Why You Should Look Into Keeping A Jar Of Coffee Grounds On Your Patio
Depending on where you live, mosquitoes can be a major nuisance. Not only do mosquitoes bite, but they also spread diseases and viruses including malaria, dengue virus, and Zika. Controlling the mosquito population around your home is essential. Fortunately, everything you need to repel mosquitoes and other pests is probably already a part of your morning routine. Coffee grounds are one of the household staples that repel mosquitos like magic. If you want to keep your home free from mosquitoes during the summer months, consider placing a jar of fresh or used coffee grounds in strategic locations around your home, such as on the patio.
Coffee grounds are especially known for repelling the Aedes albopictus mosquito, which is commonly found in the southeastern United States and in climates that are warm year-round. A study by the National Library of Medicine shows that the scent of coffee grounds repels this mosquito particularly well and even inhibits its ability to reproduce.
How to use coffee grounds to repel mosquitoes
The patio is a great area to place some coffee grounds, particularly if you commonly see mosquitoes in the area. However, coffee grounds are suitable for any outdoor spaces that require some mosquito repellent. Placing coffee grounds on a porch, by the pool, in your garden, or around other seating areas, can be well worth it. You may want to get a few different jars of coffee grounds in a few different areas to keep your home and yard as mosquito-free as possible. You can also make a barrier around your home with coffee grounds by adding them around entry points for a barrier that might discourage pests from accessing your home.
While fresh or used coffee grounds work well for repelling mosquitoes, burning coffee grounds can be even more effective. Simply add some lighter fluid to your coffee grounds or place them in your fire pit. This will create a powerful scented fog that serves as an effective deterrent to mosquitoes.
More reasons to use coffee grounds in your yard
Although coffee grounds repel the Aedes albopictus mosquito, that's not all they can do. Coffee grounds also help repel ants, wasps, fleas, bees, and many other pests that you see around your home. Aside from insects, the smell of coffee can also help repel mice and other rodents. Placing coffee grounds on your patio serves as an all-in-one solution and gives you a great bang for your buck.
Remember that coffee grounds don't kill mosquitoes or other pests — instead, they work as a repellent that discourages them from coming near your home. If you have a significant pest problem and the coffee grounds aren't as effective as you like, you may want to consider using other methods. For instance, a lethal DIY method like a DIY soapy water trap can help get rid of mosquitoes. As a last resort, consider using pesticides or calling a professional to help with your infestation.