The sun is setting, the Sancerre is poured...and a near-biblical swarm of mosquitoes just descended on your yard. Before you retreat indoors for the season, consider these eight chic and clever bug-repelling solutions.
8 Chic Ways to Banish Mosquitoes from Your Backyard
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Published Jun 12, 2018
Courtesy of Fredericks & Mae
1. Citronella Coils
Looks like an abstract wind chime, works like bug-repelling incense. Psst: The cedarwood “coils” are soaked in citronella.
Fredericks & Mae ($36)
Courtesy of Terrain
2. Marigolds
These cheerful annuals have a distinct scent that mosquitos loathe. They also contain pyrethrum, a natural compound used in most insect repellents.
Terrain ($1)
3. Fans
Breezeless night? Position a good-looking, quiet fan at one end of your table to blow bugs away from food and faces.
Vornado ($50)
Courtesy of Need Supply Co.
4. Palo Santo Sticks
These aromatic wood incense sticks (which happen to look great in a decorative bowl) can be used as a substitute for citronella.
Need Supply Co. ($12)
Courtesy of Design Within Reach
5. Oil Lamps
Sprinkle a few attractive oil lamps (filled with citronella oil) as a festive, bug-fighting alternative to hurricane lanterns.
Design Within Reach ($149)
Courtesy of Kaufman Mercantile
6. Linen Sprays
Spritz your tablecloth and clothing with this natural essential oils mist, which has bug-banishing notes of geranium, cedarwood and peppermint.
Kaufman Mercantile ($85)
7. Tiki Torches
Create a fortress by lining festive bamboo torches alongside, or around, your dining area. (The smoke repels any mosquitoes in the vicinity.)
AllModern ($28 each)
Courtesy of Terrain
8. Citronella Candles
An oldie, but a goodie. We say skip the drugstore versions and splurge on something a little lovelier—like these large, hammered glass beauties.
Terrain ($58)
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