Our Best Tips for Controlling Mosquitos This Summer
Enjoy the great outdoors, bite-free.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/profiles/editors/Molly%20Miller/Molly_Miller_headshot.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.91.91.85.suffix/1469634296139.jpeg)
Bothersome mosquitos can seriously put a damper on fun outdoor summer gatherings. While it's impossible to completely rid your yard of these unwanted pests, here are some tips and tricks to help you manage them.
Spray away.
![DIY Bug Repellent](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/video/0/02/026/0266/0266230.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.720.85.suffix/1661858941504.jpeg)
Organic, non-toxic bug spray is great for use on kids. Watch the video above to see how to make your own.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/5/2/0/Original_Lazy-Entertainer-Natural-Bug-Repellants-Lavendar-Spray.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1462198413719.jpeg)
Tomas Espinoza
An essential oil mixture will keep bugs away all day. MAKE IT: Natural Bug and Tick Repellent
![DIY Bug Spray DIY Bug Spray](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/grdn/fullset/2014/8/29/0/Original_original-photog-debbie-wolfe-diy-bugspray-s4x6.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.924.85.suffix/1452647778997.jpeg)
Photo by Debbie Wolfe
Skip the store-bought, chemical-laden options in favor of a natural, fresher-smelling spray using garden herbs. MAKE IT: Herb-Infused Bug Spray
Try a DIY approach.
![3 All-Natural Bug Repellents](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/video/0/02/025/0252/0252806.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.720.85.suffix/1661831984568.jpeg)
Watch the video above to see how to make a bug-busting bouquet, natural spray and easy citronella torches.
![How to make a cedar bat house. A cedar bat house installed in a tree.](http://diy.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/diy/fullset/2015/10/15/Original-Emily-Fazio_Bat-Box-in-tree1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1444926271470.jpeg)
Emily Fazio
Like mosquitos love blood, bats love mosquitos. Build a bat house to attract mosquitos' most-feared predator. MAKE IT: Bat House
![Step 5- Add Essential Oil Add a few drops of Citronella essential oil to the bracelet to help keep mosquitos away! Let it soak in for a few minutes before putting bracelet on. To adjust sizing, slide one knot towards the other until the bracelet is large enough to slip your hand through. To tighten, pull the knots away from one another.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/4/19/2/Original_BPF_DIY-Mosquito-Repelling-Bracelet_Step5.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1492787104160.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Don't worry about reapplying bug spray with these citronella-infused bracelets. MAKE IT: Paracord Bug Repellent Bracelets
Plant a repellent garden.
![Say No to Mosquitoes](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/video/0/02/027/0274/0274456.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.720.85.suffix/1662584246450.jpeg)
Fill a planter or window box with plants like lavender, marigold and rosemary, which put off offensive scents to mosquitos. Bonus: it looks pretty, too!
Burn, baby burn.
![DIY Glass Bottle Citronella Torch Handmade Glass Bottle Tiki Torch](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/7/31/2/original_Chelsea-Faulkner-citronella-bottle-torch-beauty-5.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1438373832591.jpeg)
Mike Faulkner
Smoke and citronella are your best friends when it comes to mosquito prevention. Upcycle an empty liqour or wine bottle to create your own version of a tiki torch. MAKE IT: Citronella Torches
![Mosquito Bombs HGTV-MCaughey-mosquitoes1.JPG](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/grdn/fullset/2013/7/21/0/hgtv-mcaughey-mosquitoes1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.862.85.suffix/1452645382497.jpeg)
Look to the garden for natural mosquito repellents. Throw this herb bundle on the fire pit to stay bug free. MAKE IT: Herb Bundle
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/6/28/0/Original_Rae-Sturm-Citronella-Candles-5.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1498664361684.jpeg)
Rae Sturm
Don't overlook household items when crafting natural bug repellers. Use a slow cooker to diffuse this essential oil concoction. MAKE IT: Scented Bug Buster
![DIY Dip Dyed Citronella Candles These stylish citronella candles are a triple threat. They’re pretty, functional and will keep the mosquitoes away.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_Dip-Dyed-Citronella-Candles_COVER-h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488769683787.jpeg)
Tomas Espinoza
Citronella candles don't have to be ugly. Give them a designer look by dipping them in melted, colorful crayons. MAKE IT: Dip-Dyed Citronella Candles
Use hacks that work.
![Outdoor Fan Provides Cool Breeze to Sunny Deck Outdoor fan hanging from pergola](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2014/10/9/0/FFOD_Chicago-Roof-Deck-and-Garden_Sunny-Roof-Deck-ceiling-fan.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1412869882645.jpeg)
Chicago Roof Deck & Garden
Installing fans, removing standing water and wearing proper clothing will help repel mosquitos. Here are even more nontoxic tips.
Already bitten? Try this gadget.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/products/2020/8/2/RX_bug-bite-thing-reverse-product-use.png.rend.hgtvcom.616.493.85.suffix/1596402038803.png)
If you're are a mosquito magnet, keep this popular insect bite and sting extraction device handy at every outdoor outing.
Try homemade remedies for bites.
![Medicine Cabinet Must Have: Aloe Your mom was right - aloe will take the burn out of almost anything.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/8/11/0/Original-EllenFoord-HowToBeAGrownUp-MedicineCabinet-9.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1470970784979.jpeg)
Sometimes, you just get bit. It's unavoidable. Here's how to treat itchy bites from mosquitos.