants, oils and lighting can create a safe, mosquito-free outdoor oasis. Try combining several deterrents for maximum effectiveness.

Taking a few simple precautions allows you to sit outside peacefully at dusk with no worries about mosquitoes disturbing your relaxation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.