The Best Ways to Clean Your Home and Get Rid of Mosquitoes. Photo: Pexels
Mosquitoes can be a nuisance to people suffering from diseases like malaria, West Nile virus, dengue, Zika, and much more.
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There are many ways to get rid of mosquitoes, ranging from insecticides to natural and organic options. For instance, if you’re not comfortable with bug exterminators, you can use natural repellents, and if you prefer not to use insecticides, you can create essential oil sprays.
There are many ways to eliminate mosquitoes, but not all are equally effective.
Buzzing mosquitoes are easier to detect during the day than at night. If it’s getting late and you wish to track them down before they can have a feast on your skin, turn on a lamp, a flashlight, or your smartphone and wait for them to be drawn to the light.
Here are the main ways to repel mosquitoes that have already settled in your home.
Chemical Repellent
Applying traditional chemical mosquito repellent will prevent them from biting you. You should check for products containing 30% to 50% DEET—the gold standard ingredient for mosquito repellent. There used to be some concerns that DEET was not safe for use on human skin, but analyses by the Environmental Protection Agency found that DEET continues to meet safety standards when used correctly.
The effects of DEET usually last up to 12 hours. Experts recommend using a repellent with 30% to 50% DEET for adults and 10% to 30% for children over two months old. Do not spray repellent on babies under two months old.
Mosquito Net
If you enjoy sleeping with windows open at night, consider getting a mosquito net to prevent bites.
Mosquito Traps
There are various ways to obtain a mosquito trap—order one online, buy one at the supermarket or hardware store, or even make your own. Here’s how to make your own mosquito trap:
- Cut a bottle in half and flip one of the cut halves upside down.
- Place the other half into the bottom half of the bottle.
- Boil a cup of sugar and a cup of water, then add two cups of cold water to the mixture.
- Let the mixture cool to about 32°C.
- Add a teaspoon of dry and active yeast to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the trap.
- Secure the trap with tape.
- The mosquitoes will be attracted to the sugar, get trapped, and drown. You’ll need to replace your homemade solution periodically.
Oscillating Fans
Mosquitoes don’t fly well against the wind. It might seem very simple, but sometimes simple is what you need. Turn on your fan and watch the mosquitoes scatter and eventually give up.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are said to repel mosquitoes, but they might not be as effective as traditional repellents. Your best bet is an essential oil containing lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus. Other options include lemongrass, peppermint, and clove.
The preparation is simple. Just mix a few drops of the chosen essential oil with a glass of water, pour it into a spray bottle, shake it, and you’re ready. You can spray it on the skin and around the house, but be careful not to spray it on delicate fabrics.
Coconut Oil and Neem Oil
A combination of coconut oil and neem oil, well mixed with water, can repel mosquitoes for up to half a day. Spray it on your skin as a natural repellent.
Candles
Lighting lavender candles or the well-known citronella ones will keep mosquitoes away as they dislike the smell.
Garlic
You can follow the process of making garlic oil spray, though the smell might not be as pleasant. Many people prefer the smell of eucalyptus over a lot of garlic.
Camphor
Camphor is a versatile mosquito repellent. You can let it stand in your room and let it evaporate or, more effectively, burn some camphor in the room. Close all doors and windows and let it burn for about 20 minutes. You’ll have to be out of the room, but you can supervise from a window.
Coffee Beans
Simply burning some coffee beans in a coffee filter or egg carton and relying on the smoke to repel these pests. Do this carefully in an area where it won’t cause damage or trigger a fire alarm.
Thyme and Rosemary
Burning thyme and rosemary may have a pleasant and soothing scent for you, but mosquitoes hate the smell and will stay away.
Basil
Basil is a versatile mosquito repellent. You can place a plant on the windowsill to keep mosquitoes away or even use it as a topical oil and apply it to the skin.
Lemon Balm
Applying lemon balm directly to the skin, especially in sensitive areas like ankles and wrists, has been shown to be effective against mosquitoes. Simply crush and rub it on the skin.
Listerine
Mouthwash with Listerine may sound like a random mosquito repellent, but it contains eucalyptus oil and can help keep mosquitoes away.
Insect Lamps
While insect lamps can kill mosquitoes upon contact, this method may fail if done repeatedly. Also, be mindful not to destroy harmless insects.
