How to Naturally Protect Yourself from Flies and Mosquitoes – Day and Night

As the warm breeze of summer flows in, it brings longer days, fresh fruit, and time spent outdoors. But it also invites some of the most annoying — and sometimes dangerous — visitors into our lives: flies and mosquitoes.

These tiny troublemakers aren’t just irritating; they’re carriers of serious diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus. They can disrupt your peace during the day, ruin your sleep at night, and turn any gathering into a scratching contest. But the good news is, you can protect yourself — without relying on toxic chemicals or expensive gadgets.

In this second part of the Summer Survival Guide, I’m sharing natural, effective strategies to help you stay safe from flies and mosquitoes, whether you're relaxing indoors or enjoying a warm evening outside.

🌞 Daytime Protection: How to Keep Flies Away

🧽 1. Keep Your Home Clean and Crumb-Free

Flies are attracted to food waste, sugary spills, dirty dishes, and even pet food left out too long. Make it a daily habit to:

Wipe down countertops and dining areas after each meal.

Keep fruits in the fridge or covered with mesh.

Take out trash regularly and always seal the garbage bin.

Clean pet bowls frequently.

Even a single drop of juice or sticky jam can invite a swarm.

🌿 2. Use Natural Fly Repellents

Forget harsh chemical sprays! Mother Nature has gifted us plenty of gentle solutions. Try these around your home:

Clove-stuffed lemons: Slice a lemon in half and insert a few whole cloves. Place them in corners or on the dining table — they repel flies and smell fresh!

Basil, mint, or lavender plants: These herbs naturally keep flies away and double as kitchen staples.

Essential oil sprays: Mix 10 drops of eucalyptus or citronella oil with water in a spray bottle. Mist it around your kitchen, windows, or near trash areas.

🪟 3. Seal the Entry Points

Install fine mesh screens on all windows and doors.

Check for gaps around frames and seal them with weatherproof tape.

Use magnetic fly screen curtains for balconies or frequently used doorways.

It might sound like a small step, but it's one of the most powerful.

🧃 4. Make a DIY Fly Trap

One of the easiest home hacks:

Take a small bowl

Pour in apple cider vinegar

Add a few drops of dish soap

Flies are drawn to the scent but get stuck in the soapy liquid. Simple and effective.

🌙 Nighttime Defense: How to Fight Off Mosquitoes

While flies are more active during the day, mosquitoes usually begin their hunt at dusk and continue through the night.

🛏️ 1. Use Mosquito Nets and Screens

A good old mosquito net over your bed can make all the difference — especially in areas where mosquitoes carry diseases. You can also install window and door screens or use magnetic mesh doors that shut automatically.

🌸 2. Apply Natural Mosquito Repellents

Chemical mosquito creams can irritate the skin, especially for kids. Here are safer, natural options:

Neem oil + coconut oil: Mix in equal parts and apply to exposed skin. It has a strong smell but works well.

Lavender, citronella, or peppermint oil: Mix 10 drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil (like almond or olive) and apply before bed.

DIY spray: Mix distilled water, witch hazel, and essential oils in a spray bottle to mist over your skin or bedding.

🔥 3. Burn Natural Mosquito Repellers

Certain herbs and items create smoke that mosquitoes hate:

Burn dried neem leaves or camphor (kapur) in a safe corner.

Use citronella candles on the balcony or patio during evening hours.

Light incense sticks with lemongrass or lavender scent.

This creates a protective boundary while also relaxing your senses.

💧 4. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites

Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, which can collect in:

Flowerpots

Birdbaths

Unused tires

Water buckets

AC drip trays

Leaky taps or gutters

Empty, clean, or cover these areas regularly. If you have indoor plants, use sand in the saucers to prevent standing water.

🕒 All-Day & All-Night Prevention Tips

Whether day or night, these habits will add an extra layer of protection.

👕 Wear the Right Clothing

Choose light-colored, full-sleeved clothes — mosquitoes are drawn to dark colors.

Tuck in your pants, especially in grassy or wooded areas.

If possible, treat clothing with permethrin (a fabric-safe repellent).

🌱 Grow Natural Repellent Plants

These garden heroes not only repel bugs but look and smell great too:

Citronella grass

Tulsi (holy basil)

Lemongrass

Rosemary

Marigold

Mint

Place them near windows, balconies, or entrances to act as a living barrier.

⚡ Use Electric Swatters and Mosquito Traps

Keep a mosquito racket nearby, especially in the bedroom.

Plug in a UV mosquito trap to attract and kill bugs silently.

Avoid leaving bright lights on at night — they attract insects.

❗ Why You Should Care

Flies and mosquitoes are more than an annoyance. They’re disease carriers, sleep disruptors, and can affect your overall health. A single bite might lead to weeks of sickness in severe cases.

By following these tips, you’re not just avoiding a few itchy bites—you’re actively protecting yourself and your family from real health threats. And the best part? Most of these solutions are natural, affordable, and easy to implement.

🌿 Final Thoughts from HB Vibes

You don’t need to wait for bugs to ruin your summer nights or your peaceful mornings. A few simple changes and natural remedies can go a long way in keeping your space safe, clean, and bug-free.

👀 Next Up: I’ll be sharing DIY natural mosquito repellent recipes you can easily make at home—using ingredients straight from your kitchen!

💬 Have your own tip to stay bug-free? I’d love to hear it in the comments!