When it is hot, there is nothing more pleasant in the evening than sitting outside where there is a cool breeze… until a buzzing noise is heard and you’re slapping your skin hoping that you’ve caught one of them. Here we have seven ways to beat the mosquitoes and gain your veranda and garden rights back!
Candles
You can always count on Jumbo to offer brilliant and cheap solutions, so here we have just a few of their vast range of mosquito repellent candles. Small, cute, the pots make you want to forget all about those annoying insects and focus on their fabulous style and colours. If you’re going to use them outdoors, I have a feeling you’re probably be needing a bunch of these, so preferably light them indoors, relax and enjoy because they do work!
Price: £0.50 for the smaller ones and £0.99 for the slightly bigger ones
From: Jumbo
Tin
Debenhams didn’t really have that much in the mosquito repellent field but their candles are absolutely gorgeous and I managed to find a couple of citronella ones, including this one in an attractive metal tin. The scent wasn’t as strong as I thought it would be and this type made a brilliant outdoor solution.
Price: £4
From: Debenhams
Scented wax crystals
Situated on Ledra Street, Candelina is one of few candle shops in the Nicosia area. Candelina offers something other than a candle to rid you of mosquitoes and insects for good; incense wax crystals with a wick. Bought loose in a little plastic bag and then placed in a small bowl, the lady told me that she could guarantee all those little mites be gone once this is lit outdoors (scent too intense for indoors).
Price: £1
From: Candelina, Ledra Street. Tel: 22 674805
Outdoor candle
Not quite sure if Magic Candle is available in other areas but it’s one of the cheapest and best-stocked candle shops I’ve seen in Cyprus. With an array of gorgeous, scented colourful candles for all occasions, I was a bit let down when I realised this was all they had as far as repelling mosquitoes goes. But, I should know not to judge a book by its cover because this little pot had the power to keep all those buzzing noises at bay. Loved it!
Price: £4
From: Magic Candle, Tel: 22 463322
Candle in a tin
I was intrigued by the sight of this particular one on the shelves of the Super Home Centre, with its ring pull lid. Is there a surprise inside? Possibly a mosquito-buster who will jump out, save Cyprus from the horrible, blood-thirsty insects and then dive straight back in again? Er, no! Actually, this small, peculiar looking citronella canned candle from Rogito was one I could actually keep indoors without being bothered by the smell. OK, so you’ll need more than one to sit outside; I’ve got a small veranda but they’re cheap!
Price: £ 0.90
From: Super Home Centre
Aromatherapy
And for those of you who can’t stand candles, here’s the perfect solution for mosquito-free evenings. Bio Excellia, a store specialising in biological aromatherapy cosmetics, has this insect repellent diffusion. With a lemony scent, it’s both effective and unlike the rest, an actual pleasure to be around, put it in your normal essential oil burner. 100% pure and natural but a tad pricey.
Price: £8.50
From: Bio Excellia, Tel: 22 376806
Outdoor incense
One of my favourite natural products stores, Five Senses offers another alternative to the eternal summer problem. These oversize incense sticks are made for outdoor use. A friend of mine used them while she was having a barbeque by just planting them in pots around the garden. Not only were she and her guests insect-free all night, they also had a sweet citrus smell surrounding them. Available in other scents such as apple spice, cappuccino coffee and Indian Sandalwood.
Price: £3 for 10
From: Five Senses, Tel: 22 676800
