Simple, Eco-Friendly Tips for a Bite-Free Summer
Warm summer evenings in Calgary are perfect for BBQs, gardening, and unwinding outdoors—until the mosquitoes arrive. While our climate isn’t as mosquito-heavy as some parts of Canada, our rainy springs and warm summers can still invite these pesky biters into backyards, especially after thunderstorms or during humid weeks.
If you’re looking to enjoy your outdoor space without resorting to harsh chemicals or bug zappers, here are natural and effective ways to reduce mosquitoes in your Calgary backyard:
1. Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes need stagnant water to breed—even as little as a bottle cap’s worth!
Focus on:
Emptying birdbaths, kids' toys, and flower pot saucers weekly
Cleaning out gutters and ensuring proper drainage
Refreshing water features like fountains with circulating pumps
2. Encourage Natural Predators
Create a backyard ecosystem that naturally keeps mosquitoes in check.
Attract these beneficial allies:
Bats: Install a bat house on a tall pole or tree—one bat can eat thousands of mosquitoes a night!
Birds: Purple martins and swallows love mosquitoes. Add nesting boxes and shrubs for shelter.
Dragonflies & frogs: Build a small pond with native plants to draw these mosquito munchers in.
3. Plant Mosquito-Repelling Greenery
Several plants naturally deter mosquitoes thanks to their scent or essential oils.
Try planting:
Citronella grass (in pots for mobility)
Lavender
Lemon balm
Basil
Catnip (mosquitoes hate it—cats love it!)
Marigolds
Plant near seating areas, patios, or doorways for best effect.
4. Use Natural Yard Sprays
Skip the synthetic sprays. Instead, opt for natural solutions:
DIY garlic spray (blend garlic cloves with water and spray around the yard)
Neem oil spray – safe for plants and pets, but discourages mosquitoes
Essential oil sprays with citronella, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil mixed with water
Always test sprays on small areas of plants first to avoid damage.
5. Install Outdoor Fans
Mosquitoes are weak fliers. A gentle breeze from a fan can disrupt their flight path and keep your patio comfortable and bug-free. This is especially useful for covered decks and pergolas.
6. Keep Grass & Shrubs Trimmed
Mosquitoes rest in cool, shady areas during the heat of the day. Keep your yard tidy to eliminate hiding spots:
Trim tall grass
Prune dense bushes and trees
Avoid overwatering—damp, shady soil is a mosquito magnet
7. Use Mosquito-Repelling Lighting
Standard lights can attract mosquitoes, especially in the evening. Try yellow LED bug lights or solar lights designed to deter insects. Bonus: they’re energy-efficient and won’t ruin your ambiance.
8. Try Coffee Grounds in Water Features
Sprinkling used coffee grounds in stagnant water (like in planters or rain barrels) can kill mosquito larvae and prevent hatching. It’s a safe, eco-friendly option if you can’t fully eliminate a water source.
Enjoy a Bite-Free Summer
With a few intentional changes, you can transform your Calgary backyard into a more enjoyable, mosquito-resistant space—naturally. Whether you're hosting friends, playing with the kids, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet, these methods will help keep the buzz at bay.
Have a favorite natural mosquito tip or DIY trick? Share it in the comments below!
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