Summer is the best time to be outside, as the warm weather and temptation of a barbecue has people craving for the season all year long.
However, there are plenty of pests that can deter a person's summer - whether it be pesky wasps or a flying insect that has the habit of biting you.
There are more than 30 native mosquito species in the UK, and they can bite - whether it be to transmit a disease, or just be a nuisance, reports the Express.
All of the itchy bites we get from mosquitoes come from the females, as the male mosquito tends to feed on sweeter things like nectar.
Mosquitoes tend to be active in the UK for around six to seven months of the year, starting from April all the way through September.
So, how do you rid your home and garden of mosquitoes, so you can enjoy your summer in peace from the pesky insects?
If there isn't a lot of them, there are plenty of simple ways to rid your garden and home of mosquitoes - if there is in fact an infestation, then it would be best to call in an expert.
To naturally get rid of these pests, Jordan Foster of Fantastic Pest Control has shared his top tips. Jordan said: "Watching the sunset from your porch or taking a walk around the yard at night may become an unpleasant experience due to nasty mosquitoes flying around.
"That being said, it's our responsibility to control the blood-sucking pests around our properties and to protect our homes from them. The good news is that you can protect yourself without the use of chemical repellents."
The expert explained that the best way to keep mosquitoes out of your home "for good" would be to fix cracks and gaps in your doors and other areas of your home.
He said: "Although it might sound a bit old-school, it makes perfect sense. If you don't want mosquitoes inside your house, just don’t let them in."
Another natural way to get rid of these insects is to use either citronella or lavender-scented candles around the house.
Jordan added: "Citronella candles and lavender candles are very effective at repelling mosquitoes - the insects cannot stand the aroma."
The main issue with this method is the fact that only mosquitoes that are in close proximity to the candle will be repelled from the aroma.
However, essential oils are another way to repel these pesky insects. The expert said: "The best option for you is to use essential oils that are made from lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus.
"Lemongrass, peppermint, clove, and tea tree oil are options, as well."
All people have to do is add a few drops of the essential oil to a spray bottle of water and hey presto - "you have an anti-mosquito spray".
Jordan noted that it can be applied directly to the skin and around the house, but be careful with fabrics as this can stain them.
People who suffer severely from mosquitoes should also invest in a net to keep them out of their rooms, and avoid being bitten in the night.
The pest control guru said: "Only this measure alone can effectively prevent the flying insects from biting you in your sleep, especially if there are open windows and doors nearby."
To keep mosquitoes from your garden, Jordan added that standing water features should be removed as these attract the insects.
He explained: "The best method to decrease their population is to find and eliminate their breeding grounds. For this reason, you should remove any standing water."
