31-05-2025
The simple way to keep mosquitoes out of your home and away from you using an item you'd throw in the bin
MOSQUITOES may not pose a huge health risk in the UK, but that doesn't make them any less annoying.
The pesky critters are prone to biting, leaving us with itchy red marks that we'd all rather avoid this summer.
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Unlike other pests, which are often attracted to the scent of food, these critters can seek out humans and animals by the carbon dioxide we emit.
They also use other cues such as body odour, body heat and sweat to pick out their next victim.
So while sitting out in the garden or keeping the windows open on a hot summer evening sounds great, the reality is often different.
Usually, you spend half the time with a curled-up magazine swatting the pesky critters away.
Thankfully, there's a much easier way to keep mosquitoes out of your home and away from you, and it won't require you to do a workout.
Many pest control experts reveal that coffee grounds are the key to keeping them away.
Experts at WW Gardening recommend drying the coffee grounds out and then placing them on a fire-resistant container like a metal tray.
You can then light the grounds with a match like you would incense.
Brett Bennett, director of operations, PURCOR Pest Solutions recommends: "Burn it like incense – so, you'll form a little hill of coffee grounds, make a divot in the top, and add a wick there to burn."
You then want to place the tray near an open window or close to where you're sitting in the garden to keep them away
Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Garden Pest-Free
The smoke and scent of the coffee will prevent mosquitoes from wanting to get up close and personal.
Another bonus from the tip is that you won't have to spend any money as used coffee grounds are perfect for the hack so long as you let them dry out.
While the hack can be used to deter one or two mosquitoes, it may not work for larger groups.
Homes & Gardens reports it may not be effective for larger swarms of mosquitoes.
Keep pests out all summer
IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know.
Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
In addition to using burnt coffee grounds, there are other ways to keep the critters out of your home.
Mosquitoes also hate the scent of citrus fruits and cloves, so you can try using oils around windows and doors to keep them away.
It has been revealed that several other pests do not like the smell of burnt coffee, including slugs, bees, wasps, and snails.
ou can also use them to help get rid of ants by sprinkling the grounds around your garden.
Coffee can also act as a natural fertilizer for plants, contributing to healthy plant growth.
