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 1. Health
 2. Health Advice
    
 3. How to stop mosquitoes biting you


HOW TO STOP MOSQUITOES BITING YOU

Keep mosquitoes at bay without using chemicals!

By Emilie Martin and Bella Thorpe-WoodsUpdated: 06 June 2022

Zbynek Pospisil//Getty Images

Mosquitoes can make an appearance any time between April and October, and while
we love reading in the sun or enjoying a drink outside on a long summer night,
it's easy for these pesky creatures to cause a nuisance.

If you seem to be irresistible to mosquitoes, don't worry! We've got tips from
the experts for keeping them at bay — without the need for chemical sprays.

RELATED STORY

   
 * How to avoid wasps while eating outside


GET RID OF STANDING WATER

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. This provides the perfect nursery
for their young to hatch, pupate and emerge as adults. It’s the adult females
that get us, leaving behind their calling-card itchy bites.



To reduce the number of mosquito breeding sites close to your house, Dee
Ward-Thompson, Head of Technical at British Pest Control Association (BPCA),
advises checking for, and draining, as much standing water as possible. "This
means keeping gutters clear so that rainwater doesn’t collect in them," she
said.

Uncovered water butts are another attractive egg-laying location, so it’s a good
idea to prioritise using the water that’s collected inside it over the hosepipe
to water the garden. This helps ensure the water butt is regularly drained, to
be replenished next time it rains. Covering water butts will also help.

Rebecca Nelson//Getty Images


DRAIN PADDLING POOLS FREQUENTLY

At this time of year, paddling pools and children’s water play tables are a
regular sight on lawns across the UK. The water in these can attract mosquitoes
if it’s not regularly changed.

It takes between six to ten days for a young mosquito to hatch from its egg and
mature into an adult. Changing the water in these every five or so days should
help.


CHANGE BEDDING AND NIGHTWEAR REGULARLY

We now know that the reason mosquitoes are so adept at hunting us down is
because they can detect the carbon dioxide we exhale. They then follow this
trail of C02 back to its source – us.

Scientists at the University of California have found that mosquitoes are also
drawn to our skin odour, which could explain their incredible success rate
tracking down the tiniest area of uncovered ankle or arm. It might also go some
way to understanding why they seem to be prey upon some of us more than others,
perhaps preferring the skin scent of one individual over another.

A shower before bedtime could help, as will regularly changing bedding and
nightwear.

STAY COOL IN HEATWAVE - SUMMER DUVETS

SIMBA SUMMER HYBRID DUVET

£179 at Simba Sleep

PROS

   
 * Lightweight filling made with recycled bottles
 * Simple to wash at 40C

CONS

 * Pricey

Score: 98/100

Hardly dropping any marks on test, our panellists had nothing bad to say about
this summer duvet. It’s 4.5 tog, has a temperature regulating cover and kept our
testers cool without any sweating.

GEORGE HOME 4.5 TOG DUVET

£11 at ASDA

PROS

 * Quick drying, taking only an hour
 * Contains recycled fibres

CONS

 * Challenging to fold away for storage as its plastic packaging can’t be easily
   reused

Score: 91/100

This budget buy proved itself as a triple threat in testing; it was light, cool,
and comfortable. There was minimal shrinkage in our wash tests too.

SLUMBERDOWN SUMMER NIGHTS 4.5 TOG DUVET

£22 at Amazon

PROS

 * Lightweight
 * Washing machine and tumble-dryer friendly

CONS

 * Less premium than others

Score: 90/100

Our panel rated this 4.5 tog duvet highly for keeping them cool, calm and
collected overnight. Its soft, comfortable and lightweight design makes it
perfect for a heatwave.

WOOLROOM ORGANIC WASHABLE WOOL DUVET - LIGHT

£240 at Amazon

PROS

 * Hypoallergenic and approved by Allergy UK
 * Felt high quality

CONS

 * Wool has a distinct smell, but this dissipated quickly

Score: 88/100

If you prefer natural fibres, wool is a great option. It’s naturally temperature
regulating and moisture-wicking, and this duvet kept our panel cool throughout
the night. It’s washable too, making it easy to freshen up.

THE FINE BEDDING COMPANY SILVER HUNGARIAN GOOSE DOWN DUVET

£215 at finebedding.co.uk

PROS

 * Premium and luxurious down filling
 * Cotton outer cover is soft to the touch

CONS

 * Doesn’t fare well in the washing machine, shrinking during our tests

Score: 83/100

Indulgent and soft, this 4.5 tog duvet was a hit with our panellists – the
majority said they’d recommend it to friends and family. The down is all
ethically sourced and the duvet comes with a 10-year guarantee.


FILL YOUR GARDEN WITH GARLIC AND HERBS

Their bites may not be quite as bad as a vampires, but mozzies also hate garlic!
The same goes for fragrant herbs, such as mint and rosemary. Simply keeping a
couple of each on your kitchen windowsill, in your garden or bedroom could go a
long way.


CUT DOWN ON BEER (SORRY!)

Sitting in a pub garden with a pint is a classic British tradition when the
sun's out. But we regret to inform you that if you want to deter mosquitoes, you
may want to cut down on beer — and alcohol in general — as studies have shown
that it can attract mozzies.

Tara Moore//Getty Images


TURN ON YOUR FAN

Mosquitoes are weak flyers, so you can blast the blighters away simply by
turning on your fan. The fan's speed paired with the fact it disperses carbon
dioxide and body odour (both of which flag where you are to mozzies) will help
deter them.


BANISH FLOWERY FRAGRANCES

Mozzies are particularly attracted to saccharine-sweet, floral scents. So, if
you don't want to abstain from wearing perfumes altogether, at least go for
something with citrus or woody tones to put them off.

RELATED STORY

 * How to remove pollen stains


KEEP THE CITRONELLA FOR NOW


Our scientist friends across the pond are researching the reason why some aromas
seem to turn mosquitoes off. The theory is that certain naturally-occurring,
naturally-scented chemicals, such as citronella, stop mosquitoes being able to
detect our natural human skin scent.

GARDEN DECOR IDEAS TO SET THE SCENE THIS SUMMER

JOHN LEWIS SEAGRASS STORAGE BASKET

£30 at John Lewis
Credit: John Lewis

This seagrass basket is a staple that will never go out of style. Once placed
outside, store blankets in it for those chillier nights. Just make sure to
routinely move it indoors to avoid it being rained on.

HAUSWARE CITRONELLA OUTDOOR CANDLES

$16 at Amazon
Credit: Hausware

These candles have a beautiful and intricate design. What's more, the citronella
scent will create a relaxing scent in your outdoor space and also act as an
insect repellant.

VICOR FABRIC BUNTING BANNER

£12 at Amazon

Bunting is a cheap and cheerful way to brighten up any garden. Put it up along
fences or intertwine with fairy lights for a fun and colourful look.

BROSTE LANTERN, NATURAL BAMBOO

£79 at Made
Credit: Made

This lantern is just stunning. It will add warmth and ambience to your space,
while being effortlessly chic. The neutral colour means it will match any garden
design scheme.

JOHN LEWIS WILLOW IVYLINE WOVEN RATTAN OUTDOOR BASKET PLANTERS, SET OF 2

Shop at John Lewis
Credit: John Lewis

These rattan planters come in a set of two and look effortlessly chic. Their
material makes them weather-resistant so that whatever you're planting can look
great all year round.

OLIVER BONAS SOLAR DANDELION LED OUTDOOR LIGHT

£29 at Oliver Bonas
Credit: Oliver Bonas

This outdoor light provides a twist on much-loved fairy lights by being worked
into an intricate, dandelion design. Our advice? Buy two or three and place in
the areas of your garden that get the least natural light.

JOHN LEWIS AZTEC OUTDOOR RUNNER RUG

£65 at John Lewis
Credit: John Lewis

Place this runner rug under garden furniture to add a pop of colour. Available
in grey, mustard and teal, you're sure to find the right option to make your
outside space more vibrant.

WEDGWOOD JASPER PLANTER TEXTURED POT, £40

Shop at Selfridges
Credit: Selfridges

You can never go wrong with Wedgewood pieces; they will look timeless and
classic in any space. We love this clean, textured grey design which is perfect
for your plants.

M&S COTTON RICH WOVEN MONOCHROME STRIPE THROW

Now 78% Off
£6 at Marks & Spencer
Credit: M&S

This tasseled throw will look great in any outside space. Keep it on the back of
garden chairs or in a storage basket so that you can easily access it on
chillier evenings. You'll keep warm and look stylish wrapped up in this.

CIAO LEMON DOORMAT LARGE

£29 at Oliver Bonas
Credit: Oliver Bonas

Who said doormats can't be fun? This funky design invokes the landscape of sunny
Italy, perfect for sitting outside with a glass of wine and dreaming of your
next holiday.

M&S GOLD SMALL HANGING PLANTER

£12 at Marks & Spencer
Credit: M&S

This hanging planter will add a touch of sparkle to any outside area. It's ideal
for a patio or smaller garden as it doesn't take up any floor space.

UNIHOH SOLAR STAR STRING LIGHTS

£14 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon

You're guaranteed a starry night with these pretty lights! Solar-powered and
featuring 17 metres of light-up stars, these can be draped over fences and
furniture to add some extra sparkle.

DUNELM 3 ARTIFICIAL BOXWOOD BALLS TREE IN WICKER BASKET 120CM

Now 50% Off
£20 at Dunelm
Credit: Dunelm

Artificial plants are a great way to add some greenery and nature to a patio
space or a smaller garden. This design features a premium topiary tree look,
captured in a wicker basket.

HARMONY NAIS LINEN TABLECLOTH

Now 60% Off
£2 at Selfridges
Credit: Selfridges

No garden table is complete without a tablecloth. We love this premium linen
option - ochre is such an on-trend colour choice at the moment. It's also
available in white, grey and navy.

JOOMER SOLAR WIND CHIME

£22 at Amazon
Credit: Joomer

This wind chime is powered by solar energy and features colour changing LED
lights. While it will look great in any garden, it's especially good for smaller
spaces as you can hang it up anywhere.

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