With the UK’s mini heatwave set to continue, Brits are being told to expect more mosquitos in their gardens over the coming weeks.
The outdoor lighting experts at LightingLegends.com have shared that the humid evenings create the perfect environment for these pesky bugs to thrive and are offering ways to tackle the issue.
Households may also inadvertently attract mosquitoes when turning on garden lights and gathering around outdoor furniture, which can be a problem for those trying to make the most of the summer evenings outdoors.
The experts are advising switching to yellow or warm-coloured garden lights with a colour temperature between 2,200K and 2,700K.
These are significantly less attractive to mosquitoes and biting bugs compared to cooler lights above 5,000K and by switching to these ‘bug-friendly’ lights, families can enjoy their outdoor spaces with fewer interruptions from insects.
Jon Saeed, managing director of Lighting Legends commented: “There’s no doubt we’ll all be making the most of the warm weather over the coming weeks with temperatures expected to reach 27 degrees across the UK.
“The warm summer evenings can also bring along more mosquitos who thrive in humid environments.
“While you’re sitting out in the garden into the late evening, you may notice there are more mosquitos, especially if you have cool toned garden lights.
“A lot of people aren’t aware that these lights tend to attract mosquitos and other pesky bugs which can turn into a real nuisance when trying to enjoy your garden.
“When choosing your outdoor lights it’s definitely worth opting for yellow or warm tones lights with a colour temperature between 2,200K and 2,700K as these are much less likely to invite insects into your garden.”
Eight ways to reduce mosquitos in your garden:
- Remove standing water
Bugs like mosquitos breed in stagnant water, so eliminating standing water sources can go a long way in helping to reduce their population. Regularly check for and remove standing water in flower pots, birdbaths, gutters, and water trays.
- Use mosquito-repellent plants
Certain plants naturally repel mosquitoes due to the oils and scents they release. Some of the best plants to use in UK gardens for this purpose include lavender, citronella grass, lemon balm, marigolds and basil.
- Install bug-repelling lighting
Yellow or warm-coloured garden lights are less attractive to mosquitoes and biting bugs compared to white or blue lights. Swap out garden lights for yellow “bug lights”. You could also try solar-powered insect zappers.
- Install mosquito traps
Traps lure mosquitoes by mimicking human scents and warmth, before trapping and killing them. There are electric mosquito traps available, some of which emit carbon dioxide to attract mosquitoes.
- Maintain your garden
Dense, overgrown gardens can become a haven for mosquitoes, so keeping your garden neat and tidy should help prevent them. Trim bushes, mow your lawn regularly, and keep your garden free of debris and clutter.
- Use essential oils
Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can deter mosquitoes when used in diffusers or mixed with water and sprayed around your garden. Add essential oils to a spray bottle with water and spray liberally around areas where mosquitoes tend to gather in your garden.
- Set up fans
Mosquitos are weak fliers, so having fans in your garden can help keep them away by creating a soft breeze. Set up outdoor fans around seating areas, particularly during still, warm evenings.
- Encourage natural predators
Birds, bats, and certain insects like dragonflies are natural predators of mosquitoes. You can attract these animals to your garden by providing nesting boxes, bird feeders, and water sources for them.
