How to Keep Mosquitoes Away With 9 Natural Methods

Lemongrass, citronella and lavender are great natural mosquito controls. Plant them directly in the ground or in pretty planters in places where guests gather.

And no we don’t mean the electric bug zapper. A patio egg is a ceramic diffuser that soaks up lemongrass oil and repels insects for up to four months. Bonus: It smells lovely.

Instead of spraying yourself with the icky stuff, try taking a bath with a few drops of citronella oil or Avon Skin So Soft. Then, when you head outdoors in the a.m., you'll automatically turn off insects.

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Yes, those summertime fire pits are great for ambiance, but they can also keep pests away--just add a bit of smoking sage to the pit and…see ya, mosquitoes.

Hear us out: Filling sandwich bags halfway with water and placing a few copper pennies at the bottom honestly works. Hang the bags close to your doorway to keep bugs from entering your home--the water refracts light and confuses those stupid guys into flying in the wrong direction.

Dryer sheets are made up of chemicals that gnats and mosquitoes don’t like, so placing one (or two) in your pocket naturally makes them stay away.

Water may attract these little guys but wind blows them away. A light breeze or wind makes it hard for mosquitoes to fly. Pro tip: Direct the air flow downward since these pests fly low to the ground.

You can plant it around your garden so the aroma hangs in the air, but get the full defensive benefit by rubbing it on your skin or using lavender essential oil (rather then) bug spray.

It’s a doozy, but eating or swallowing garlic pills gives you a repelling scent that not even Mr. Skeeter appreciates. (Just make sure your loved ones aren’t also repelled.)