If you’ve ever hosted or been to a backyard party in the spring or summer, you know the battle it can be to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay. You’ve tried it all, from the DEET infused repellent to the bug zapper or even dryer sheets stuffed in your pockets. Many of these tips and tricks sound good, but when put to the test, they fail. However, if you follow these scientifically tested and nontoxic ways of warding off the flighty attackers, you are sure to start seeing fewer pests and more party guests.
Effective Essential Oils
Many essential oils ward off bugs in general; however, it is important to know the ones that are specifically designed for deterring mosquitoes. Either lavender, tea tree, peppermint, lemon, or citronella oil should be dropped into a spray bottle along with a liquid form of witch hazel. It is suggested to pour 1 cup of witch hazel and 20-30 droplets of the oil of your choosing. Be careful to not use too much of the oil in ratio to the witch hazel, as it can irritate the skin in more concentrated doses.
Mosquito Magnets
These powerful systems function by using propane to create heat, carbon dioxide, chemical attractants for each type of mosquito, and moisture to mimic what attracts mosquitoes to people. Once they have been drawn to the machine, the vacuum located within it sucks them into a net at the base of the machine. While trapped there, they are unable to break free. To be safe, it should be set 50 feet out from your party and you should begin using it six weeks before your event so it has time to create effective change.
Protector Plants
The more decorative way to defend your guests comes in the form of plants. Plants like basil, lemongrass, geranium, mint, oregano, and rosemary deter mosquitoes and grow best in the spring and summer months. While placing these plants around your space can keep the bugs to a minimum, they are most effective when crushed and applied to the area you are protecting. If you are planning to apply the crushed plants to your skin, begin by testing for any possible allergic reactions by rubbing the crushed leaf on a small patch of skin. If no allergies become present within a few hours, it should be safe to use and will prove much more effective than the plant by itself.
Fighting with Food
You can also cook with ingredients that fight off mosquitoes. Making a dressing that includes apple cider vinegar, grinding a bit more black pepper on those chicken breasts, or sautéing a clove of garlic in your pan of vegetables is sure to keep the bugs far from your guests as they dine. Also, instead of using copious amounts of garlic or black pepper, you can spray a bit of rosemary on each tablecloth or sprinkle a few sprigs of mint as décor and a deterrent.
Simple Setups
An important step when getting the party space ready is ensuring that there is no standing water in any bird baths, watering cans, buckets, pipes, plant saucers, or tarps. This removes an environment that mosquitoes like to reproduce in. Also, it is helpful to run a fan near the dining area since mosquitoes are weak fliers and it scatters carbon dioxide and the other chemicals mosquitoes seek out in people.
Summer gatherings should be an enjoyable experience, even for the host. So, say goodbye to those unwanted guests and hello to more time for rest. With these preventative ways of warding off mosquitoes, you are sure to find hosting to be less of a hassle. 
Hailey Marston
Home & Yard Magazine
