Mosquitoes are repelled by the scent of garlic, onions and lemons.
Nothing ruins an outdoor event faster than a yard full of blood-sucking mosquitoes. Spraying the yard with repellents and insecticides can help keep mosquitoes under control; however, many commercial products contain chemicals that can be toxic to people, pets and plants. Fortunately, you can make several mosquito repellents at home from ordinary, nontoxic ingredients. While these simple sprays may not be quite as powerful as their store-bought counterparts, they effectively deter mosquitoes while posing no threat to the surrounding environment. Does this Spark an idea?
Onion Spray
To keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay, spray the yard with a spicy onion spray. Place four onions, four bulbs of garlic, 4 tbsp. of hot pepper sauce and 1 qt. of water into a blender and mix until smooth. Filter the contents to remove any solids, then transfer the solution to the canister end of a hose-end sprayer and spread the fiery blend evenly over the landscape. Mosquitoes, fleas, flies and other biting insects use their senses to identify acceptable blood-hosts; the pungent aroma of the spray blocks their sensory receptors, making it difficult for them to locate an appropriate target.
Alcohol Spray
Though there is little scientific evidence to confirm the theory, anecdotal evidence seems to suggest a single application of yard spray made from a combination of alcohol and Epsom salt may help repel mosquitoes for the duration of the summer. Pour equal measures of beer, alcohol-based mouthwash and Epsom salt into a large bucket and stir to blend. Transfer the mixture to a hand-held sprayer and soak the lawn with the solution. The magnesium and sulfur from the Epsom salt feeds the grass, while the smell of the alcohol keeps pests away.
Herbal Brew
A number of aromatic plant materials naturally ward off mosquitoes. While you must apply these herbs more frequently than more odoriferous pepper- or garlic-based sprays, they are more pleasant to work with, and much nicer to use in areas where food is likely to be present. To make a yard spray from herbs, gather the flowers and foliage of mosquito-repellent plants, such as marigolds, catnip, lavender, rosemary, lemon grass and lemon balm. Crush the materials, then cover them with hot water. Allow the herbs to steep for 30 minutes, strain the brew, then spray the solution over the lawn.
Breeding Grounds
While yard sprays can help keep mosquitoes at bay, destroying any nearby breeding grounds has a much greater impact on the local mosquito population. Mosquitoes lay their eggs under water; consequently, they tend to be drawn to slow-moving streams, standing pools or stagnant puddles. To eliminate potential breeding sites, drain any buckets, cans, wheelbarrows or containers and leave them resting upside down to prevent unintentional water collection, and change the water in birdbaths, pet water dishes and wading pools at least twice a week to remove the eggs that are already present.
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