If you can eliminate the places where the larvae grow, that's the best method. Of course, that requires your neighbors to cooperate and that you don't live where there is naturally occurring bodies of water...

Agree with Fori. Also, if you have fountains be sure to use anti-mosquito tablets. I know some people don't believe it works, but we use citronella candles and we don't have much of a problem.

They do have those little OFF clip on repellents. I had good results with one in the Hoh forest. Maybe grab one when you go outside. I think you'll have to walk slowly to keep the fog around you though.

Unfortunately there's a pond behind the houses across the street Fori. I don't think there's any standing water in my immediate neighbor's yards, but I don't know about anything farther. I could always discreetly toss a mosquito dunk into whatever it was over the fence, ha!

I've always wondered how well those clip-ons work; I'm usually weeding or (I'd like to) sit around a fire, so I should be able to say in the 'fog'. Thanks for the recommendation! Robw, do you just use the tabletop ones or the torch candles around your sitting area? Do you find that some brands work better than others, or a particular percentage of citronella oil that's most effective?

I looked up some mosquito traps, and unfortunately the ones with the best ratings have to be plugged in and I don't have an outlet in the backyard. I don't really have a useful one in the front either.

The OFF clip-ons don’t work for me...first time I tried one I got ten bites, and returned it. I know people who have had good success with the Thermocells.

The torches with citronella fuel work for me. I have the ones on posts strategically placed so that when the breeze picks up it blows across my major work areas. I have a portable one I carry to any other areas.

I also use lemon eucalyptus spray, but in summer I go through it pretty quick, because I sweat it off so quickly.

I tried a DIY trap made with a box fan and piece of window screen, which worked fairly well short term. But we’re near the river, so they are part of life here. :-)

ac91z6, we use the tabletop type, which is also where our fountain is located. To be honest, I really don't notice what type we buy. Generally, it's whatever is on the shelf at Lowes. I do know that we found one that we had purchased about two years ago, and we lit it just to see if it would work, and so far it has. I'm not really sure if the tabletop would work at a large distance, or if the torch type might be more appropriate for various locations.

When i spray bug repellent, I put it on my clothes. It seems to work just as well. I read something yesterday about the military spraying uniforms. My friend swears that avon skin so soft (i think) works better than bug spray. I've heard that from multiple before, so it might be true.

They sell mosquito blocking clothes

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Women-Jacket-Cycling-Bee-Lightweight-Summer-Pants-Mesh-Suit-Socks-Lixada-Fishing-Hiking-With-Bug-Mosquito-Wear-Men-feeding-Mitts-Ultra-fine-Camping/333962686?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101003967&adid=22222222228291294019&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=354269013053&wl4=pla-790220410684&wl5=9032528&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=134759516&wl11=online&wl12=333962686&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KEQjw3PLnBRCpo8PCoaGM99MBEiQAppRuC23ndnqW0MAT-UZGNsjPFRPv1gBI4l43ZBC8Ir18yhUaAmjO8P8HAQ

I used to use the Avon SSS on both myself and my show animals! They do make one that has sunscreen and bug repellent in it but I haven't been able to get it at the flea markets anymore. I tried a natural spray on repellent from Tractor Supply but I swear when I got to the garden to start working I was attracting all kinds of wasps including the black and white ones that bite really bad so I never used it since. I am very sensitive to Deet so I have to use the lowest content which doesn't last very long. I also noticed several years ago that I was burning the plants in my big pots by the door when I sprayed down at the landing before going out. So I go out further away from the flowers before spraying but I see the tips of the grass are now burnt there too. I tried to sit out for a few minutes last evening to watch the sky to see if we had any bats but I got bitten so bad I scratched for over an hour even with alcohol rub and antiitch cream. We have a large creek (anyone from somewhere else would call it a river) right in front of the house. I bet that repellent clothing isn't cheap and how long would it last if you washed it?

I've been saving this recipe for years but have never used it. If anyone here tries it, please report back.

Big bottle blue mouthwash, 3 stale 12 oz. cans cheap beer, and 3 cups Epsom salts. Mix until salt is dissolved. Spray around areas you plan to sit or work.

The claims are that mosquitos will stay away for months, it won't hurt plants and smells nice.

I think a large study came out that said the eucalyptus oil worked just as well as Deet. I'll see if I can find a link.

Wonder what kind of roses grow well in Australia? Having a koala chase me might be the only way I'll ever get any exercise.

I have been using Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion for several years now, since reading a positive report in Consumer Reports. We don’t have too many mosquitoes, but we do have chiggers and it is effective against them. Also, it comes in many forms: lotion, pump spray and towelettes. I order it from amazon.

Thank you Deborah;. I have chiggers too and now I'm worried about ticks with deer in the yard. : ((

Ticks here too. I do recommend the Sawyer product. I use it almost everyday and don’t feel too poisoned. Chiggers suck.