Prevent Mosquitoes this Summer

Jul 12, 2021


There is nothing worse than having to constantly fend off pesky mosquitoes during your outdoor cookouts and parties. With summer in full swing, their numbers are rapidly multiplying, especially in areas with stale water or ponds. Avoid the irritation and calamine lotion this year by trying a few of these home remedies:
 
Garlic water
            To get the same effect as citronella candles without the extra expense, mix four cloves of crushed garlic with one gallon of water and spray it near all your outdoor lightbulbs. When the bulbs heat up, a faint garlicky scent will spread across your yard, repelling mosquitoes and other bugs.
 
Pinion wood
            Burning this pungent species of wood has been known to keep away mosquitoes and other insects. Luckily for us, these logs give off a strong pine scent that can actually be quite enjoyable for humans, so consider replacing your regular wood with pinion wood during your next bonfire.
 
The “Mosquito Plant”
            The Lemon-scented Geranium is commonly referred to as the “Mosquito Plant.” Not only will this beautiful flower spruce up your patio, they are also known to repel mosquitoes due to their strong scent that is reminiscent of citronella grass.
 
Coffee Grounds
            Sprinkle used coffee grounds in standing water around your house to kill off mosquitoes at the source. The coffee grounds force the eggs to the surface and deprive them of oxygen, thereby killing the mosquitoes before they ever hatch. This method also happens to be environmentally friendly.
 
Air Circulation
            Sometimes repelling mosquitoes is as easy as creating a little airflow and making it too difficult for them to fly. Set up a couple of fans at your next party and enjoy the cool breeze without the pests!
 
            We hope that with these tips you are able to find a method that is effective in protecting your home. However, if you are in need of a stronger arsenal, your local Co-op has plenty of mosquito repellants to help you fight back.
 
For more content like this, check out the latest issue of the Cooperator.

Read More News

Apr 14, 2025
Before the weather even turns warm, many gardening enthusiasts are already making plans and studying seed choices for their home garden. Although many Tennessee residents have plenty of room for a garden, others may not be so lucky. If you’re hampered by a lack of space for your gardening choices, raised beds might be a solution.
 
Apr 07, 2025
Easter is a time for family fun, festive traditions, and, of course, beautifully decorated eggs! If you raise backyard chickens, you have the unique opportunity to collect eggs in natural shades of blues, greens, browns, and creams — perfect for a colorful Easter basket before you even break out the dye.
 
Mar 31, 2025
As we welcome the spring gardening season, it's the perfect time to also kick off a little spring cleaning! Why not combine the two and give your garden tools the care they deserve before they're put to work? It can be easy to toss your tools in the shed and forget about them, but with proper maintenance, these tools can be a long-lasting investment.