How to keep mosquitoes and bugs away

Key overview: How to mosquitoes and bugs away

• Repair or upgrade your flyscreens and cover any other entry points, vents or holes with mesh.
• Treat garden areas where insects tend to gather with insect sprays and repellents.
• When entertaining outdoors, use bug and mosquito zappers, mosquito coils and citronella flares.
• For a night-time mosquito deterrent, sleeping with a pedestal fan or ceiling fan on means they will struggle to fly close to you.

As the weather warms up and evenings stretch out, many households start to notice an unwelcome side effect of the season – increased mosquitoes and flying insects. With reports about mosquito-borne illnesses* also rising, more Australians are looking for practical, D.I.Y.-friendly ways to insect-proof their homes and outdoor living areas. Here are some accessible solutions for how to get rid of mosquitoes and keep bugs outside where they belong.

How to keep your home bug free with flyscreens

Repairing or upgrading flyscreens on windows and doors is one of the most effective first steps. A range of materials and tools, including mesh rolls, spline kits, rollers, trimmers and cutting tools, are available to make the job straightforward. Screen patches or repair tape are great for quick fixes. For screen-less windows, adjustable flyscreen frames are both budget and renter friendly. Beyond fixing flyscreens, think about:

• Magnetic flyscreen doors for high-traffic entry points, allowing hands-free access while automatically sealing behind you. These are especially useful for families, pets or busy outdoor entertaining areas where doors are frequently opened.
• Installing a dedicated pet door into a flyscreen or even a solid door can reduce constant opening and closing, helping to maintain a more consistent insect barrier and improving airflow without having to sacrifice protection.
• Entry points such as vent cowls, wall grills and subfloor vents can be fitted with fine mesh covers or screening materials to reduce the chance of insects finding their way inside while still allowing airflow where needed.

How to pest proof your outdoor areas

• To treat patios, gardens and external walls: pre-mixed pump packs and aerosol insect sprays can be used where insects tend to gather.
• Around entry points, windows, doors and outdoor living areas: barrier sprays are commonly applied, creating a treated surface that helps control insects that come into contact with it.
• For entertaining areas: bug zappers can provide an added layer of defence by attracting and reducing flying insects during the evening. Insect coils and citronella flares can also help deter mosquitoes and other flying pests, creating a more comfortable zone around outdoor seating and gathering areas.

When used as part of a seasonal maintenance routine, these products help reduce pest activity around the home and help prevent insect infestations that require the pros to be called out.

Do fans help to repel mosquitoes?

Yes. Another simple, effective and chemical-free solution is to use fans, as a strong breeze means mozzies will struggle to fly or land (and therefore bite you). Indoors, a simple pedestal fan can keep you comfortable as you sleep, while outdoor oscillating fans will do the trick in alfresco spaces. Consider investing in ceiling fans as well to help keep air moving. Bunnings offers an in-home installation service for ceiling fans, making upgrades easy and safe.

Keep in mind…

• Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and store pest-control products out of reach of children and pets.
• Before starting any project you should also consider any health and safety risks and make sure you get professional advice where needed.
• Any electrical works must be carried out by a licensed tradie.

Want more ideas to keep insects away?

Read our article on natural ways to bug-proof your home.

Photo credit: Pillar, Hunter.