It's that time of year when gardening is in full swing, but the mosquitoes are a total nightmare! I'm dealing with swarms of them that make it hard to even step outside without inhaling a bunch. When I need to work in the garden for a few hours, I wear long sleeves and slather on DEET, but often I just want to run out for quick tasks like watering or weeding. Any tips on how to get a few minutes of work done without being eaten alive by mosquitoes?
3 Answers
I’ve tried those mesh bug jackets and they actually work well. They can obstruct your view a bit, though, so if you need to see fine details, they might not be the best choice. But for quick ten-minute jobs, they could do the trick!
As someone who's been gardening for years, I've found that REPEL Lemon and Eucalyptus spray is really effective. It's plant-based, so it doesn't require showering off afterward. Just be careful; it can sting a little after shaving!
I personally get bitten more often with that spray. Not my favorite!
You should definitely check out the Thermacell MR300! It's a game changer for me. It takes about 15 minutes to heat up, but once it does, I can work outside without getting swarmed. Perfect for a quick gardening session!
I struggle with my Thermacell too. It works better with no wind, but it doesn’t help much if you're moving around. I use it when I'm repotting on the porch, but for quick tasks in the yard, it can be impractical.
That’s a good point! I was wondering if it’s effective when you’re moving about. Might not be worth it if I’m just running around doing chores.

But doesn’t that leave a lemony smell on you? I enjoy it, but I don’t want to walk around smelling like citronella either.