While living surrounded by greenery can be enjoyable, it can also bring challenges during the rainy season. Mosquitoes, which thrive in moist environments and hide amongst the plants, become more active. As the sun sets, these pests can find their way indoors, making evenings less peaceful. Traditional mosquito control methods, like vapor machines may not always provide complete relief. Additionally, some people may be concerned about the potential health effects of the chemicals these methods emit. So, what can you do to keep these pests at bay? This blog post will explore some effective tips to help you get rid of them at home. Keep reading to learn more!

How To Get Rid of Mosquitoes and Keep Them Away

1. Camphor

Camphor is a common household item with a long history of use as a mosquito repellent. Its strong odour effectively disrupts mosquitoes' sense of smell, driving them away. Camphor comes in various forms that can be used for mosquito control.

There are two main ways to use camphor:

• Burning Camphor: Close all doors and windows in the room. Light a piece of camphor and let it burn for a short while. You'll likely notice a decrease in mosquitoes within 30 minutes.
• Caution: Ensure proper ventilation when burning camphor, and never leave it unattended.
• Camphor Tablets Place a camphor tablet in a bowl of water (placed strategically away from children and pets). The camphor's scent will repel mosquitoes for several days. Remember to replace the tablet every few days to maintain its effectiveness.

2. Essential Oils

Another way to keep mosquitoes away is with essential oils. Certain oils, like lavender, peppermint, neem, and tea tree oil, have a strong natural scent that repels insects. Mosquitoes find these scents unpleasant, so you can take advantage of this to keep them at bay. Spray diluted solutions of these oils around your home or even on your clothes for added protection.

• Tip: You can also dilute these oils and apply them directly to your skin to avoid mosquito bites. A few drops of lavender oil might even help soothe an existing bite.

3. Using Basil and Other Mosquito-Repellent Plants

While basil might be best known for its use in food, it can also be a helpful tool in your fight against mosquitoes. The leaves contain properties that are toxic to mosquito larvae, meaning those pesky insects that come in contact with them won't last long.

To benefit from this natural defense, simply plant a basil bush or two near entry points to your home. You can even use some of the leaves to create your own mosquito-repellent spray!

While basil works great for a majority of people, Citronella and Lemongrass are also popular choices for natural insect repellents due to a shared compound called citronella. This compound helps mask the scents of carbon dioxide and lactic acid that mosquitoes use to locate their targets. By using these plants around your home, you can create a natural barrier against mosquito bites.

4. Using Incense Sticks

Lemongrass, citronella, and other strong-smelling incense sticks are a popular choice for natural mosquito repellents. Mosquitoes dislike both smoke and strong odours, so these incense sticks can offer some protection. However, for best results, it's important to use them correctly.

Here's a look at some popular options:

• Lavender: Known for its calming effects, lavender incense sticks can also prove helpful repel mosquitoes. Studies suggest lavender oil repels up to 80% of mosquitoes for several hours. To use, light the stick, wait a few seconds, and gently extinguish the flame. Place the incense stick near doorways or your bed for better coverage.
• Citronella: A classic mosquito repellent, citronella incense sticks are effective at keeping these insects at bay. The oil is also found in various repellents like lotions and sprays. Light a stick and place it in a holder outdoors for a mosquito-free zone of around 12 feet. Make sure you look for an incense stick such as Nature's Citronella and Citronella Garden which are made without using any harsh chemicals.
• Eucalyptus: Offering a refreshing aroma, eucalyptus incense is another natural mosquito repellent. It's a good choice for indoor use during mosquito season.
• Lemongrass: Lemongrass incense sticks are made with lemongrass essential oil, a known mosquito repellent. The refreshing scent masks human odours that attract mosquitoes. Light a stick and enjoy the calming fragrance while keeping mosquitoes away.
• Peppermint: While other options like lavender and lemongrass offer shorter protection times, peppermint incense offers longer-lasting mosquito repellency.

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5. Using Mosquito Traps

One method for controlling mosquito populations is with mosquito traps. These traps are relatively simple to make at home using a few common household items.

Here's a step-by-step guide for creating a mosquito trap:

• Cut a Plastic Bottle: Grab a plastic bottle and use a sharp tool to cut it in half.
• Prepare the Sugary Water: Mix some water with sugar in a container. Heat the mixture slightly to dissolve the sugar completely. Let the mixture cool completely before proceeding.
• Add Yeast and Assemble: Once the sugar water cools, sprinkle some yeast into the mixture. Now, carefully invert the top half of the bottle (the part with the cap) and place it inside the bottom half, creating a funnel shape. The yeast mixture will attract mosquitoes, and the funnel design will trap them inside the bottle.

6. Mosquito Net

Mosquito nets offer a great way to get a peaceful night's sleep without worrying about mosquito bites. They create a barrier between you and these pesky insects, allowing you to relax without the constant battle of swatting them away. However, it's important to remember that mosquito nets don't eliminate mosquitoes from your home entirely. They simply prevent them from reaching you while you sleep.

7. Turning Off Porch Lights

Mosquitoes are attracted to light, especially white light. Keeping your porch lights and door lights off can help deter them from gathering around your entryways. If you need some light, consider using dim bulbs or switching to yellow bulbs which are less attractive to mosquitoes. This can help prevent them from entering your home when you open the door.

8. Avoid Standing Water

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. If you have any areas with standing water around your home, address them first. This includes things like birdbaths, clogged gutters, or even puddles. A simple solution for small puddles can be coffee grounds. Spread a layer of coffee grounds on top of the water. The lack of oxygen will kill mosquito eggs that may be present. Coffee grounds can also be a repellent for other unwanted insects.

9. Garlic Spray

Looking for a natural mosquito repellent? Try a garlic spray! Mosquitoes dislike the sulphur in garlic. To make your own spray, boil a few cloves of garlic in water. Once cool, strain the liquid and transfer it to a spray bottle. This homemade repellent can be used around your home to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Closing Thoughts

By following these tips and tricks, you can create a multi-pronged approach to fight mosquitoes and win back control of your space. Remember, a combination of methods is often the most effective. Not only will you be able to enjoy your evenings outside without swatting away pests, but you'll also have peace of mind knowing you're using safe and natural methods whenever possible. So, put these tips into action and create a mosquito-free haven in your own backyard!