This natural trick keeps mosquitoes away—and it's a game-changer for outdoor nights
- Replies 0
If you’ve ever stepped outside on a warm summer evening only to retreat indoors because of relentless mosquitoes, you’re not alone.
Many of us have experienced the same frustration—just as the air cools and the lighting turns golden, the bugs arrive.
Instead of relying on chemical sprays or expensive gadgets, a simple natural solution has gained attention online for all the right reasons.
Shared by a well-known entrepreneur and TV personality, this elegant mosquito repellent doubles as a charming garden centerpiece.
Sara Davies, star of Dragon’s Den, posted her “cracking little hack” for enjoying summer nights without being "eaten alive by mozzies and midges."
In her social media post, she said, “I made my own citronella bowl for outside and it’s honestly a game changer!”
The idea is refreshingly simple and uses ingredients many people already have at home or can easily find.
According to Sara, it’s “so simple but makes such a difference when you’re trying to enjoy a peaceful evening without being someone’s dinner.”
To recreate Sara’s citronella bowl, you’ll need a large glass fishbowl or vase filled with water, lemon slices, lavender stalks, rosemary sprigs, and a few drops of citronella oil.
If you don’t have the oil, a citronella-scented geranium plant can be used as a substitute for a similar effect.
Floating candles are placed on the surface and lit at dusk, creating a calm ambiance while repelling pests naturally. Sara added, “When you light it, it looks absolutely gorgeous and keeps the bugs away.”
What makes this approach effective is the combination of strong natural fragrances that mosquitoes and midges find unpleasant.
Citronella has long been recognized as a powerful deterrent, and when paired with the fresh citrus of lemon, the earthy scent of rosemary, and the calming aroma of lavender, it forms a well-rounded barrier.
The floating candles help disperse the scent and enhance the experience with their warm, flickering glow.
As Sara put it, “It’s giving spa vibes meets summer garden party–smells amazing, looks the part and best of all, it actually works!”
The response online was immediate, with users praising the simplicity and effectiveness of Sara’s method.
One viewer commented, “What a lovely idea Sara, a great summer centrepiece.” Another added, “A simple idea… and looks really good,” while a third wrote, “Great idea, I’ll be doing this for my next BBQ.” A fourth chimed in with, “Ooh love this, thank you,” and others echoed similar gratitude.
Sara’s tip is just one way to make your outdoor space more comfortable during the summer months.
If hornets or wasps are an issue, try using peppermint oil mixed with water and spray it around patios or seating areas.
Moths can be deterred by soaking a paper towel in white vinegar and placing it in your wardrobe or drawers. For flying ants, household spices like cinnamon, mint, cloves, or cayenne pepper can help create effective barriers.
Other natural deterrents for mosquitoes include eucalyptus, lavender, and lemongrass, whether in essential oil form or planted in garden pots.
Indoors or outdoors, these fragrances can make a noticeable difference and are safer than traditional repellents.
Reducing standing water around your property is also critical, as it prevents mosquitoes from breeding. Additional strategies include wearing light-colored clothing, using porch fans, and ensuring your windows are equipped with screens.
Read next:
Have you tried Sara’s citronella bowl or created your own DIY pest repellent for outdoor evenings? Let us know in the comments what’s worked for you—or what hasn’t—and share your tips with the GrayVine community.
Many of us have experienced the same frustration—just as the air cools and the lighting turns golden, the bugs arrive.
Instead of relying on chemical sprays or expensive gadgets, a simple natural solution has gained attention online for all the right reasons.
Shared by a well-known entrepreneur and TV personality, this elegant mosquito repellent doubles as a charming garden centerpiece.
Sara Davies, star of Dragon’s Den, posted her “cracking little hack” for enjoying summer nights without being "eaten alive by mozzies and midges."
In her social media post, she said, “I made my own citronella bowl for outside and it’s honestly a game changer!”
The idea is refreshingly simple and uses ingredients many people already have at home or can easily find.
According to Sara, it’s “so simple but makes such a difference when you’re trying to enjoy a peaceful evening without being someone’s dinner.”
To recreate Sara’s citronella bowl, you’ll need a large glass fishbowl or vase filled with water, lemon slices, lavender stalks, rosemary sprigs, and a few drops of citronella oil.
If you don’t have the oil, a citronella-scented geranium plant can be used as a substitute for a similar effect.
Floating candles are placed on the surface and lit at dusk, creating a calm ambiance while repelling pests naturally. Sara added, “When you light it, it looks absolutely gorgeous and keeps the bugs away.”
What makes this approach effective is the combination of strong natural fragrances that mosquitoes and midges find unpleasant.
Citronella has long been recognized as a powerful deterrent, and when paired with the fresh citrus of lemon, the earthy scent of rosemary, and the calming aroma of lavender, it forms a well-rounded barrier.
The floating candles help disperse the scent and enhance the experience with their warm, flickering glow.
As Sara put it, “It’s giving spa vibes meets summer garden party–smells amazing, looks the part and best of all, it actually works!”
The response online was immediate, with users praising the simplicity and effectiveness of Sara’s method.
One viewer commented, “What a lovely idea Sara, a great summer centrepiece.” Another added, “A simple idea… and looks really good,” while a third wrote, “Great idea, I’ll be doing this for my next BBQ.” A fourth chimed in with, “Ooh love this, thank you,” and others echoed similar gratitude.
Sara’s tip is just one way to make your outdoor space more comfortable during the summer months.
If hornets or wasps are an issue, try using peppermint oil mixed with water and spray it around patios or seating areas.
Moths can be deterred by soaking a paper towel in white vinegar and placing it in your wardrobe or drawers. For flying ants, household spices like cinnamon, mint, cloves, or cayenne pepper can help create effective barriers.
Other natural deterrents for mosquitoes include eucalyptus, lavender, and lemongrass, whether in essential oil form or planted in garden pots.
Indoors or outdoors, these fragrances can make a noticeable difference and are safer than traditional repellents.
Reducing standing water around your property is also critical, as it prevents mosquitoes from breeding. Additional strategies include wearing light-colored clothing, using porch fans, and ensuring your windows are equipped with screens.
Read next:
- Are you using the wrong mosquito repellent? Only two things actually work
- West Nile alert: Why hospitals turned away a man bitten by mosquito–Are you at risk?
