Mosquitoes will be naturally repelled from your garden with these 5 plants
The pests seem to linger in our home and gardens uninvitedly but now experts have come to the rescue.
With a rising mosquito population, UK residents have been told how to deal with the pesky insects.
Experts at LightingLegends.com warn that gardens around the country have become a haven for biting bugs in the last weeks of summer, as humid evenings create the perfect environment for them to thrive.
Late summer often brings a combination of warmth and moisture from rain showers, which creates perfect breeding conditions for biting bugs.
There are more than 30 types of native mosquito species in the UK, but with climate change impacting mosquito populations, they’re likely to become even more of a pest.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has even developed a surveillance system to detect invasive mosquitoes at the border.
Jon Saeed, managing director of Lighting Legends commented: “Late summer is when people tend to gather outside in the evenings, but this makes them more exposed to mosquitoes that are searching for food.
“The combination of mild weather, shorter days, and increased outdoor activity makes this period particularly risky for pesky bug bites.
“Fortunately there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of you being bitten by these nuisance bugs when you’re trying to enjoy your outdoor space.”
Here are eight tips that can significantly reduce mosquito populations and make your garden more enjoyable as late summer rolls in – all without breaking the bank:
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1. Remove standing water
Bugs like mosquitos breed in stagnant water, so eliminating standing water sources can go a long way in helping to reduce their population. Regularly check for and remove standing water in flower pots, birdbaths, gutters, and water trays.
2. Use mosquito-repellent plants
Certain plants naturally repel mosquitoes due to the oils and scents they release. Some of the best plants to use in UK gardens include lavender, citronella grass, lemon balm, marigolds and basil.
3. Install bug-repelling lighting
Yellow or warm-coloured garden lights are less attractive to mosquitoes and biting bugs compared to white or blue lights. Swap out garden lights for yellow “bug lights”. You could also try solar-powered insect zappers.
4. Install mosquito traps
Traps lure mosquitoes by mimicking human scents and warmth, before trapping and killing them. There are electric mosquito traps available, some of which emit carbon dioxide to attract mosquitoes.
5. Maintain your garden
Dense, overgrown gardens can become a haven for mosquitoes, so keeping your garden neat should help prevent them. Trim bushes, mow your lawn regularly, and keep your garden free of debris and clutter.
6. 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. Add essential oils to a spray bottle with water and spray liberally around areas where mosquitoes tend to gather in your garden.
7. Set up fans
Mosquitos are weak fliers, so having fans in your garden can help keep them away by creating a soft breeze. Set up outdoor fans around seating areas, particularly during still, warm evenings.
8. Encourage natural predators
Birds, bats, and certain insects like dragonflies are natural predators of mosquitoes. You can attract these animals to your garden by providing nesting boxes, bird feeders, and water sources for them.
