{"id":21022,"date":"2014-07-08T09:00:47","date_gmt":"2014-07-08T13:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thehappyhousewife.com\/frugal-living\/?p=21022"},"modified":"2018-08-24T14:11:44","modified_gmt":"2018-08-24T18:11:44","slug":"mosquito-control-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehappyhousewife.com\/frugal-living\/mosquito-control-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Mosquito Control on a Budget"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s summertime, which means the mosquitoes are\u00a0wreaking havoc on backyard barbecues and other outdoor fun. Perhaps you\u00a0or\u00a0a family member is a mosquito magnet and constantly battling the bugs, swatting and slapping away all summer. To be honest, summer can be downright miserable if you have allergic reactions to mosquito bites and endure swelling and irritation.<\/p>\n

\"Mosquito<\/p>\n

Below\u00a0are some simple and frugal steps you can take to keep the mosquitoes at bay.<\/p>\n

1. Get Rid of Standing Water<\/h3>\n

Mosquitoes thrive near stagnant water, so it is important to make sure you get rid of standing water in your yard. That means tipping over yard toys, like wagons, that may collect rainwater. \u00a0Mosquitoes need only a small amount of water, say a few tablespoons, to breed.\u00a0Once mosquito\u00a0larvae hatch, they don’t typically fly far, so standing water\u00a0on your property could lead to a load of mosquitoes.<\/p>\n

2. Keep Landscaping Neat<\/h3>\n

Be sure to limit foliage, yard clippings, and leaf piles, where mosquitoes and other bugs like to\u00a0harbor or feed. Keeping your landscaping trimmed and\u00a0limiting ivy and junipers will decrease places where the mosquitoes can seek shelter.<\/p>\n

3. Grow Mosquito-Repelling Plants<\/h3>\n

Mosquitoes are\u00a0naturally repelled by a variety of plants. Fill your garden with plants such as marigolds, rosemary, catnip. citronella, peppermint, and garlic. If you don’t have the room for a garden in your yard, try some potted plants.<\/p>\n

4. Don’t Wear Perfume<\/h3>\n

Fragrances such as cologne and perfume can supposedly\u00a0make you more appealing to mosquitoes.\u00a0Avoid\u00a0wearing scented fragrances when spending time outdoors for any lengthy amount of time.<\/p>\n

5. Choose an Effective Repellant<\/h3>\n

According to the CDC, the most effective repellents on the market today contain\u00a0DEET. If you’re shopping for a repellent, look at the label to see if DEET is an active ingredient. You’ll find many of the big name brands that produce DEET repellents also offer manufacturer coupons during the spring and early summer, so check online and in your local newspaper inserts to save more money using their coupons.<\/p>\n

6. Use a Fan<\/h3>\n

Since mosquitoes are not strong flyers, having an electric fan positioned on your deck, patio, terrace, or play area is an easy solution to the bug problem. The wind circulating from the fan should blow\u00a0mosquitoes away from you, so they don’t have the chance to land.<\/p>\n

7. Try DIY Remedies<\/h3>\n

You can try your hand at creating your own citronella oil candles<\/a>, which supposedly keep the bugs away for short periods of time. You can also try repurposing used dryer sheets<\/a> to repel mosquitoes.<\/p>\n

Try these free and inexpensive tips to keep the biting bugs away this summer and take back your backyard!<\/p>\n

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