You start to flail your hands around swatting the buzzing sound out of your ear. Before you know it, there is a welt on the back of your knee begging for a scratch. The mosquito has made its mark and there is nothing you can do about it. “I’m just trying to enjoy the sunset outside and these dang pests just won’t leave me alone,” you think. How on earth can these mosquitos be prevented? Here are six tips for naturally preventing the mosquitos. If they’ve already gotten to you, check out this blog post to dissolve the pain and itchiness.

1. Plant mosquito-repelling plants.

Geraniums, lemon thyme, lemon balm, marigold, tansy, citrosa plants, sweet basil, and sassafras can ward off mosquitos. Plant these near your home to keep these buggers away!

2. Use essential oils.

The TerraShield blend by doTerra is amazing for preventing mosquito bites. Put it on your skin or diffuse it in the air to ward these blood suckers off. Eucalyptus oil is also a wonderful oil to use!

3. Eliminate standing water.

Mosquito larvae like to reproduce in things such as kiddie pools, plastic pots, buckets, garbage cans, clogged gutters and more. Try to change the water on a birdbath frequently.

4. Add catnip to your diet.

You can make catnip tea or take catnip capsules a few hours before going outside. According to Mindbodygreen, “the human body gives off a myriad of scents seemingly designed to attract mosquitoes and their ilk, but the scent your body exudes after ingesting catnip can discourage insects from finding you so irresistible.

5. Encourage natural predators.

Ladybugs, spiders, birds, fish, bats, dragonflies, and praying mantis will eat the mosquito larvae. Try to keep these animals around by avoiding pesticides that will kill them off.

6. Use yellow light bulbs instead of white.

Think about turning on a flashlight. The bugs instantly swarm around that burst of light making you question if it’s more important to have the light on or bugs gone. Try using yellow light bulbs outside instead of white. Bugs are not as attractive to yellow light bulbs.

7. Avoid scented products

Insects are drawn to fragrances. Use unscented products during and after the shower to avoid attracting bugs.

8. Wear neutral colored clothing.

If you know me, you are probably aware that my leggings are wild and crazy. Try to avoid wearing patterned clothes since bugs are attracted to the patterns.

There are plenty of other tips out there to get these insects to leave you alone. Try these out and let me know if you discover any others tips and tricks!