How to Repel Mosquitoes from Your Yard on a Budget

If the heat doesn't keep you indoors this summer, the mosquitoes will. Tired of being ran out of your own back yard by these flying insects? Are you forced to pay outrageous - and ongoing -- fees to prevent or repel them? Then you will appreciate the following low cost tips to help repel Mosquitoes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Incense
• Listerine
• Vinegar
• Citronella Oil
• Dish Soap

1. 
    

   Bubble Machines
   
   If you have a bubble machine you can load it up and let it run before and during your outside activities. The soap used in bubble solutions will make it impossible for mosquitoes to fly. As the bubbles land throughout your yard the soap will land in hard to reach places that water might set and mosquitoes might live. If you add a few drops of lemongrass oil to your bubble solution you will also be spreading a deterrent as well. This is a fun and safe way to limit the mosquitoes at your next get together.
   
   You can purchase bubble solution or make your own. You will find you go through it quickly though, so it will be more cost effective to make your own. Check out my article on making your own bubble solutions.

2. 
    

   Mosquito Coils
   
   Another cute party idea is to burn incense. You can purchase cheap incense sticks at most dollar stores. Soak them in citronella oil and let them dry. Then stick them in near by pots, arrangements, or directly into the ground and light them. You will get the same repellant action as a mosquito coil at a fraction of the cost. One large bottle of citronella oil (about $4) will coat over a thousand incense sticks. Try to purchase lemon or lemon grass scented ones as you will still be able to smell the underlying scent as well when they are burned.

3. 
    

   Listerine
   
   Take a hand held pump bottle and fill it with 1 tsp of Listerine per 4 ounces of water. Spray on your deck, lawn, shrubs, etc. when you first go outside, or right before quests arrive for a party. This will generally keep the mosquitoes away from the sprayed areas for a few hours. You can add a half a teaspoon of dish soap to kill any larva that may be sprayed. Do not spray directly onto ornamental plants during heat of day.

4. 
    

   Apple Cider Vinegar
   
   Set small glasses or bowls around outside parameter of area you'd like mosquito free and pour small amounts of apple cider vinegar into the bowls. You can also add 1 tsp of vinegar per 4 ounces of water to a pump bottle and spray down your deck, bushes, etc.

Tips & Warnings

• Bubble machines can be purchased in the toy section of most major discount stores.
• Vinegar spray can also be applied to yourself as a mosquito repellent.
• Don't spray plants in the heat of the day or in direct sun light. You may damage your plants.

[LetUsHelpYou]

on 10/11/2009 I will try this today. 5*

[acole]

on 7/10/2008 Excellent article. I didn't know about these methods of keeping pesky mosquitos away. Thanks!