The clever way to enjoy evenings outdoors without mosquitoes

There's nothing better than spending long spring and summer evenings in the garden, but warmer weather also brings an unwelcome guest – mosquitoes. Thriving in mild, damp conditions, these biting insects can quickly spoil time spent outdoors. Luckily, a few simple changes can help reduce their numbers and keep your garden comfortable all summer long. 

Angharad James, Brand Manager at SBM Life Science, distributor of Thermacell® in the UK, shares her top tips for creating a garden that’s welcoming for people – but far less appealing to pests. 

Eliminate standing water 

“Mosquitoes need standing water to breed, so one of the simplest and most effective steps is to manage it carefully around your garden. Even small amounts can become breeding sites, so it’s worth checking plant saucers, watering cans, buckets, clogged gutters and any containers that may collect rainwater. 

“Of course, water is essential for garden wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects, so features like ponds and birdbaths can still play an important role. The key is maintenance – refreshing birdbath water every few days, keeping water moving where possible, and making sure pots drain properly can help prevent mosquitoes from settling in. After rain, a quick walk around the garden to spot hidden puddles or water collecting in corners can go a long way towards breaking the mosquito lifecycle before it begins.” 

Choose plants that help repel pests 

“While plants alone won’t eliminate mosquitoes entirely, they can play a helpful role when placed around the garden. Varieties with strong scents tend to be the most effective, as mosquitoes rely heavily on smell to find people. Citronella is well known for its fresh, citrusy fragrance, while lavender offers the added bonus of attracting pollinators. Marigolds contain natural compounds that deter insects, and herbs such as basil and mint are especially useful near seating or dining areas, where brushing past the leaves helps release their aromatic oils. Growing these plants in pots allows you to move them closer to patios, doors and pathways, creating a more comfortable environment in the spaces you use most.” 

Keep your garden neat and inviting 

“Mosquitoes are drawn to damp, sheltered areas, so keeping your garden tidy helps make it less appealing to them. Trimming back overgrown shrubs, mowing the lawn and clearing away leaves and garden debris improves airflow and lets in more sunlight. Plus, regular maintenance keeps your garden looking fresh and ready for outdoor entertaining!” 

Create a comfortable outdoor zone 

“Even with careful garden prep, mosquitoes can still linger on warm evenings. Luckily, there’s an easy way to enjoy outdoor spaces more comfortably – and deter nuisance flying pests at the push of a button.  

“The Thermacell® Mini Halo is designed for gardens, patios and balconies, helping create a calm, mosquito-free environment without the need for traditional repellents such as sprays, lotions or candles. The device gently heats a repellent mat, releasing a scent-free vapour into the air that mosquitoes and midges instinctively avoid. Within minutes, it forms an invisible 20m² zone of protection, allowing everyone to relax outside without smoke, noise or sticky residue.  

“Designed to sit neatly on tables or surfaces outdoors, the Mini Halo blends seamlessly into garden settings, working quietly in the background so you can focus on enjoying time outside all season long.” 

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Thermacell® is distributed in the UK by SBM Life Science, the company behind trusted garden brands such as Baby Bio®, Maxicrop®, and Phostrogen®. The range is available now from garden centres and outdoor retailers. For more information, visit www.seezon.com. 

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Editors notes

For over 25 years, Thermacell® has been helping people enjoy the outdoors without the irritation of mosquitoes and midges. Trusted by millions worldwide, Thermacell® is a leading brand in portable, heat-activated mosquito protection, offering an effective, scent-free and contact-free alternative to traditional repellents such as sprays or candles. Using innovative technology, Thermacell® devices create a protective zone of up to 20m² that helps keep biting insects away, including invasive species such as the Asian tiger mosquito. Compact, convenient and easy to use, the range includes solutions for every outdoor setting, from garden and patios to camping and adventure travel. Designed for comfort and proven performance, Thermacell® delivers reliable, long-lasting protection so users can make the most of their time outdoors.