The itch of a mosquito bite is one of the most irritating things—right up there with that high-pitched whine they make. At the same time, mosquitoes are more than just annoying; they’re also dangerous carriers of the disease.
To offer you some relief, we’ve put together five home remedies to keep mosquitoes away in North Carolina.
1. Get a Pond or Fountain
Generally, you’ll want to get rid of random standing water on your property, such as buckets, empty plant pots, and puddles, because mosquitoes breed in them. However, it’s actually good to create your own aerated fish pond or to install a fountain, because dragonflies will be attracted to it. Why does that matter? Dragonflies are great at controlling mosquito populations.
2. Use an Outdoor Fan and Mosquito Netting
If you’re enjoying some time in your yard or on your patio, plug in two or three oscillating fans so that they can cover the area. That should be enough to prevent mosquitoes from landing on your skin. You can also drape mosquito netting, found in camping gear stores, around the area.
3. Install Bat and Bird Houses
Bats and birds both are predators of mosquitoes and other kinds of insects. Research and buy a few good bat houses, birdhouses, and/or bird feeders and put them in your yard. These animals won’t eradicate mosquitoes, but they can reduce their population.
4. Plant the Right Flowers and Herbs
Besides looking great in your yard or on your patio, several kinds of plants can help drive mosquitoes away. These include:
- Chrysanthemums
- Catnip
- Asters
- Pyrethrum daisies
- Marigolds
- Anise
- Basil
- Rosemary