How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Home — No Chemicals Required

Nothing ruins a good summer day or relaxing evening like the buzz and irritating bites of mosquitoes. While these bothersome creatures don't look like much, their bites pack a mean punch, and they can even pass on dangerous diseases like malaria and Zika. But before you throw up your hands in frustration and give over your home and outdoor space to these maddening insects, try some of these quick tips and DIYs to help repel them and turn your outdoor space into an oasis. From reliable classics like cintronella candles to more creative (and beautiful) tactics like growing lavender, keep reading for eight chemical-free ideas to run those mosquitos right out of your home for good.

01
Plant Herbs
Getty | Cameron Spencer

Plant Herbs

Mosquitoes are notorious for disliking strong scents, so use that to your advantage. Certain plants like lemon balm, basil, mint, rosemary, and even garlic can help prevent mosquitoes from invading your outdoor space. Plus, who doesn't love a good herb garden?

02
Install a Mosquito Net
Getty | Gideon Mendel

Install a Mosquito Net

Mosquito nets are the classic way to keep mosquitoes at bay. Used throughout the world for their effectiveness, they also add a romantic ambience to a space. Install a mosquito net above your bed to keep these pesky bugs away from you while you sleep.

03
Make DIY Citronella Candles
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Make DIY Citronella Candles

You can't have a mosquito-free backyard without some citronella candles, and this DIY is a great way to add some personality to this commonly used repellent. If you don't want to go the DIY route, there are plenty of other options for mosquito-repelling candles on the market.

04
Grow Lavender
Getty | Anne-Christine Poujoulat

Grow Lavender

Mosquitoes hate lavender, and it's also one of the most fragrant, beautiful, and easy plants to grow. You can plant lavender in a window box to keep mosquitoes out of your kitchen or place pots of lavender throughout your patio and garden to keep them away. Just make sure the lavender gets plenty of sun!

05
Avoid Standing Water
POPSUGAR Photography | Julia Van Arsdale

Avoid Standing Water

One of the best ways to attract mosquitoes is to leave standing water in your garden or outdoor space. This is a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes. Rid your garden of any empty pots or containers that collect water, and avoid decorative items like bird baths. Read more about where mosquitoes are likely to breed.

06
Put Rosemary and Sage on the Barbecue
Getty | Andrew Bret Wallis

Put Rosemary and Sage on the Barbecue

There's nothing worse than heading outside to enjoy a meal on your patio, only to immediately retreat from the swarm of mosquitoes that has suddenly appeared out of nowhere. While the grill is still hot, try putting some bunches of rosemary or sage on it. The aromatic smoke is sure to stop mosquitoes in their tracks.

07
Use Essential Oils
Getty | GSPictures

Use Essential Oils

Essential oils are so versatile you can even use them to repel mosquitoes. Oils like lemon, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, catnip, citronella, cedar wood, and basil are all great mosquito repellents. Add them directly to your skin for a natural repellent, or add them to your oil diffuser.

08
Attract Bats
Getty | schnuddel

Attract Bats

Bats get a bad rap, and while you may be scared of them, they actually do a world of good in the garden. One of their favorite sources of food is mosquitoes (and other irritating bugs), so use some tricks to attract bats to your garden. Dahlias, marigolds, and thyme are just a few plants that attract nocturnal bugs, which bats feed on. Plant flowers with bright colors and lots of fragrance to up the ante.