There's nothing better than spending a warm summer evening outdoors... until the mosquitoes arrive.

Whether you're enjoying dinner on the patio, reading a book in the garden or relaxing around the fire pit, mosquitoes can quickly send everyone back inside.

While there's no single solution that will eliminate mosquitoes completely, combining a few simple strategies can make a noticeable difference. From choosing the right plants to creating an inviting outdoor atmosphere with botanical scents, here are our favourite ways to enjoy more of your summer naturally.

1. Eliminate Standing Water

One of the most effective ways to reduce mosquitoes is also the simplest.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, and it doesn't take much. Even a small amount collected in a flower pot saucer or children's toy can become a breeding ground.

Every few days, take a quick walk around your yard and empty:

• Plant saucers

• Bird baths (replace with fresh water regularly)

• Buckets

• Wheelbarrows

• Children's toys

• Old flower pots

• Clogged gutters

• Tarps that collect rainwater

Reducing breeding areas can significantly decrease the number of mosquitoes around your home.

2. Create a Mosquito-Unfriendly Garden

While no plant can completely repel mosquitoes, many gardeners surround their patios with fragrant plants that mosquitoes tend to avoid.

Consider adding:

• Citronella grass

• Citronella geraniums

• Scented geraniums

• Marigolds

• Lemongrass

• Lavender

• Rosemary

• Sage

• Basil

• Peppermint

• Mint

• Tomato plants

Plant them around patios, decks, walkways and seating areas where you'll spend the most time.

Not only do they add colour, texture and fragrance to your yard, but many are edible, attract pollinators and make beautiful additions to any summer garden.

3. Let the Breeze Do the Work

Here's one of the easiest mosquito tricks that many people overlook.

Mosquitoes are surprisingly weak flyers.

Running a simple outdoor fan on your patio creates enough airflow to make it much harder for mosquitoes to fly around you. It also helps disperse the carbon dioxide we naturally exhale—one of the ways mosquitoes locate people.

Even a gentle breeze can make evenings far more comfortable.

4. Dress for the Occasion

If you're heading outside around sunset, consider what you're wearing.

Mosquitoes are generally more attracted to darker colours, so choosing lighter clothing can help.

Try wearing:

• White

• Beige

• Light grey

• Soft earth tones

Loose-fitting long sleeves and pants also make it more difficult for mosquitoes to bite through clothing.

5. Time Your Evenings

Mosquitoes are usually most active:

• Around sunrise

• Around sunset

• After rainfall

• During warm, humid evenings

If possible, enjoy your morning coffee after the early mosquito activity has passed or gather outside earlier in the evening before dusk.

6. Fill Your Outdoor Space with Botanical Aromas

If you're planning to spend the evening outside, don't wait until the mosquitoes have already arrived.

Light your outdoor candles 15–20 minutes before heading onto the patio. Rather than placing one candle in the middle of the table, position two or three around your seating area to create a warm, inviting atmosphere while allowing their natural aromas to disperse more evenly.

Our Botanical Outdoor Candle is handcrafted with clean-burning soy wax and pure essential oils, including citronella and geranium—two botanicals that have long been popular for outdoor summer use.

Another favourite is using an essential oil diffuser outdoors.

If you have a covered patio, gazebo or outdoor living space with access to power, place a diffuser nearby and let it run while you're relaxing outside.

Our Lemongrass Sage Essential Oil Blend combines bright citrusy lemongrass with fresh herbal sage to create a crisp, refreshing aroma that's perfect for warm summer evenings.

Using candles, essential oils and aromatic plants together creates layers of botanical fragrance that make your outdoor space even more enjoyable.

7. Skip Heavy Artificial Fragrances

Strong perfumes and heavily scented body products can sometimes attract unwanted insects.

When spending time outdoors, many people prefer lighter botanical scents that feel fresh and natural without overwhelming the space.

8. Keep Your Yard Well Maintained

Mosquitoes love cool, damp places where they can rest during the day.

Keeping your yard tidy helps reduce these hiding spots.

Regularly:

• Mow your lawn.

• Trim shrubs and hedges.

• Remove piles of leaves and yard debris.

• Keep weeds under control.

• Improve airflow around seating areas.

A well-maintained yard is not only more enjoyable—it can also be less inviting to mosquitoes.

9. Build Layers of Protection

The best mosquito strategy isn't relying on one product—it's combining several simple habits.

Try layering these natural approaches:

✔ Remove standing water regularly.

✔ Plant fragrant herbs and flowers around patios.

✔ Keep your lawn and garden maintained.

✔ Use an outdoor fan to create airflow.

✔ Light natural citronella candles before heading outside.

✔ Diffuse essential oils like Lemongrass Sage on your patio.

✔ Spend more time outdoors before peak mosquito hours.

Small changes can add up to much more enjoyable summer evenings.

Enjoy More of Summer

Summer evenings are meant for backyard dinners, conversations that last long after sunset, and slowing down with the people you love.

While mosquitoes are simply part of the season, they don't have to dictate how you enjoy your outdoor space.

By combining smart yard maintenance, thoughtfully chosen plants, natural botanical scents and a little preparation before heading outside, you can create a backyard that's far more comfortable all season long.

At Natura Soy, we believe spending time outdoors should feel just as natural as the products you bring into your home. That's why our Citronella Geranium Candle and Lemongrass Sage Essential Oil Blend are crafted using pure plant-based ingredients—to help you enjoy every summer evening surrounded by beautiful botanical aromas.

Here's to warm nights, glowing candlelight and making the most of every sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do citronella candles really work?

Citronella has long been used in outdoor products because of its distinctive botanical aroma. For best results, light your candles 15–20 minutes before spending time outside and place several around your seating area rather than relying on a single candle.

What plants help keep mosquitoes away?

Many gardeners choose fragrant plants such as citronella grass, citronella geraniums, scented geraniums, marigolds, lemongrass, lavender, rosemary, basil, sage, peppermint, mint and even tomato plants around patios and decks.

Does an outdoor fan help with mosquitoes?

Yes. Mosquitoes are weak flyers, and the airflow from a fan makes it more difficult for them to fly and land while also dispersing the carbon dioxide that attracts them.

Can I use an essential oil diffuser outside?

Absolutely. If you have a covered patio or gazebo with access to power, an essential oil diffuser can help create a fresh, inviting outdoor atmosphere. Our favourite for summer is our Lemongrass Sage Essential Oil Blend.

What's the best natural way to reduce mosquitoes?

The most effective approach is combining several strategies: remove standing water, maintain your yard, plant aromatic herbs and flowers, use fans for airflow, and enjoy natural botanical candles and essential oils as part of your outdoor setup.