Send him to that big garbage island in the Pacific.

Definitely take a break! That’s about the spot where most people struggle to get through. Take your time; there’s a lot of setup, but the pacing is not great.

Also, I think book 8 is The One Without Mat, so it took me forever to get through it.

Normally, I would recommend citronella, either the grass or the candles, but I believe it is toxic to dogs.

I believe lavender, catnip and basil are safe, but they’re all mints and may try to take over your garden or yard. They all grow very well in pots though.

You can also try setting a trap. Put out some soapy water. The females are the ones biting you and they need water to lay eggs. They’ll fall in the water and the soap prevents them from escaping. I haven’t actually tried this with mosquitos, just other pests, but I have friends who swear by it.