Like clockwork each spring, mosquitoes emerge from the darkness to continue their seemingly endless war against our communities, dooming us to slap our necks every time we step outside and scratch our reddened skin for days after.

But you need not fear these purveyors of annoyance! Here are a few steps you can take to help keep them at bay, turning a potential swarm into a smaller, more manageable issue.

Install fans

Mosquitoes are weak to more than just a firm slap; they’re also feeble flyers, so much so that a decent breeze can send them whirling away. But rather than hope for a windy day when entertaining, add fans to your outdoor gathering space, such as by installing one on your porch ceiling or placing floor models beside your seating. Flick these appliances on, and you’ll not only protect your guests from pests but also enjoy some cooling airflow.

Eliminate standing water

A good place to begin your quest is their literal breeding ground: your yard. Water nurtures mosquito eggs so well that in a mere eight days, these pests can mature from egg to bloodsucking adult. Don’t give them refuge—pour out any standing water from containers, add filtration features to fountains and ponds so the water doesn’t remain immobile, and examine your gutters to ensure that they drain sufficiently. Then put away clutter like stray buckets and close open trash bins to prevent them from forming puddles. You may also want to inspect your yard’s irrigation and drainage setup. If it’s poor, contact a landscaping service for assistance in eliminating any water accumulation issues.

Repair bug screens

One of the joys of the sunny seasons is the freedom to open your windows on a beautiful day—a perk that can also reduce air-conditioning costs and even improve indoor air quality. But before you do, inspect any bug screens for tears or holes, repair or replace them accordingly, and install new ones where they are missing. This is notably important in bathrooms and the kitchen, where it may be especially advantageous to let humidity out and some pleasant air in.

Tend a fragrant garden

Did you know that some plants are actually natural deterrents? Dressing your garden with flowers and herbs such as marigold, lavender, rosemary, and catnip can fill your yard with mosquito-repelling scents while also setting a beautifully vibrant and fragrant scene for you to enjoy (another good reason to pop open a window!). Just be sure that you nurture these protective plants properly. If you don’t apply mulch or soak them when watering, you can unintentionally create standing water that ends up doing you more harm than good.

Utilize natural treatments

As popular as bug zappers and mosquito traps may be, these products only help mitigate the problem, not prevent it. If you’re seeking a truly impactful solution, you can’t go wrong with good old-fashioned sprays. Store-bought pesticides are certainly an effective option, but many of them also harm beneficial insects like butterflies and ladybugs. So to simultaneously keep out mosquitoes and protect other wildlife, combine about seven ounces of water, a splash of vodka (yes, really), and about two dozen drops of an essential oil such as lemongrass. Spray this mixture throughout your yard for a powerful deterrent that could turn mosquito season into a far more enjoyable one.