With the high heat showing no signs of abating, I’m starting to run out of ideas on how to stop mosquitoes ruining my summer.
Although there are plenty of techniques to deter mosquitoes in your garden, a lighting expert has revealed how a simple change can make a big difference, and I’m eager to find out more.
Humid evenings are the perfect environment for mosquitoes to thrive, and inadvertently, when you are enjoying outdoor gatherings around your patio and other seating areas, you’re likely to make the problem worse by turning on outdoor lighting.
Get the right tone
But since mosquitoes are attracted to lights, Jon Saeed, managing director at Lighting Legends, says you are making the problem worse. He says, “While you’re sitting out in the garden into the late evening, you may notice there are more mosquitos, especially if you have cool-toned garden lights.
“A lot of people aren’t aware that these lights tend to attract mosquitoes and other pesky bugs, which can turn into a real nuisance when trying to enjoy your garden.”
However, a simple switch to your outside lights can help dissipate the problem. And it’s all to do with the color.
“When choosing your outdoor lights, it’s definitely worth opting for yellow or warm-toned lights with a color temperature between 2,200K and 2,700K, as these are much less likely to invite insects into your garden,” he suggests.
These are significantly less attractive to mosquitoes and biting bugs compared to cooler lights above 5,000K. By switching to these 'bug-friendly' lights, you can continue to enjoy your outdoor spaces with fewer interruptions from insects.
As mosquitoes and other insects are less attracted to cool light, you’ll be able to enjoy your outside space with fewer annoying distractions.
8 ways to deter mosquitoes from your yard
Apart from changing the color temperature of your lights Saeed shares eight extra methods to prevent mosquitoes from ruining your summer.
1. Remove standing water
“Bugs like mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so eliminating standing water sources can go a long way in helping to reduce their population,” says Saeed.
Regularly check and remove standing water in flower pots, birdbaths, gutters, and water trays.
2. Mosquito-repellent plants
Certain plants naturally repel mosquitoes due to the oils and scents they release. For this reason Saeed suggests planting lavender, citronella grass, lemon balm, marigolds and basil, which will all help.
3. Encourage natural predators
Just like plants, birds, bats, and certain insects like dragonflies are natural predators of mosquitoes. Saeed recommends encouraging these natural predators by providing nesting boxes, bird feeders, and water sources.
4. Install bug-repelling lighting
Swap out garden lights for yellow “bug lights”. You could also try solar-powered insect zappers, such as Anysonic’s Solar Bug Zapper, $29 at Best Buy.
5. Install mosquito traps
Traps lure mosquitoes by mimicking human scents and warmth. Saeed suggests trying an electric mosquito trap, with some emitting carbon dioxide to attract mosquitoes.
6. Maintain your garden
“Dense, overgrown gardens can become a haven for mosquitoes, so keeping your garden neat and tidy should help prevent them,” says Saeed.
Trim bushes, mow your lawn regularly, and keep your garden free of debris and clutter.
7. Use essential oils
Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can deter mosquitoes when used in diffusers or mixed with water and sprayed around your garden. He suggests adding essential oils to a spray bottle with water and spraying liberally around areas where mosquitoes tend to gather in your garden.
8. Set up fans
I never knew that mosquitoes are weak fliers, but Saeed says that because of this vulnerability, fans can help keep them away by creating a soft breeze. He advises setting fans around seating areas, particularly during still, warm evenings.
