I’m a Mosquito Magnet — Here’s How I Prevent Bites and Protect Myself All Summer Long

Summer is in full swing, and while many people are ready to spend their days outside, I am slightly dreading it for one very specific, nagging reason: mosquitoes. All my life, I’ve been a mosquito magnet, and it doesn’t help that I live in Hawaii, where these bugs thrive in the tropical weather.

That’s why I’ve built up a “mosquito magnet toolkit” to help me brave the great outdoors. Here’s how I repel mosquitoes.

Before diving into my go-to mosquito repellents, I needed to understand why mosquitoes favor some people (like me) over others (like my family and friends). It turns out, there are several reasons why mosquitoes have a people preference.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, while mosquitoes can bite anyone, they are drawn to people who wear perfume or dark-colored clothing, have a particular blood type and body temperature, or visit places they thrive in, like areas with stagnant water. (I, unfortunately, fit many of these requirements.)

So, what can you do to minimize bites? It’s simple: Try to avoid anything that can attract mosquitoes and put preventative measures in place. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that you don’t wear dark clothing or heavily scented perfumes and steer clear of areas they live in. You can also implement some preventative measures, such as wearing bug sprays and thicker clothing, using protective netting, or installing screens at home.

While all of the above are great efforts, I know more needs to be done to keep mosquitoes away. Here are more tricks that have worked for me that you can try too.

Mosquitoes are not fans of the following smells: citronella, peppermint, lavender, and lemongrass — so I find ways to infuse these scents in everything I have on or around me. I use a lavender mint shampoo and conditioner, spray peppermint all around to deter pests, and clean with a lemongrass-scented spray.

I love using mosquito repellent devices like the Thermacell E65 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller when I am staying outside in my yard for an extended period of time, whether I’m hosting guests, using my grill, or gardening. It offers a protection zone of up to 20 feet and works fast by using a repellent cartridge that’s refillable.

I love that it is completely rechargeable, so I don’t have to worry about any cords when using it, and I don’t have to apply any bug spray directly to my skin to be protected, like I do when I go on hikes. Bug spray mixed with sweat can make me feel particularly gross. With this device, I can just stick it outside and click the button, and it does all the work of keeping mosquitoes away, not just for me, but also for my guests.

Protection starts from the outside — and I have numerous barriers to prevent mosquitoes from setting up shop in the first place. For starters, it’s crucial to ensure that you don’t have any standing water nearby. Empty any overflowing water from pots, birdbaths, buckets, or trash cans that sit outside. Be sure to check weekly, but especially after it’s rained. You can also use mosquito dunks to kill larvae.

I always make sure I have plants that can naturally repel mosquitoes but are also safe for my dog. While citronella grass is great at keeping mosquitoes away, the plant is actually toxic for pets. Lemon balm, lemongrass, basil, and rosemary are safer options for your furry friends.

When I leave my house and enjoy an outdoor activity in the summer, I always try to avoid wearing dark colors and carry these three things: bug spray, anti-itch cream, and an antihistamine (just in case). Something new I might just try: using an essential oil scented with either peppermint, lavender, or lemongrass to see if that helps keep them away. I’ll let you know if it works, and I hope you’re staying bite-free this summer.

Share any other mosquito-repelling advice you have in the comments. I’m always looking for better ways to protect myself from one of my worst enemies.