Due to the Zika outbreak, more people are looking to repel mosquitoes, as this virus is spread by these pests. While there are many sprays and candles you can buy to repel them, you may find yourself looking for a more natural remedy. Here are a few natural ways to repel mosquitoes from your outdoor space.

Make Your Own Mosquito Repellent

The scent of lavender has been shown to repel mosquitoes. As such, lavender essential oils can come in handy when you are looking to repel these pests. Follow these directions to make your own mosquito repellent spray:

1. Mix 10-25 drops of undiluted lavender essential oil, two tablespoons of vegetable oil and one tablespoon of aloe vera gel.
2. Rub the mixture directly onto your skin to repel any mosquitoes who may be looking to make a meal of you.
3. Spray the mixture onto ribbons or strips of paper. Tie the ribbons or strips of paper around your outdoor space. The scent will repel any mosquitoes. Re-spray the strips every few days to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Plant Mosquito Repellent Plants

Planting plants that give off scents that mosquitoes do not like can help repel them from your outdoor space. Some plants that help repel mosquitoes include:

• Basil
• Catmint
• Citronella grass
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Scented geraniums

Planting these plants in flowerbeds around your home and/or in pots on your patio and around your door will help keep mosquitoes away.

Make a Mosquito Trap

A mosquito trap can trap pests that are flying around your patio table or barbecue as you are trying to enjoy your outdoor space. Follow these directions to make your own mosquito trap:

1. Cut the top off of a two liter bottle right below the part of the bottle that begins to narrow. Flip the top of the bottle upside down and place it in the bottom portion of the bottle, so it looks like you have a funnel. Set this aside.
2. Boil one cup of water. Dissolve one cup of sugar into the water. Remove the pan from heat and stir in two cup of cool water. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the water and ensure it is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler. If it is hotter, allow it to cool. Once it has reached that temperature, add in one teaspoon of active dry yeast. Do not add the yeast until the temperature is correct, as scalding water will kill the yeast, making your trap ineffective. Pour your mixture into the bottom of your soda bottle.
3. Once your mixture is in place, use duct tape or electrical tape to adhere your inverted bottle top to the bottom portion of the bottle. This ensures the pieces don't separate as they sit in hot and cold temperatures.
4. Wrap black construction paper around the exterior of the bottle. Mosquitoes like dark places and the black paper will make the bottle seem like a dark place for them to hide.
5. Place the trap in an outdoor space where mosquitoes are bothering you. The fermenting yeast will release carbon dioxide, which will attract mosquitoes. The mosquitoes will enter the bottle and be unable to exit through the funnel opening. Replace the trap every two weeks.

In addition to leaving itchy bites behind, mosquitoes can transmit diseases when they bite you. As such, it is important to repel these pests. Making your own mosquito repellent, planting mosquito repellent plants and making mosquito traps are natural ways you can deal with these bugs. However, if your property is infested and you are unable to control the population on your own, you may need to contact a professional pest control company to assist you. They can spray, killing mosquitoes and their eggs, which can help you regain control of your outdoor space.