Crystal Merritt Here are a few summer essentials to keeping your backyard bug-free!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to purchase something we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. To view our full policy please click here.
I LOVE summer. I think of the beach and popsicles and watermelon and all day outside play! But I HATE the mosquitoes. Especially at night!! I have done pretty much everything to try and get rid of mosquitoes. Heck, I’ve even tried the old penny in a vinegar-filled bag (hate to tell ya, Uncle Joe, it doesn’t work!) But, recently, I’ve found the perfect summer essentials for a mosquito-free outdoor season!
If you’ve got younger kiddos, this Sallye Ander No-Bite-Me Natural Bug Repellent & Anti-Itch Cream is perfect! This mosquito repellent lasts for 4 hours and you don’t have to worry about that gross, greasy feeling from the other bug sprays you’re used to. It is made with over 15 essential oils and is Deet-free! With just a few dabs every couple of inches on exposed skin, your little ones will be protected and free to explore the outdoors without the worry of mosquito bites! It can also act as an anti-itch cream in the case one of those skeeters happens to take a liking to your kiddo.
If you plan on partying in the backyard all summer, which I do, you’ll also need a Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller. We have one for our outside garden and it has been so effective in clearing the mosquitoes so we can enjoy a glass of Sangria without those pesky buggers biting us! This mosquito repeller is a heat-activated device that uses a 12-hour fuel cartridge. It does not need electricity or batteries! It’s perfect if you want to bring it along camping or hiking, too. Again, no Deet, and no scent. Just keep it out of reach from the kiddos; it does give off heat to burn the repellent mats (included with purchase). We use this thing every night to keep the bugs away. This mosquito repeller comes in a variety of colors, so you can purchase one to match your outdoor decor and you’d never even know it was there! You can buy the replacement cartridges and mats, too. Add them to your cart- subscribe and save so you never run out!
Thermacell also makes a portable mosquito repeller. We use the portable version for our nighttime neighborhood walks. We stick it right in the stroller cup holder and it provides a great shield from those bugs for our entire walk! The great part is both the patio shield and the portable mosquito repeller take the same cartridges and repellent mats, so you don’t need to buy separate products!
A few other tips to keep your outdoors mosquito-free this summer season:
- Remove any standing water (check your plant pots and bird baths, too!)
- Use yellow lighting- bugs are attracted to brighter, white lights.
- Ditch the citronella! A recent study from New Mexico State University has shown tiki torches and citronella plants are ineffective at keeping the mosquitoes away. You can always keep them for a great aesthetic, though!
