Mosquitoes, with their incessant buzzing and itchy bites, can pose a health risk for anyone. A mosquito bite can end up causing infection and illnesses such as malaria and dengue. Therefore, it is common to use traditional methods like citronella candles and bug sprays to keep mosquitoes at bay. In addition to these, there are several unconventional yet remarkably effective ways that can be used to keep these pesky bugs away. 7 unusual and effective ways to keep mosquitoes away Placing catnip outside Catnip, known for its intoxicating effect on feline friends, contains a natural compound called nepetalactone. This compound acts as a potent mosquito repellent. Placing catnip plants around an outdoor space or crushing the leaves to release the essential oils can help keep mosquitoes at bay. Spreading out coffee grounds Coffee grounds can be used for more things than just the morning brew; they can also serve as a weird yet effective mosquito deterrent. When spread in stagnant water, coffee grounds form a barrier on the surface that suffocates mosquito larvae. This prevents them from maturing into adults. This is an eco-friendly approach to tackling mosquito breeding grounds. Setting up outdoor traps Outdoor traps might seem like an odd choice, but they work wonders in reducing mosquito populations.