Effective Strategies to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Outdoor Space

Ah, the sounds of summer: The sizzle of a grill. The pop of a gin and tonic. The unmistakable whining of a mosquito in your ear.

“Unfortunately, 85 percent of what makes us alluring or less alluring to mosquitoes is hardwired in our genetic circuit board,” says Timothy C. Winegard, author of “The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator.” The factors at play, he says, include your blood type; the amount of carbon dioxide you emit when you exhale; lactic acid in your skin; and your natural odors. “So, at the end of the day, unless you CRISPR yourself with genetic engineering, you’re kind of stuck with what you got.”

Still, there are ways to outsmart summer’s most annoying party-crashers, especially if all you want is to enjoy an evening on your patio. We’re not talking about eradicating them from your yard — mosquitoes are vital to ecosystems — but if you want to keep them away from an entertaining space for a few precious hours, here’s what experts recommend.

Know your blood type

Only female mosquitoes feast on humans, and for good reason: The proteins in your blood help them grow and mature their eggs. “She’s just being a good mom,” Winegard says. “People with blood type O are her vintage of choice. … They get bitten twice as much as people with blood type A, with blood type B falling in between.”

If you’re an O, pay extra attention to the precautions recommended below.

Stay cool

“Mosquitoes hunt by both smell and infrared sight, if you want to call it that,” Winegard says. “They can smell the carbon dioxide and see the heat signature of their target.” Avoiding alcohol can keep your body temperature lower — making you harder to find — so consider opting

How can eliminating standing water in our surroundings reduce the mosquito population

During peak mosquito activity times, such as dusk and dawn.

Cover up

Mosquitoes are attracted to the odors and chemicals produced by our skin. By covering up exposed skin, you make it harder for mosquitoes to detect and land on you. Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks, especially in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.

Use mosquito repellent

One of the most effective ways to keep mosquitoes at bay is by using mosquito repellent. Look for a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. These ingredients are known to repel mosquitoes and can provide hours of protection.

Create a mosquito-free zone

To enjoy your evenings on the patio without the constant buzzing of mosquitoes, create a mosquito-free zone. This can be achieved by setting up a fan, as mosquitoes are weak fliers and a strong breeze can keep them away. You can also use citronella candles or torches, as the scent repels mosquitoes.

Eliminate standing water

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it’s important to eliminate any areas of standing water in your yard. This includes birdbaths, clogged gutters, and flower pots that collect rainwater. By getting rid of these breeding grounds, you can significantly reduce the mosquito population in your area.

Consider natural remedies

If you prefer natural alternatives, there are a few remedies that may help repel mosquitoes. These include using essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or citronella, planting mosquito-repellent plants such as marigolds or lemongrass, or using natural mosquito repellent sprays.

By following these tips, you can minimize your encounters with mosquitoes and enjoy a mosquito-free summer evening on your patio. Remember, while mosquitoes may be a nuisance, they are an integral part of the ecosystem, so it’s important to find a balance between keeping them away and respecting their role in nature.