After a long day, the last thing you want is to walk through your front door and bring with you a flurry of blood-sucking pests or have a relaxing summer evening on the porch ruined by constantly waving away swarms of mosquitoes.
Getting rid of mosquitoes around your front door can help keep your home from being invaded by these pests and allow you to enjoy time outside without accumulating those tedius bites.
By using scents that deter mosquitos, being diligent about removing breeding sources, and making small adjustments like lighting and safe sprays as needed, you can maintain a comfortable, mosquito-free environment.
Below, our pest experts have explained how to implement five natural and straightforward pest control methods.
How to keep mosquitos away from the front door
Unlike many pest control methods, a few of these techniques will add a vibrant and beautiful touch to your front door ideas, so why not combine your pest-control efforts with your summer spruce-up of your home's exterior?
1. Use flower repellents
Many common flowers repel mosquitoes naturally. Some of the best mosquito-repellent plants include citronella, lavender, alliums, lemon grass, marigolds, basil, mint, and catmint.
As well as reliably deterring bites and ensuring your entryway is aromatic and inviting, these plants have the bonus of adding color to your summer door decor. You can strategically incorporate these pest-repellent plants by hanging a basket of marigolds around the door, planting alliums on the borders of your front path, and placing pots of herbs on either side of your door or a mounted shelf.
2. Address standing water
To discourage mosquitoes from breeding, check that your home's exterior doesn't have any puddles, bird baths, clogged gutters, or other water containers. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so you need to ensure your drainage systems are adequate to prevent water accumulation.
Additionally, pay attention to how much water is consistently sitting in plants. Be careful not to overwater them since this can create moist conditions that attract mosquitos.
3. Opt for soft lighting
One often overlooked aspect of mosquito control is lighting choices, and unbeknownst to you, your lighting might be attracting mosquitos.
Compared to standard incandescent bulbs, yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs are less attractive to mosquitoes. This is because light at this wavelength is less visible to these pests, so they are less likely to be drawn to it.
Additionally, LED lights emit less heat and attract fewer insects than traditional bulbs. Mosquitoes are drawn to heat, moisture, and carbon dioxide, and so they swarm around warm bodies, making it imperative to ensure your front door or porch light is a warm LED bulb.
4. Apply insect repellent
'For an extra protective barrier, I recommend carefully applying an insect repellent approved for use around pets and following label directions,' advises Dr. Sara Ochoa, a veterinarian and contributor to Hound Games.
'I've found the Cutter Essentials bug control spray from Amazonto be highly effective for mosquito control while also being gentle enough to use around pets and kids,' Dr. Ochoa reveals. 'Spot-treat light layers around the perimeter of your door and porch. The concentrated formula provides protection from mosquitos.'
For a more natural solution, Georgios Liakopoulos from Fantastic Pest Control explains the simple way to make mosquito repellent: 'Consider using essential oils that repel mosquitoes. While they may not be as effective as traditional insecticides, these nice-smelling scents pests hate will certainly deter mosquitos without risking damage to your plants, home, or pets.
It's best to use essential oils from lavender, lemon, citronella, or eucalyptus. Additionally, lemongrass, peppermint, clove, thyme, and tea tree oil can be used. 'Mix your favorite essential oil with water and shake it up! You can apply it around your door, but be careful with fabrics.'
5. Use fans
Mosquitoes are weak fliers, and even a moderate breeze can push them away, making fans a great way to keep mosquitos away. These can be placed strategically around your front door to set up a barrier against mosquitoes.
'Consider fans with integrated mosquito-repelling essential oils or attachments for further functionality,' recommends Matthew Wilson, gardening expert at Handy Gardeners. This electric fan from Amazon can be used to diffuse essential oils such as tea tree, thyme, or citronella.
Lighting citronella candles close to your fan can double your efforts.
FAQs
What is the best time of day to spray for mosquitoes?
If you want to kill adult mosquitos by fogging them, the best time to do so is at dawn and dusk when they are the most active and looking for food. If you are setting a mosquito misting system that is on a timer, check when dusk and dawn will be based on your location.
If you want to take your mosquito-banishing efforts up a notch, install screens in all windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Check your home for cracks and openings that flies can use as entry points. Seal them. Block their access with caulk or weatherstripping.
You can also incorporate some mosquito-repelling colors when decorating your front porch.
