Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying types of insects. Mosquito bites can not only damage plants outside the house, but also transmit several dangerous diseases. However, by wearing the right clothes, using mosquito repellent products, and taking good care of your home, you can regain control of the play areas and outdoor gatherings and keep mosquitoes away.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Protecting the Body
Step 1. Wear long sleeves, long pants and closed shoes
Sweat and bacteria that live on the surface of the skin can attract mosquitoes. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes will keep mosquitoes away and make it harder for mosquitoes to bite you.
- Clothing for light outdoor activities is widely sold in large department stores. Even though it has long sleeves, it is still cool and comfortable to wear even in warm weather.
- Choose brightly colored clothes like white, light brown, and pastels. Dark colors like black and navy blue can attract mosquitoes.
Step 2. Use mosquito repellent
Sprays and lotions containing DEET are very effective at repelling mosquitoes during your outdoor activities. DEET is safe as long as it is used as directed and can be used by children aged at least 2 months. Just make sure to read the product safety and usage instructions first.
- Eucalyptus, lemon, and picaridine oils are also effective in repelling mosquitoes.
- The effects of mosquito repellent lotions and sprays will wear off over time. So, make sure to reuse it as directed.
- If you prefer to use a natural mosquito repellent, try mixing 60 ml of witch hazel and 60 ml of distilled water in a spray bottle. After that, add a total of 40-50 drops of essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, and lemon oil (you can choose your own combination). It is advisable to reduce the amount of essential oil by half if this mosquito repellent is to be used by children under 3 years of age.
Step 3. Light a candle containing geraniol or citronella
Geraniol wax is 5 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than citronella. So, although not everyone is comfortable with smelling like citronella candles, it's a good idea to buy geraniol candles.
While not very effective at repelling mosquitoes, citronella candle smoke can help confuse mosquitoes and protect you from their bites
Step 4. Use a tent or mosquito net
If you're planning a garden party and want to relax in a hammock, consider protecting it with a tent or mosquito net.
While they can't really keep you away from mosquitoes, tents and mosquito nets can protect your skin from biting them as long as they're tightly closed and hanging down to the ground so mosquitoes can't get in
Step 5. Turn on the fan
Mosquitoes are not strong enough flying insects. So, turning on electric fans in strategic places will make it difficult for these nuisance insects to approach and bite you. Mosquitoes are also very attracted to the carbon dioxide that humans give off, and fans can also help remove it.
Step 6. Stay away from tall grass, standing water, and areas of heavy trees
In this area the mosquitoes most often live and nest. Therefore, stay away from this area to minimize the chances of you being approached and bitten by mosquitoes.
Step 7. Don't go out in the afternoon
Mosquitoes are most active at night, starting around dusk. Your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes will decrease if you don't leave the house and postpone continuing outdoor activities until the next day.
Method 2 of 2: Creating a Mosquito Free Environment
Step 1. Place bird and bat cages outdoors
Birds and bats are natural predators of mosquitoes. By providing a place for birds and bats to live near your home, you can reduce mosquito attacks. In addition to mosquitoes, birds and bats will also eat a number of other insects.
Step 2. Mow the grass once a week
Mosquitoes like to hide in thick and tall grass. After mowing the grass, don't forget to throw it away because this pile of grass clippings can still be inhabited by mosquitoes.
Step 3. Plant mosquito repellent plants in your yard or garden
Lavender, marigold, lemon balm, pennyroyal, catfish, and basil are some examples of plants that can repel mosquitoes and are planted around the house.
Step 4. Clean the puddle
Patch holes and uneven areas around the house. Places of this kind can hold water and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- You can buy cement yourself to fill gaps in your foundation or driveway, or ask a professional builder to fix holes around your house.
- Get rid of cans or containers that can hold mosquitoes in the rainy season. Gutters, tarpaulins, barbecue cans, and potted plants filled with water can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Dispose and clean bird baths and pet drinking places regularly every 24-48 hours because they can become a place for mosquito larvae.
Step 5. Take care of the pool
If there is a swimming pool in your home, filter and chlorinate the water to prevent mosquitoes from living there.
If there is a water reservoir near your home, such as a pond, consider keeping mosquito-eating fish such as koi and goldfish there
Step 6. Close the tree stump
Tree stumps can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, but are often overlooked. Cover the tree stump completely with sand, earth, or gravel to prevent it from getting damp and retaining water.
Step 7. Sprinkle coffee grounds on the puddle
Coffee can kill mosquito larvae. So, sprinkling coffee grounds in puddles, ditches, or swamps around your home can help reduce mosquito populations.
However, do not pollute the habitat of fish, birds, or other marine life by sprinkling coffee grounds in ponds or wetlands where these animals live
Step 8. Use an industrial pesticide if you live in an area with dense trees or swamps
If you have a pond or large puddle, try spraying a larvicide that kills mosquito larvae but is not toxic to other marine life.
- In some areas, you may purchase and spray your own pesticide. Regulations for using pesticides vary depending on where you live.
- For example, mass spraying to repel mosquitoes across an area is possible in some areas of North America. To find out more about the regulations for using and spraying pesticides in your area, please contact your local health office.
