How To Combat Mosquitoes In Oklahoma This Summer

There are so many great things about summer - hanging out at the pool, boating on the lake, biting into a juicy watermelon. But there is one nuisance that can turn a warm summer night into an annoying evening - mosquitoes. And mosquito season is underway in Oklahoma! Local towns are beginning their spraying rituals, but there are a few home remedies that can keep mosquitoes away.

Oklahoma broke rain records in April, and all that rain made the state the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Earlier this month, the City of Lawton's Vector Control team resumed its early morning sprays to fight off mosquitoes across town. But residents are still encouraged to practice mosquito safety at home by practicing the Four Ds:

Dress - Wearing long sleeves and pants to cover skin
Dusk and Dawn - Avoid these times as that's when mosquitoes are most active
Drain - Remove standing water as it's a breeding ground for mosquitoes
DEET/Defend - Use insect repellent when outside

Natural Ways to Ward Off Mosquitoes

The Four Ds are simple ways to keep mosquitoes off of you when outside, but there are a few extra and natural ways to ward off mosquitoes from your home. And if you're a gardener or a plant-lover, you'll love this method and as a bonus, it will beautify your porch!

How To Make a Mosquito Repelling Planter

Oklahomans love to adorn their porches with colorful potted plants - I know I do! But what could be better than a beautiful plant that also keeps mosquitoes away? Armstrong Garden Centers posted a helpful TikTok video on how to put together a mosquito repelling planter. Below is what's included and why:

Lavender - we like the smell but mosquitoes don't
English variety of lavendula and augustifolia
Marigolds - contains Pyrethrins, which is found in most mosquito and bug repellents
Catnip

@armstronggarden Nature’s mosquito repellwnt in a pot!! Lavender: Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is a beautiful plant with a delightful fragrance. Essential oil from lavender contains a compound known as linalool, which produces a strong odor that is pleasant to humans and detestable to mosquitos. This is primarily because it overloads their sensitive olfactory organs, much in the same manner as DEET. A 2009 study found that lavender oil possessed a 93% repellant rate against mosquitos indoors and a 53% repellant rate against mosquitoes outdoors. Lavender oil is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellants, especially when used as part of a larger natural repellant regimen. Mint: Menthol, the active insect-fighting ingredient in mint and peppermint oil, has biocidal properties that help repel and control mites, mosquitoes, and various other pests. Marigolds: Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are colorful flowers that mosquitoes dislike. They contain pyrethrum, a compound found in many mosquito repellents. The compounds are found in marigold petals and work best on living plants. These are great to create a ring of repellent, say around a seating area or pool. Catnip: Catnip (Nepeta cataria) contains a compound called nepetalactone, which mosquitoes find highly repelling. It's estimated to be 10 times more effective than Deet, a common mosquito repellent. Fresh, home-grown catnip can be vigorously rubbed between your hands and then applied to your skin to provide approximately 30 minutes of mosquito-free time. Remember that while these plants can help deter mosquitoes, they might not provide complete protection. To enhance their effectiveness, consider crushing the leaves or using essential oils extracted from these plants. Additionally, it's important to remove any standing water around your home, as it serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. #gardentok #gardenhack #mosquitorepellant #companionplants #containergarden #lavenderplant #bugrepellent #plantswithpurpose ♬ Storytelling - Adriel

Oklahoma's Beneficial Insects

Not all insects are pests! There are some insects that are beneficial to you and your garden. In a study by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service on beneficial insects, "most insects found in yards, gardens or crops do not feed on or harm plants. Many are just 'passing through' or have very innocuous habits. Others feed on and destroy pest species. In many cases, the activities of these beneficial species can prevent or greatly limit pest problems."

Gallery Credit: Jeri Anderson

Best Outdoor Patios In Lawton

While they're wonderful to enjoy when the weather allows, the outdoor patio at Southwest Oklahoma restaurants isn't as popular as you'd think. If and when you feel the need for a meal in nature, here are your choices in Lawton.

Gallery Credit: Kelso