No one wants to get bitten by mosquitoes. They are a nuisance at any time - but especially when you have get-togethers around a bonfire, hanging out with friends and family.
Although there are store-bought products that you can use during these occasions, they’re not always safe, as they usually contain harmful chemicals.
Fortunately, there are lots of ways for you to avoid mosquito bites and have a nice time outside during the summer.
Herb Bundles
You can ward off annoying critters like mosquitoes by adding herb bundles to your bonfire.
Lots of DIY savvy homeowners make them, as they can be used instantly. You can also hang them to let them dry for later use. A week is the longest time it would take you to have completely dry mosquito-repellent herb bundles.
For the freshly made ones, you can add them to fire pits and they'll burn like green wood. The dried ones can be used as fire starters. For those who have fire-resistant trays, dried herb bundles can be lighted up. Just allow them to smolder on their own. These herbs emit a rich, earthy aroma. It’s not just soothing and calming, but it can also be the best way for you to avoid getting bitten by insects.
It’s so easy to make your own herb bundle that you can even let the children help make this craft starting from the harvesting and collecting to the tying.
This is a family-friendly project, but you have to remember that smoldering or burning objects should never be left unattended.
The supplies that you will be needing are the following:
- String
- Fresh sprigs of mint, sage, and lavender
- Scissors
- Newspaper
Step-by-step instructions:
Gather the Supplies
Lay out the fresh herbs that you've picked from your garden or bought from the store on a piece of newspaper. To avoid the growth of mold on your herb bundles, make sure that there's no water left on the leaves of the herbs.
Cut the String
The second step is to cut a piece of string, preferably 4 feet long. Then, cut your herbs to 4 and 6 inches. Next lay the piece of string horizontally on the newspaper. Pile your herbs in the middle of the string. Mix mint, lavender, and sage together.
Tie the Top
Tie a knot in the string. Make it really tight at the top of your herb pile.
Make Lots of Knots
Flip your herb bundles over. Then, tie another knot. Repeat the process until you've reached the bundle's end.
Knot the End
Finish off the project by knotting the end of the bundle. Trim the loose ends of string and herbs, and voila! You're done.
If you want to make a couple more, feel free to do so. You can put your herb bundles in decorative baskets, so you can have some ready for your outdoor gathering or BBQ session. Allow the guests of your event to toss herb bundles on the fire pit. They can also be thrown into the grill and you won't have to worry about mosquitoes anymore!
Additional Measures to Avoid the Invasion of Mosquitoes
Growing Catnip
If you are not bothered by the idea of having cats in your yard, grow catnips. They are better at warding off mosquitoes compared to chemicals. Catnips are safe and you can grow it next to the plants that typically attract mosquitoes.
Herbs that can keep insects at bay:
- Garlic
- Basil
- Lemongrass
- Lemon balm
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
Consider wild plants
Wild plants repel mosquitoes. Ask around regarding wild plants native to your area, and plant them in your garden.
If your home is surrounded by lots of plants, there is a good chance that you already have wild plants near your garden. Pineapple weed, sweet fern, sagebrush, snow brush, mugwort, nodding onion, wormwood, and wild bergamot are good examples.
