DANVERS — The local threat level for West Nile virus appears to be on the rise as infected mosquitoes have been found in both Danvers and Peabody.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a warning on Aug. 22 for Danvers, and then Friday, DPH reported the first detection of infected mosquitoes in Peabody. And then a second positive sample in Danvers.
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BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced Friday the 13th human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state this year. The individual is a man in his 40s with exposure in southern Essex County.
As a result, WNV risk levels are being raised to moderate in Middleton in Essex County and North Reading in Middlesex County.
There have been 332 WNV-positive mosquito samples so far this year detected from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties, according to the state. Last year, there were six human cases of WNV and no animal cases. No animal cases of WNV have been detected so far this year.
Risk for WNV will continue until the first hard frost.
Health officials continue to urge the public to take precautions.
Avoid mosquito bites
Apply insect repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years of age.
Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.
Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Mosquito-proof your home
Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.
Protect your animals
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools — especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at Mosquito-borne Diseases via mass.gov, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.
NEW YORK — New York state reported its first case of eastern equine encephalitis in nearly a decade on Friday.
The rare mosquito-borne virus was detected in Ulster County, the New York State Department of Health said. The individual is hospitalized, it said.
The Ulster County Department of Health is currently investigating the case, which marks the first case of EEE confirmed in New York state since 2015, health officials said.
“Eastern equine encephalitis is a serious and fatal mosquito-borne disease with no vaccine,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a statement. “Even though temperatures are getting cooler, mosquito-borne illnesses are still a risk and New Yorkers must be cautious.”
The human case comes after a case of EEE was confirmed in a horse in Ulster County in August, the state health department said. Earlier this month, two emus in New York’s Rensselaer County also tested positive for the virus, which does not spread directly from birds to humans, the department said.
The latest human EEE case in New York brings the national tally to at least 11 so far this year, according to an ABC News tally. The national yearly average is 11, with most cases occurring in eastern or Gulf Coast states.
Beyond New York, cases have been reported in at least six other states so far this year: Massachusetts, with four; New Hampshire, with two; and, with one each, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.
Between 2003 and 2023, there have been at least 196 EEE cases reported in the U.S., including 176 hospitalizations and 79 deaths.
The best way to prevent infection from the disease is to protect yourself from mosquito bites, including by using insect repellant, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, treating clothing and gear and taking steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
“With the first confirmed human case of eastern equine encephalitis in Ulster County, I urge residents to take the recommended precautions to prevent mosquito bites and the risk of infection,” Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said in a statement.
Most people infected with EEE do not develop symptoms. For those who do, symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes and drowsiness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Approximately a third of all people who develop severe cases die, according to the CDC.
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HAVERHILL — The state Department of Public Health has confirmed that mosquitoes collected locally tested positive for West Nile virus.
The mosquitoes were among those captured at a surveillance site in Haverhill, according to Deborah Ketchen, health agent for nearby Merrimac, and that town’s Board of Health.
The board urged its residents to take proper precautions and offered tips in a news release issued Thursday night, noting that the town’s risk level for the West Nile virus remained the same.
It was not noted whether these mosquitoes were among those that tested positive for West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis in Haverhill on July 30.
Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett announced on the city’s website Aug. 2 that spraying for mosquitoes would begin three days later in a northeastern section of the community due to the positive findings.
Trucks from the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control District were to begin spraying the insecticide Zenivex E4 RTU in an area “bounded by Main Street to Kenzoa Avenue to Amesbury Road to Kenzoa Street to Center Street to Millvale Road to East Broadway to Old Ferry Road to Lincoln Avenue to Water Street then back to Main Street,” the city said.
Public health surveillance is conduced in the state for both mosquito-borne illnesses. The highest risk for contracting WNV or EEE is from late July to the first fall frost, according to Merrimac health officials.
Mosquitoes receive WNV and EEE by biting infected birds. People and animals contract these diseases by being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Most people bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV will either have no symptoms or very mild symptoms and recover on their own. People over age 50 have the highest risk of becoming seriously ill, the Merrimac officials said. Additional monitoring and testing of mosquitoes in Haverhill was expected.
Merrimac health officials and Barrett encourage the public to take precautions, including using DEET mosquito repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding outdoor activities from dusk to dawn.
Residents are also asked to check their property for containers of standing water that could attract mosquitoes. Tightly fitted screens are needed for windows and doors, the officials said.
More information about WNV and EEE is available by calling the state Department of Public Health recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), or the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.
MERRIMAC — Town health officials ask residents to take precautions after the discovery of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in nearby Haverhill.
The insects were among those trapped at a specific mosquito surveillance site, Merrimac Health Agent Deborah Ketchen and the town’s Board of Health announced in a news release Thursday night.
The state Department of Public Health later confirmed that the mosquitoes tested positive for the potentially deadly virus, the health officials said.
The Health Board urged local residents to take proper precautions and offered tips, noting that the town’s risk level for West Nile virus remained the same.
It was not noted whether these mosquitoes were among those that tested positive for West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis in Haverhill on July 30.
Last week, Newburyport confirmed a case of West Nile virus in the city and urged its residents to take precautions. None of the cases in either community involve infected humans.
Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett announced on the city’s website Aug. 2 that spraying for mosquitoes would begin three days later in a northeastern section of the community due to the positive findings.
Trucks from the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control District were to begin spraying the insecticide Zenivex E4 RTU in an area “bounded by Main Street to Kenzoa Avenue to Amesbury Road to Kenzoa Street to Center Street to Millvale Road to East Broadway to Old Ferry Road to Lincoln Avenue to Water Street then back to Main Street,” the city said.
Public health surveillance is conduced in the state for both mosquito-borne illnesses. The highest risk for contracting WNV or EEE is from late July to the first fall frost, according to Merrimac officials.
Mosquitoes receive WNV and EEE by biting infected birds. People and animals contract these diseases by being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Most people bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV will either have no symptoms or very mild symptoms and recover on their own. People over age 50 have the highest risk of becoming seriously ill, the Merrimac officials said. Additional monitoring and testing of mosquitoes in Haverhill was expected.
Merrimac health officials and Barrett encourage the public to take precautions, including using DEET mosquito repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding outdoor activities from dusk to dawn.
Residents are also asked to check their property for containers of standing water that could attract mosquitoes. Tightly fitted screens are needed for windows and doors, the officials said.
More information about WNV and EEE is available by calling the state Department of Public Health recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), or the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.
If you are a bug magnet like I am, you will appreciate this (dare I say) life-changing project! Make these DIY citronella candles and experience for yourself how well an effective mosquito-repellent candle can work! I especially appreciate that these candles are made with all-natural materials, with no toxic harmful ingredients included.
If you are anything like me, the summer months are the perfect season to spend time outside. In typically cooler climates like where I live, the long, warm summer days are perfect for gardening and soaking up the sun outside. There’s just one tiny problem: mosquitoes.
I don’t know what it is, but mosquitoes seem to absolutely love me (that love is not returned!). Mosquitoes leave me with large, itchy welts as they feast in the morning and evening hours. Ugh!
Thankfully, after years of experimenting and lots of trial and error, I have developed a few methods for keeping these pests at bay naturally. One of my favourite methods are these DIY citronella candles.
This post will cover…
Even made out of recycled materials, these citronella candles can look really cute.
Do Citronella Candles Really Work?
I originally published this post in 2016, and since then, there’s been a lot of discussion surrounding the topic of citronella candles and their effectiveness for repelling mosquitoes.
Lately, several articles have been published citing a study claiming citronella candles don’t work. However, that’s not what the study actually shows.
The studies say if you are trying to protect yourself from Zika, Malaria, or other mosquito-borne illnesses, you should not rely upon a citronella candle.
I completely agree with this! If you are going somewhere where those diseases are heavily present, or if you are at higher risk, I would not rely on citronella to keep you safe.
That being said, if you are out in your garden, or on your patio having a glass of wine, and you put a few of these candles around to protect your space, they can be effective.
Not because mosquitoes are disgusted by the smell, but rather because it can help mask your scent. As you burn the candles, it consistently releases the oil into the air, which keeps your scent hidden.
Citronella candles have about a 40% effective rate.
The studies have shown that citronella candles work about 40% of the time. This means that 60% of the time, you may end up with bites.
I’d still much rather use an all-natural bug spray in combination with citronella candles to reduce the chances of getting bitten than dose myself in DEET and chemicals daily just to prevent bites.
Is it 100% effective? No. But, when used in combination, I think it can be an effective ally in the fight against mosquitoes.
That’s why I arm myself with a combination of citronella candles, my mosquito-repelling container garden, and my DIY bug spray that uses natural essential oils. This combination is an effective one-two punch that keeps those pesky mosquitoes far, far away without exposing myself (and my garden!) to any harmful chemicals.
I use citronella candles, especially at night, when the heat has died down and the mosquitoes come out.
Other Scents to Use in Citronella Candles
Truth be told, I’m personally not overly crazy about the smell of citronella, but I’ll happily deal with it to avoid performing a constant ridiculous-looking dance of smacking myself to kill the flying pests.
While the most effective candles will still be primarily citronella, feel free to add a few other fragrances. To make the candles smell better to me (but still effective), I have played with adding a couple of additional scents to my latest batch of citronella candles, such as:
You may have to experiment a bit and see which combination you like best, but that’s part of the fun of making DIY candles.
More herby and other citrus scents pair best with citronella.
How to Make Citronella Candles
With a few simple, natural ingredients and just a little bit of time, you will have your own mosquito-repellent candles to use all around your yard!
Materials
If you’re using recycled containers, ensure they’re clean and dry before starting.
Make It!
1. Add the wicks to the center of your can or container. The best way I have found to use this is with a hot glue gun. Make sure to press the wick down firmly (and carefully as the hot glue can burn).
If you are using a larger container, you can add two or three wicks spaced apart around the center.
Don’t skip this step. Otherwise, your wick will be moved and float around.
2. Assemble your double boiler and add wax or old candles in small pieces. Don’t worry so much about bits of wick or other specks in the wax, as you won’t see them in the candles when they are done.
This is a great project to reuse your old candle wax.
3. Heat the wax over medium heat until it is completely melted. This won’t take too long. Stir every once in a while to help it melt evenly.
Break up larger wax chunks so they melt faster.
4. When the wax is melted, it’s time to add the fragrance. Add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax and augment the scent with 0.5 oz of other scents per pound. If you prefer just citronella, you can use 1.5 oz per pound.
Add in fragrance after the wax has melted so you don’t burn off the fragrance.
5. Let the wax cool slightly and carefully pour into containers. I can usually gently maneuver my wicks to stay in the center as the wax cools, but if you are having trouble, secure the wicks with a chopstick or clothespin to keep them in line.
If you want the wicks perfectly center, use a clothespin or wind them around a bamboo skewer to hold them in place.
6. Allow your candle to cure for 48 hours undisturbed before burning. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before you light it. Then, once it’s lit, let the candle burn so that there is a full, wide pool of wax before you blow it out. This is how you get an even burn for the life of the candle.
The first light of a new candle is important, as it will ensure it remains even for the remainder of the candle’s life.
Citronella Candle-Making: Helpful Tips
If you are new to making candles (or making citronella candles), take a quick look at these helpful tips to ensure success with your efforts:
Be careful not to disturb them too much and set them in a warm place to cool. Cooling slowly and completely will create the best looking candles.
If you get a depressed area around the wick when cooled, warm up some more wax and pour it into the void.
Decorate your citronella candles by wrapping them in burlap, twine, and/or yarn.
Store them near the garden, deck, or patio so you can quickly light up when the pests start buzzing around.
Use a few citronella candles around your entertaining area for maximum effort.
Re-Use Old Supplies to Save Money
Even though this project is fairly inexpensive, there are costs involved—and ways to save a little money. Here are some helpful tips to help you save a little when making your citronella candles.
Reuse Containers
You may notice from the pictures that these mosquito-repellent candles are in cans. I love this project because making citronella candles in cans is not only a great, natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay, but it’s also a great recycling project that reuses your cans.
Plus, it’s a simple and inexpensive project, much like the soy beeswax jar candles I made not too long ago.
I love using old metal cans for this project. They don’t even have to be shiny. Rusty ones look amazing! However, if you don’t have any cans, you can also use glass jars.
My only caution when using glass is to avoid using very large jars. I recommend keeping them to pint-size or smaller so that the glass doesn’t break when the hot wax heats up the jar.
I store my unused candles in this outdoor tote, which is great decor itself.
Reuse Old Wax
The cost of wax is the most costly part of this project. If you want to cut down costs, scrape old wax out of previously used containers and melt it back down for your new candles.
Tip: If you want to try this, freeze your containers with old wax overnight, then the next morning, take a butter knife and carefully peel the wax away from the edges of the container. You’ll likely have chunks coming out at a time!
Wrap your candles in yarn, twine, or burlap for extra cute decor.
FAQ About Making Homemade Citronella Candles
What kind of citronella oil do you use?
I use citronella essential oil. You can get it fairly inexpensively at candle shops or online. You can also use fragrance oils, which tend to be cheaper and are less “clean,” but you will still get the job done.
What is the wax to citronella ratio?
I add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax, and then add in 0.5 oz of other scents of my choice. If you’re going to use just citronella oil as your scent, you can do 1.5 oz of it.
How can I stick wicks to the bottom of the can?
I just use a hot glue gun to keep my wicks secure to the bottom of the container. If you do not have a hot glue gun, you can use wick stickers as well.
I hope that this guide helps you to make your own citronella candles easily!
I even like the look of a plain, rusty can!
More Ways to Stop Mosquitoes
DIY Citronella Candles
My guide showing you how to make citronella candles from upcycled tin soup cans, recycled candle wax and natural citronella oil.
1. Using the hot glue gun, affix the wicks to the bottom of the cans and press it firmly into the center.If you are using a larger can, add two or three wicks spaced apart around the center.
2. Assemble your double boiler and add wax or old candles in small pieces. Don’t worry so much about bits of wick or other specks in the wax as you won’t see them in the candles when they are done.
3. Heat over medium heat until the wax is completely melted.
4. When the wax is melted, it’s time to add the fragrance. Add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax and augment the scent with 0.5 oz of other scents per pound.
5. Let the wax cool slightly and carefully pour into containers. I can usually gently maneuver my wicks to stay in the center as the wax cools, but if you are having trouble, secure the wicks with a chopstick or clothespin to keep them in line.
6. Allow your candle to cure for 48 hours undisturbed before burning. Then, when you fire it up, let the candle burn so that there is a full, wide pool of wax before you blow it out. It is said that candles have a memory, so it’s best to let the first burn set the tone for all the rest.
One minute you’re enjoying the great outdoors, the next minute you’ve got that irritating buzz in your year and a growing itchy welt. Mosquitoes are annoying pests that affect just about everyone, no matter where you live. Here’s how to keep them away and make a DIY mosquito trap when you’ve just had enough.
Nobody likes a party crasher. Especially one that wants to suck your blood.
A nice evening outside can veryyy quickly get ruined by an onslot of mosquitoes. One moment, you’re enjoying some well-deserved downtime on a lovely summer eve, and the next, you’re running for cover inside.
While mosquitoes may be tiny, they sure know how to ruin the evening. Or time spent in the garden. Or a camping trip. You get the point!
As someone who mosquitoes absolutely love (lucky me), I’ve gotten the system down pat for how to prevent them, keep them away from my skin, and even have a DIY mosquito trap that I utilize when all else fails.
Here’s how to keep those mosquitoes away from your party!
Citronella is famous for being a scent that mosquitoes hate.
7 Ways to Naturally Get Rid of Mosquitoes
Before I get to the DIY mosquito trap, there are many other simple hacks you can use to not only get them to leave you alone but also prevent them from popping up in the first place.
Remove Standing Water
Let’s prevent mosquitoes from bothering you in the first place! Mosquitoes will breed in standing water, and they don’t like to travel far for food. Water that is stagnant for just four days can become a breeding ground.
They can lay eggs in the stagnant water or even a container waiting to be filled up. Once the larvae pupate, you’ll have a hungry mosquito population on your hands.
Birdbaths, ponds, and even a little pocket of rainwater can be the culprit. Remove any standing water, and turn anything that might collect water upside down.
If you have a pond, I suggest adding fish to help eat the larvae or adding a bubbler to prevent mosquito breeding.
Cover your rain barrel to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
Mosquito Repellent Landscaping
Did you know that what you plant can make a difference when it comes to mosquitoes? Many plants will give off an unpleasant aroma to mosquitoes.
That being said, these plants will typically only release the scents when the leaves are touched and rubbed. Just planting them in your garden won’t help, but every little bit counts right?
Plant these in an entertaining area, making them part of your landscape. Whenever you pass by, touch and rub the leaves to release their oils.
Here are some plants mosquitoes dislike the smell of:
These plants can be beautiful and useful!
Keep Your Area Clean
As I mentioned, mosquitoes will lay eggs in containers and any standing water they can find. Make sure to keep your area tidy to prevent mosquitoes from finding a neat little hideaway to lay eggs in.
Neglected pots, shrubs, and debris can all be a perfect habitat.
If you’re too tired to clean one day, do so the next! But don’t wait too long.
Light Up Citronella Candles
You’ll find citronella candles all over my deck. I even take them camping! They’re super simple to make out of old candle wax, citronella oil, and recycled containers like soup cans.
Citronella is a bit of an acquired scent, even for humans, so making them yourself allows you to add in some additional scents to make it more appealing for our noses while keeping mosquitoes away naturally.
I make mine in recycled tin cans but also terracotta pots for a more polished look.
Start a Breeze
If I’m outside lounging and the mosquitoes are feasting on me, I like to bring a fan outside. This is especially helpful if you’re entertaining outside. Creating a warm breeze will not only keep everyone cool, but it will blow away united guests like mosquitoes out of the area.
Naturally Protect Your Skin
The last thing you will see me do is cover my skin in commercial bug spray with DEET. I mentioned above that there are many plants and scents that mosquitoes don’t like. Well, you can make your own bug spray using essential oils, which are concentrated versions of these plants.
It’s time to get over your arachnophobia. While you may not like them, I guarantee that mosquitoes dislike garden spiders more than you. Try your best to leave the spider webs up in the garden and non-intrusive areas, as they will catch the mosquitoes for you.
Every insect is doing their part for the local ecosystem, spiders and mosquitoes included.
How to Make a DIY Mosquito Trap
After you’ve done all these preventative measures to get rid of mosquitoes and keep them away, here’s a simple homemade mosquito trap you can make to keep them away.
Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide (it’s how they find us to bite!). This DIY mosquito trap creates carbon dioxide thanks to the fermentation of the sugar and yeast. As the mosquitoes fly in, they get trapped and die when they fall into the syrup.
Materials
1 cup hot water
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 gram yeast
2 litre soda bottle
Box cutter
Duct tape
Let your yeast water cool before making your trap.
Make It!
Cut the soda bottle in half. Dissolve the brown sugar (yes, it must be brown sugar or some kind of raw, unrefined sugar) in the hot water and then allow it to cool.
Pour the sugar water into the bottom half of the bottle and then add in the yeast (no need to stir). Invert the top of the bottle so that the mouth sits inside the bottom of the bottle (above the syrup).
Tape the two bottle halves together and set it in an area where the mosquitoes breed and feed. Change the syrup every two weeks or whenever it stops bubbling.
This plastic was thin enough to use standard kitchen scissors with.
FAQ About Mosquito Traps
What kind of yeast for mosquito trap?
Use any dry yeast. I use the traditional instant packets.
Do vinegar and baking soda attract mosquitoes?
The reaction between baking soda and vinegar releases CO2, which is the same effect as the sugar and yeast combination. In my experience, the sugar and yeast combination works better, but you can also try this method.
Do mosquito dunks work? (and who should use them?)
Yes! Mosquito dunks (also known as larvicide) utilize naturally occurring bacteria that release a toxin that kills mosquito and fungus gnat larvae. It’s used for standing water that you can’t get rid of, such as rain barrels or pool covers. It works for about 30 days and is supposed to not be toxic to people, pets, and other insects, such as bees.
Whether you are camping or enjoying a little backyard entertaining around a fire pit, you can easily repel mosquitoes by tossing in a few herb branches. Burning herbs is a natural and safe way to keep mosquitoes from making you their next meal. Read on to find out which fresh plants and herbs repel mosquitoes and how to use them.
Spending time outside is one of my favourite things to do. I can garden practically all day and not be the least bit bothered by insects. Then, the evening comes, and the mosquitoes come out. UGH! My least favourite insect of them all!
Without any mosquito intervention, I become the meal du jour, and my lovely day turns into an evening of waving hands and smacking myself in an erratic and awkward dance to prevent the inevitable itchy welts that are sure to follow.
As I have learned more about plants over the years, one of the things I have discovered is methods for using plants to naturally repel mosquitoes.
This allows me to appreciate the natural benefits of plants while also avoiding the use of potentially damaging chemicals in commercial bug sprays.
Over time, I developed my natural bug spray which is made with essential oils and has worked wonders when it’s mosquito season.
Another method that I use to deter mosquitoes is burning branches of herbs over the fire pit (or campfire). And I’m going to tell you how you can too!
Most herbs will work with this trick, some better than others.
History of Burning Herbs
Indigenous Peoples, healers, herbalists, religious leaders, and the spiritually devoted from all over the world have burned herbs as a part of their religious and cultural traditions for centuries.
Indigenous Peoples sustainably harvest sacred plants native to the land with appreciating and reverence. Drying and bundling them, and burning them in a cleansing practice called smudging. Smudge sticks are used for ceremonial and purification purposes.
These practices are steeped with tradition and deep spiritual meaning. With all that has been taken from Indigenous Peoples, non-native folks need to avoidculturally appropriating these rituals.
Burning herbs has a long and important history for many cultures and religions.
How to Burn Herbs With Appreciation For Other Cultures
In modern herbalism, so much of what we use today is based on the practices of many cultures. There is a deep appreciation for the history of using (and burning) herbs and allowing herbal studies to include both the past and the present.
Burning herbs over a fire for their herbal properties is a respectfully different practice than the use of smudge sticks for ceremonial or religious purposes. Smoke cleansing is the act of burning herbs without the cultural or spiritual, and is an enjoyable way to experience the beneficial herbal properties.
When I burn herbs over a fire to repel mosquitoes, I do so with appreciation and gratitude for both the ancient knowledge of herbs as well as the use of herbal plants (not sacred plants) to safely and effectively keep bugs at bay.
We can use and appreciate the ancient knowledge of herbs passed down.
Which Plants Repel Mosquitoes?
To put it mildly, I hate getting mosquito bites. My immune system reacts very strongly to their saliva, which means I end up with large, itchy, welt bites that bother me for days. I used to use large amounts of bug spray to save myself from mosquito bites, but the spray bothered me, too.
Fortunately, there are natural ways to successfully deter those pesky bugs!
Mosquitoes hate strong-smelling herbs like:
We can use these herbs in several ways to help deliver the one-two punch that will keep pesky bugs away so we can enjoy evenings outside.
A tool for your mosquito-repelling tool belt is to toss a few branches of herbs (fresh or dried) into the fire. Thankfully, what smells heavenly to you will send bugs packing. Let’s dive a little deeper into each herb to find out why.
You can use fresh or dried herbs for this trick.
Lavender
Lavender has a well-known and widely used pleasant scent that, fortunately, people love and mosquitoes hate. Burning lavender is highly effective at repelling flying insects.
Fun fact: you can also rub the plant directly on your skin to release its oils as another way to tackle pest control.
Lavender is best harvested just before the buds open.
Mint
Members of the mint family (peppermint, etc) all have a strong, pleasant smell that flying insects hate. Mint is also extremely prolific, so it’s easy to have a big bundle at the ready when you grow it in containers in your garden.
Pineapple mint.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is part of the mint family that has pleasant white flowers and a mild lemony fragrance. It works well to keep mosquitoes away.
However, lemon balm’s potential downside is that it grows fast and can quickly take over your garden. To keep it from running wild, it’s best to plant lemon balm in a container or other contained space.
This can be a great way to keep your lemon balm in control.
Sage
Burning sage emits pleasant aromatherapy that makes an evening outside even better. The other benefit is that the same smell deters mosquitoes and other flying pests.
Culinary sage is a perennial, so you can harvest from it every year for this trick.
Citronella
One very well-known and common ingredient in mosquito-repelling candles is citronella. Its strong smell does a great job of masking the very aspects that attract mosquitoes to us. Fortunately for us, citronella is easy to grow.
There are also citronella-scented plants, such as this geranium.
How to Burn Herbs in a Campfire
Burning these herbs is as easy as tossing them right into the fire. Place the herb bundle to the side rather than directly in the center of the fire so it doesn’t burn down too fast.
The smoke will carry the scent, so as long as they’re burning, the mosquitoes should leave you alone. Depending on the size of your fire, you can use a little or large bundle of herbs. Keep a few bundles handy to continually toss into the fire as needed.
Use fresh or dried herbs. Fresh herbs often have a stronger scent than dried.
Of course, just the smoke from the fire helps keep bugs away. But, by adding in some herbs that keep mosquitoes and biting insects away, they help to mask your smell. So, if you’re like me and seem to attract biting insects away from other people, the addition of herbs to your fire could likely be that extra step you need to REALLY keep the bugs away.
I often use dried herbs, as I dry them throughout the season and have them on hand.
How to Repel Mosquitoes Without a Fire
You can still create bug-repelling smoke even if you don’t have a firepit. Making your own citronella candles is easy and inexpensive if you use recycled materials. See how to make these Citronella Candles or theseTerracotta Pot Citronella Candles to have throughout your garden.
I hate the smell of citronella in the store-bought candles and find these much more enjoyable.
For an extra line of defence, don’t forget to spritz on this all-natural bug repellent that really works (and I would know because even though I don’t love mosquitoes, they LOVE me)!
This bug spray only takes a few minutes to make.
I’ve also been dabbling and planting a few mosquito-repelling container gardens to have around the areas I tend to frequently be in and I have to say, they have been helping tremendously.
Between burning herb bundles and using these other DIY methods, you can finally (and safely) say “buzz off!” to pesky mosquitoes and get back to enjoying your evening outside.
Los Angeles County has detected mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus for the first time this year.
The mosquitoes were recovered from a trap in the Winnetka neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District said Saturday.
“While the presence of West Nile Virus in our community is not unusual, this early detection serves as a critical reminder for all residents to take preventative actions,” said Steve Vetrone, the director of scientific and technical services at the vector control district, in a prepared statement. “We urge everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to eliminate standing water around their homes where mosquitoes can breed.”
The main spreader of the West Nile virus in California is the culex mosquito, which becomes infected with the virus by feeding on the blood of infected birds. The disease is usually spread to humans through mosquito bites.
About 20% of people infected with West Nile virus have symptoms, which can include fevers, headaches, body aches, nausea, skin rashes and fatigue. In rare cases, the infections can lead to serious brain and spinal cord inflammation. People who are 60 and older have a higher risk of complications.
There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus. Public health officials say the best way to protect yourself is to wear insect repellent and long sleeves and pants in mosquito-infested areas.
It also helps to eliminate standing water, where mosquitoes breed. Experts recommend emptying out any standing water in rain gutters, buckets, planters or any other area that can hold water for more than a week.
Neglected swimming pools with green water can also be reported to the local vector control district for treatment.
Experts have warned that California’s record-breaking rainfall could lead to a boom in the mosquito population and an increase in West Nile virus.
There were 461 cases of West Nile in humans in California last year, and 19 were fatal, according to the California Mosquito-Borne Virus Surveillance and Response Program.
The number of mosquitoes with West Nile virus in the Golden State rose about 78% between 2013 and 2023, the program said.
California has reported 25 samples of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus so far this year, up from five at the same time last year, according to the data. Of those 25, 18 were found in Riverside County.
The state has also reported 17 dead birds carrying the virus, up from 14 at the same time last year.
A case of locally acquired dengue, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, was detected in Pasadena on Friday, according to the Pasadena Public Health Department.
The instance is “extremely rare,” officials said, with the afflicted person being the first known case in California among someone who had not recently traveled.
Symptoms of dengue can range from mild to severe and include fever, skin rash, headaches and muscle and joint pain, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Severe cases can be life-threatening and require critical care. Most cases resolve within two to seven days.
In a statement, Pasadena epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Feaster said public health officials have been monitoring for mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue.
“Our work so far, in partnership with the Vector Control District, gives us confidence that this was likely an isolated incident and that there is very low risk of additional dengue exposure in Pasadena,” Feaster said.
Public health officials presume the victim, who is unidentified and said to be recovering, probably caught the disease from a mosquito that had bitten someone already infected with dengue. Dengue is rare in the United States but endemic to other countries and can be transmitted by travelers to areas where dengue is found.
In response to the case, public health officials have visited the neighborhood where the case was diagnosed to inform residents about preventing bites from Aedes aegypti, commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito, which transmits the disease and has seen a population boom in Southern California.
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has also deployed traps and test samples, though they have yet to identify any specimens carrying dengue. Tests will continue for the next few weeks, Pasadena officials said.
Dengue has no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat the disease. Care for dengue cases includes rest, drinking fluids and closely monitoring symptoms.
The CDC has confirmed that five cases of malaria have been discovered in Florida and Texas, the first time the potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease has been locally acquired in the United States in 20 years. What do you think?
“Really takes the enjoyment out of being bitten by a mosquito.”
Quinn Moller, Shoelace Inspector
Turtle Fact: Did You Know?
“We can just put the malaria on a bus and ship it to Massachusetts.”
Chase Dickinson, Sand Trap Raker
“Thankfully, there’s already a vaccine for me to refuse.”
