4 Natural Ways to Avoid Mosquitoes in Key West

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29 Mar 2017

Want to enjoy your beautiful Key West vacation rental and outdoor space without slathering yourself with harsh chemicals to deter bugs? Let Mother Nature help you keep mosquitoes and the diseases they carry away from you and your family. 

Mosquitoes may be great food for birds but you don’t want them hanging around your yard or joining you in the house at night. Mosquitoes, along with many biting insects, are attracted to odors in human skin. So if you’re spending a lot of time running around and sweating, (and who doesn’t sweat in a Key West summer?!!) you can expect to have mosquitos following you around.

So, how do you enjoy your Key West outdoor space, without worrying about these little buggers? One way is to make your property less “tasty” to these little guys by getting rid of any standing water on your property. Another way is to plant some bug “repelling” plants around the entrances to your home.

There are several plants with strong scents that keep mosquitoes at a distance. The aroma needs to be in the air around you, so planters in your outdoor seating area and by the front door are great.

Catnip

Catnip

Catnip is a fragrant cousin to the mint is both an insect repellant and a toy for your kitties! Whether you have cats or not, catnip is a great repellent for bugs and it blooms into a delicate, purple flower. 

Lavender

lavender bug repellent

This plant is great at repelling flying insects like mosquitoes, moths, and flies. The flower’s perfume will scent the air, but most effective when rubbed on the skin. Plus, lavender is known for its calming effects. You can use lavender by rubbing the plant itself or using a high-quality essential oil. 

Peppermint

peppermint bug repellent

In its concentrated form, peppermint can be used as an insect repellent. It is also great for those afternoon Mojitos and Mint Juleps! Similar to lavender, peppermint can be used as a repellent in both its plant and essential oil forms. 

Citronella

citronella bug repellent

The most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. It is also known to deter cats, so don’t plant it next to the catnip and send mixed messages. Citronella can be used in the form of essential oil, plant, or most commonly in repellent candles or torches. 

So, take precautions to protect yourself from biting nuisances, and sit out in your island oasis, enjoying the sunset, sipping your favorite evening cocktail, surrounded by your pest repelling buddies!

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At Home Key West offers a wide selection of properties that suit all group sizes and needs. If you're planning a trip, book your Key West vacation rental with us. Let us know if we can help you with anything along the way.