Ahhh, insects. They’re a part of the circle of life, and we need all of them for a complete ecosystem. But do we really need mosquitoes?

In general, yes. Mosquitoes help keep other insect populations under control, pollinate certain flowers, and are a food source for birds, fish, and other animals. But that doesn’t mean those armies of mosquitoes should be allowed to run rampant.

Residential pest control is actually integral to the balance of our ecosystem. When any population, including mosquitoes, is left to thrive uncontrolled, it messes with the others. You see this regularly in your yard, especially during wetter seasons. As the larvae hatch, these mini bloodsuckers come out in full force.

How can you do your part to protect your home from the damage of swarming mosquitoes? Try these 5 DIY mosquito control tips and enjoy the benefits of a pest-free yard the next time you want to relax outdoors.

1. Apply Personal Repellents

For most of us, the initial line of defense between us and the pests that want to feast on our blood is a personal insect repellent. These don’t stop the mosquitoes from swarming around your body, but they will deter them from landing on you and biting.

Personal mosquito repellants are a must in any outdoors setting that hasn’t been treated with a large-scale pesticide. There are your basic store-bought sprays, wipes, and other products that contain ingredients known to repel mosquitoes, like DEET. Or, you can always use products with more natural ingredients. One popular option is Avon’s Skin So Soft, which, according to studies, is about 85% as effective as products with DEET.

2. Invest in Pesticides

There are various types of pesticides that homeowners and professionals use to get rid of any pests from rodents to mosquitoes. Pesticides are a general term that refer to any product that controls the spread of a population, but larvicides and adulticides focus on mosquitoes.

Larvacides kill mosquito larvae before they hatch or pupacides kill the mosquitoes before they become the biting adults. These are usually applied to the surface of stagnant water, where larvae and pupae live. Adulticides are applied in spray form directly to the areas where mosquito thrive. These can be distributed through sprays and foggers or at a community-wide level through airwide mists.

3. Try Spatial Repellents

Maybe you don’t want to put chemicals on your skin, and that’s understandable. You can still keep mosquitoes at bay by using spatial repellants. These products keep mosquitoes out of a small area by emitting substances into the air.

A chemical-free option is an electronic mosquito-repellant device. You can also do this with citronella lanterns and torches, table-top essential oil diffusers, and mosquito incense.

4. Grab a Zapper or Make a Trap

Repellents don’t get rid of the mosquitoes, and they’ll keep coming back to try again. But a bug zapper or trap lets you eliminate the problem without spraying your yard.

Bug zappers serve a multifunctional purpose, attracting mosquitoes and other flying pests to the light and “zapping” them when they touch it. A trap is less obtrusive, using carbon dioxide mixes or water to bring in the mosquito and catch it with an adhesive surface or in a basket. You’ll likely have to buy a zapper unless your DIY know-how extends to electricity, but you can easily make a trap.

5. Watch Out for Water

Mosquitoes lay their larvae in standing water. If your yard is near a dry place that floods regularly or you’ve had rain lately, check your property for any puddles, buckets that collected rainwater, or other wet areas. Don’t forget to clean your gutters and eaves, as those wet leaves hold water, too.

When all else fails and your at-home DIY mosquito repellents aren’t working, call a pest professional to take control out of the hands of the swarms and give it back to you.