Gnat repellent indoors

If you spot one or two, try this overnight test: Place pieces of tape (sticky side down) over the drain in question. As they try to escape, they will become trapped on the tape, and you'll have a good indication of just how many flies you're dealing with.

Nope! They don't bite humans or transmit human disease, but they are a sign that your kitchen could use a deep clean, especially if you want to prevent more insects like roaches from joining the party.

Fight drain flies with these kitchen cabinet staples:

Bio Clean Bio-clean Drain and Septic Tanks Cleaner

$50 at Amazon

Mrs. Meyer's Mrs. Meyer´s Clean Day Dish Soap

$14 at Amazon

eBoot Nylon Pipe Cleaning Brushes

$7 at Amazon

Xion Lab XIONLAB Safer Drain Opener

$20 at Amazon

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Amy Mitchell

Amy Mitchell is the managing editor at Country Living Magazine. She writes about a wide range of topics, including homes and lifestyle content.

This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

What is the most effective mosquito repellent - chemical and natural remedies for mosquito bites TEA.RU

"It takes 1,200,000 mosquitoes to suck out all the blood from a person, but only one to get sick of it." This joke has been around for many years, but, you see, you can’t say it better. These insects can deprive you of sleep, a relaxing holiday in nature, and generally spoil the impression of summer evenings. That is why at the beginning of summer we update our arsenal of protective agents: sprays, creams, fumigators and other chemical innovations.

Which one is the most effective? Which ones are safe for children? Are there effective folk ways to deal with annoying insects?

Let's go in order.

For myself and for that guy: what are the means of protection

Mosquito repellents are remote and local action. The former work on a large area (indoors or outdoors), the latter work directly on the person himself.

Repellents got their name from the Latin word repellens - repulsive, repulsive. Their main task is to prevent mosquitoes and other insects from flying up to a person and biting him. It is achieved with the help of a specific smell. Repellents can be synthetic or natural, in the form of a spray, aerosol, cream, individual impregnated bracelets. In most cases, they are recommended to be applied to clothing: this way the effect lasts longer, and there is practically no chance of getting an allergic reaction or irritation.

Distance agents do not come into contact with human skin and are safe for health when used correctly. They can not only scare away mosquitoes (such as street coils or fumigator candles), but also destroy them - like electric fumigators and special electronic traps.

Why read the composition of repellents

To understand how safe they are. Modern products based on picaridin (saltidin) not only provide reliable protection, but also do not have a strong odor and do not irritate the skin. The active substance in such repellents is close in composition to those natural components found in various varieties of pepper plants. Such funds appeared relatively recently - in the early 2000s in the United States.

But repellents based on diethyltoluamide (DETA) have been produced since the middle of the 20th century. However, their composition cannot be called harmless, so be careful about the concentration of DEET when buying: if it is more than 40%, the product should not be applied to the skin, it is only suitable for treating clothes and shoes. A concentration of 20–30% is acceptable for adults: such a remedy can be applied to open areas of the body, but care should be taken not to allow contact with mucous membranes or damaged areas of the skin. The DEET concentration of 10-15% makes it suitable for use by children and pregnant women. True, its effectiveness is low - about 2 hours, but the harm to the body when it enters the digestive tract or mucous membranes is not so strong.

Advantages and disadvantages of chemical mosquito repellents

1. Electric fumigators.

A small handy device that allows you to get rid of mosquitoes indoors. It works by heating special plates or liquid. The concentration of the active substance kills insects after 25-30 minutes and is harmless to humans. If you plan to sleep with the window open, the fumigator can be left on for up to 8 hours. The main thing is not to forget to turn it off in the morning.

Children's fumigators do not differ from adults in their principle of operation, but the active substance in plates and liquids has a lower concentration, and therefore the duration and effectiveness of their action is lower.

Pros: compact, easy to use, effectively kills insects, no pungent odor, safe for people and animals, begins to act 15 minutes after switching on, large area of ​​action indoors.

Cons: is powered by electricity, if safety precautions are not observed, it can be a fire hazard.

2. Aerosols and creams.

Perhaps the most popular mosquito repellent. They are able to repel insects for up to 8 hours. However, remember: aerosols must be sprayed outdoors, from a distance of at least 20 cm from the surface to be treated, avoid contact with eyes, mouth and respiratory tract. And in the means for protecting children, the content of DEET should not exceed 10-15%.

Pros: reliable proven products, long-term protection, large assortment.

Cons: contains toxic substances, must be used with caution.

3. Anti-mosquito bracelets and stickers.

Silicone or plastic bracelets are often used to protect children from mosquitoes. These bracelets are made of soft non-toxic materials and contain a replaceable plate with natural oil impregnation. Toddlers usually wear them on the wrist or on the ankle while walking. After use, the bracelet is recommended to be stored in an airtight bag so that the smell does not disappear. Mosquito repellent stickers work on the same principle - only they are placed on clothes.

Pros: safe composition based on vegetable oils, compact, bright design, easy to use.

Cons: local action, low efficiency - do not guarantee 100% protection against bites.

4.

The agent also belongs to fumigators: it poisons mosquitoes with a special poisonous substance. Applicable only in open space. The spiral is set on fire for a few seconds, then extinguished and left to smolder. Effectively eliminates mosquitoes, creating a protective "dome" over people, to which insects do not approach.

Pros: affordable price, efficiency, long period of use - up to 8 hours, the ability to completely extinguish the coil and re-ignite when needed again.

Cons: is only suitable for outdoor use, requires fire safety.

Natural Mosquito Repellents for Children and Adults

If for some reason you do not want to use chemical mosquito repellents, this does not mean that you will definitely get bitten. There are many popular ways of protection: perhaps one of them will suit you.

Natural products are good for very young children, as they do not contain toxic substances, they are safe when they come into contact with delicate children's skin and mucous membranes. So, even if the baby accidentally licks his hands or rubs his eyes, you do not have to worry.

1. Essential oils.

Fragrant oils are a popular natural remedy for mosquitoes and other insects. A diffuser, aroma lamp, candles and other fragrances based on natural essential oils not only fill the room with a pleasant smell, but also repel insects. Clove, geranium, lemongrass, tea tree, eucalyptus, citronella, rosemary, and lavender oils are especially effective for these purposes. You can apply a drop of oil to exposed areas of the body, or prepare a mosquito spray based on them.

How to prepare a natural mosquito spray?

Making your own bug spray is easy: all you need is essential oils and warm water. They need to be mixed and poured into a hand sprayer. We offer two combinations of flavors, each based on one glass of warm water.

Lemon Eucalyptus Mosquito Spray:

• eucalyptus oil - 5 drops,
• lemon oil - 5 drops,
• aromatic citronella oil - 10 drops.

Lavender mosquito spray:

• lavender oil - 5 drops,
• peppermint oil - 5 drops,
• aromatic citronella oil - 10 drops.

The product can be sprayed on clothing, baby stroller and just around yourself in the room. Remember to shake the spray bottle well before use.

Pros: is natural, safe even for children, can be applied to the skin.

Cons: short range, wears out quickly and needs to be reused.

2. Vanillin.

Another safe mosquito killer. From it you can prepare a spray solution: 2 packs of vanillin per 200 ml of water. You need to spray it on clothes or open areas of the body. Mosquitoes do not like this smell and will not sit on the surface treated with a spray. The effectiveness of such a tool lasts about 1 hour, then it must be applied again.

Homemade Mosquito Repellent Cream can be made by mixing a tube of any baby cream (250–300 g) and 3 packs of vanillin. Mix them well with a wooden stick in a bowl - and you can apply on the baby's skin. Please note: the cream must be with a good expiration date and without flavorings, otherwise they will kill the smell of vanillin. It is best to take the one that you usually use when caring for your baby. On average, vanilla mosquito repellent cream is effective for about half an hour.

Pros: is a safe natural product with a pleasant smell, low price.

Cons: short duration.

3. Carnation.

Natural mosquito spray can be made from cloves, which are sold in any spice department. For one glass of water, you will need 5-7 cloves (ground will not work!). Boil them in a small pot for 15 minutes. Then cool to room temperature and pour into a spray bottle.

To make the product last longer and be more effective, you can add 200 g of vodka to it. But if you plan to use a solution to protect the child, it is better to refrain from alcohol-containing liquid.

Pros: budget natural remedy.

Cons: wears out quickly.

How to protect yourself from mosquitoes in the country

You can grow a natural barrier against mosquitoes in your summer cottage or right on the windowsill by planting plants there, the smell of which insects do not like. For example, lavender, lemon balm, lemongrass, mint (cat or pepper), basil. We cannot guarantee 100% effectiveness of this protection, but fragrant plants will in any case charge you with a summer mood.

During gatherings around a fire or barbecue, smoke will become a natural protection against mosquitoes. It is enough to throw a few pine or spruce cones into the fire, and the smoke with a coniferous smell will scare away the bloodsuckers for a long time. For greater effect, you can use coniferous branches or aromatic herbs.

Mosquito nets for windows are an obvious and very effective way to keep mosquitoes away. Choose a mesh with a minimum mesh size - this way you will protect your home not only from flies and mosquitoes, but also from small midges and other insects. The main thing to remember is that even a small hole in the mosquito net can reduce the effect to zero.

And one more piece of advice: if you notice that there are more mosquitoes in the country house than usual, they may have found a damp place and settled there. Check if there is a large stagnant puddle on the site, have you cleaned a pond or fountain for a long time? An ideal place for mosquitoes can be a trash can, a bucket or barrel of water that has had time to “bloom”, and other containers where water could stagnate.

If you get bitten: how to treat mosquito bites

As a rule, mosquito bites go away on their own, some lucky people do not even notice them. However, if the bite site is very reddened, itchy or swollen, there is a large selection of special products that can be bought at the pharmacy. Or folk recipes will come to the rescue again.

1. Soda solution. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water, soak a cotton pad with the solution and apply to the bite.
2. Ammonia. Dilute alcohol with water in a ratio of 1:1 and make a cotton lotion.
3. Aspirin. Crush a regular (not instant) aspirin, add a little water and apply the paste to the bite.
4. Fresh potatoes. Finely grate a peeled potato and apply to the bite. When the potato gruel darkens, change the lotion.
5. Ice To relieve discomfort and swelling, apply ice or something cold from the freezer to the skin.
6. Parsley. To be effective, the parsley leaves must be crushed and lightly crushed to extract the juice.
7. Plantain. It is no coincidence that in childhood we treated them with all the wounds received in the yard. Plantain is also great for mosquito bites.

These products are used only to eliminate unpleasant itching. If you are prone to allergic reactions or the bite continues to bother you for longer than usual, we recommend that you seek medical help or take antihistamines prescribed by your doctor.

We wish you a warm sunny summer in a pleasant company, and let the mosquitoes fly around you!

Effective ways to destroy mosquitoes in the apartment

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Published: 11/22/2018 Explored: 01.08.2022

Summer is not only warm hot days, delicious vegetables (fruit) and violent flowering with a circle. This time of year also has its drawbacks. One of them is the dominance of mosquitoes.
These bloodsuckers give a person a lot of inconvenience. They leave a lot of itchy bites on the body, can cause sleepless nights and even infect with dangerous infectious diseases.
In this review, we will talk about the harm that these insects can cause and how to get rid of mosquitoes in different ways.

A few words about the lifestyle and nutrition of mosquitoes

A mosquito is a two-winged insect belonging to the long-whiskered category. There are about 3600 of them around the world. different kinds. At the same time, only 100 varieties of mosquitoes were found in Russia.

Before the appearance of an adult, the mosquito goes through 4 main phases: egg ー larva ー pupa ー imago.

Features of the life of mosquitoes:

• begin to intensify from May until October. If the winter was snowy and the spring started early, then the first individuals may appear as early as April,
• the main habitat of larvae and pupae is stagnant water bodies (lakes, ponds, puddles, etc.). During the summer adult mosquitoes can be found in any damp and wetlands (in the basement, on the walls in the house, in the shade of trees, in livestock buildings, etc.),
• plant materials (nectar, plant sap) and blood act as food for bloodsucking (usually mammals and birds). In this case, only female mosquitoes feed on blood. They need it for reproduction of full-fledged offspring,
• in order to feed on blood, mosquitoes first make a hole in the skin of the victim with their jaws, reminiscent of nail files.

Female mosquitoes have one remarkable feature ー they choose their prey by smell. They are attracted to lactic acid contained in sweat, carbon dioxide exhaled by a person or animal. That is why they can completely bite one person, and leave only a couple of small ones on the other. bites. The reason is the individual smell of each.

What harm can be done to a person?

It is important for a person to provide reliable protection against mosquitoes, since their bites entail the following unpleasant consequences:

1. Physical discomfort ー A mosquito bite is always accompanied by unpleasant symptoms in the form of severe itching, redness and swelling of the skin puncture site. The reason for the appearance of such a reaction is associated with saliva. mosquito, which he first introduces through a cut in the skin. It contains anticoagulants, which are called prevent blood clotting.
   In addition, mosquitoes in the apartment emit a loud buzz and squeak. They begin to become more active closer to the night, therefore, these sounds interfere with sleep and cause insomnia. The next day, the person feels overwhelmed.
2. Allergic reaction ー is another negative effect that can occur after a mosquito bite. In particular, chronic allergies are prone to such a reaction.
   A mosquito bite can lead to extensive rashes all over the body, swollen lymph nodes, severe swelling, an increase in body temperature and even difficulty breathing. In this case, the person should be given urgent medical assistance.
3. High risk of contracting dangerous diseases ー the most serious consequence of a mosquito bite. Some species of these bloodsuckers are carriers of such dangerous infectious diseases, like: malaria, yellow fever, lymphatic filariasis, tularemia, dengue fever, etc.
4. Possible secondary infection severe itching. A person begins to actively comb this place, resulting in a wound. If it is not treated, then an infection can get there and aggravate the situation.

To date, some types of malarial mosquitoes have been recorded in Russia. These are the genus Coquillettidia, Uranotaenia Toxorhynchites and Orthopodomyia. To a greater extent, these varieties predominate in the western part of the country.

Causes and factors provoking the appearance of mosquitoes in the apartment

It is generally accepted that the problem of mosquitoes is more relevant for residents of rural areas. with lots of animals, rivers, lakes and swamps. However, in reality, these bloodsuckers are exactly the same can terrorize city dwellers in their own apartments.

In dwellings located on floors, mosquitoes penetrate the following main ways:

• through an open window or window,
• through ventilation ducts
• when opening the front door or on the balcony,
• through the garbage chute located in the entrance.

To a greater extent, attacks from mosquitoes are subject to residents of the lower and middle floors (up to 6). Bloodsuckers reach the uppermost floors less frequently.

There are several factors that provoke the influx of mosquitoes in the apartment:

1. Dampness and humidity in the basement is a common problem in many high-rise buildings. Due to leaking pipes periodic flooding and lack of sunlight, moisture in such places does not evaporate, creating favorable breeding conditions for mosquitoes. In the future, along the ventilation shafts and the garbage chute they go up to apartments.
2. The presence of ponds near the house ー although this is a rather rare occurrence for the city, nevertheless, this is also Maybe. Moreover, even a large, non-drying puddle near the house can provoke the appearance of mosquitoes.
3. Sometimes the microclimate in the apartment itself acts as a provoking factor. For example, if you have high humidity, then on hot summer days, bloodsucking raids cannot be avoided.

Fighting mosquitoes in the apartment

The problem of bloodsuckers has always been relevant and vital for humans. Therefore, today A large number of different methods of protection against mosquitoes have been invented. This includes technical inventions, special cosmetics for skin treatment, barrier methods of protection, folk methods, etc.

Below we divided all types of mosquito repellents into 4 main groups and gave a detailed description of each of them.

barrier way

The basis of this method is the arrangement in the apartment of structures that prevent the penetration of mosquitoes inside.

The most common and easiest option is to install mosquito nets on all windows. Such a design is a canvas in a fine mesh, stretched over a special frame. It fits the window and inserted into it.

In order for mosquito nets on the windows to give an effect, the following nuances must be taken into account:

• such a mesh should have cells smaller than the size of a mosquito (3-7 mm),
• to improve efficiency, the entire surface of such a design can be treated with a special insecticide.

Mosquito nets on windows have some disadvantages:

• firstly, if it has large cells, then mosquitoes will fly freely inside,
• secondly, such structures are quite fragile and break quickly. In addition, with inaccurate movement they fall down easily. If you live on the upper floors, then after a fall, the frame with the mesh may break and then you have to buy a new one.

It should be remembered that babies love to lean on mosquito nets. As sad statistics show, every year a large number of children fall out of windows for this reason. So if you have a small child, then more attention should be paid to this issue. It makes sense to look for alternative ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

To solve the problem of mosquitoes in the apartment in a more modern, and most importantly safe way, buy a breather. Use it to ventilate the room will be possible without open windows and vents. And this means that mosquitoes are simply they won't be able to get inside. Moreover, the supply ventilation system from TION is equipped with powerful filters that purify the air from dust, allergens, plant pollen and other pollutants from the street, as well as neutralize unpleasant odors.

Technical solutions

Modern manufacturers have come up with different types of equipment that also help get rid of mosquitoes in the apartment. Consider in more detail the main types of such equipment:

1. An ultrasonic repeller is a special piece of equipment that transmits ultrasonic waves. A person does not hear them, but they scare away mosquitoes. The affected area varies within 20-5000 sq.m (depending on model).
   It has not yet been possible to confirm the effectiveness of sound repellers 100%, as some scientists pointed to the absence of any evidence of the effect of such sound waves on mosquitoes.

2. An anti-mosquito lamp is an ultraviolet device that destroys mosquitoes through an electrical impact. An open current passes over its entire area, upon contact with which insects die. For a person, such a lamp is absolutely safe, since it uses a weak current.
   Since mosquitoes do not like light, there is an opinion that it is ineffective against bloodsuckers. However, it will help get rid of butterflies, flies and other unwanted living creatures in the apartment.

3. An electric fumigator is a small appliance that is connected to the mains. Their meaning is to highlight poisonous substances that kill mosquitoes. Such formulations may be in the form of a plate or a gel. After turning on the device, they begin to heat up and evaporate into the environment.
   The main disadvantage of electric fumigators is that they capture a small area (up to 12 sq. m).

4. Anti-mosquito bracelet - has the form of a flat narrow ribbon that is worn on the wrist. This bracelet is fastened with a button or Velcro.
   Such a device works according to the following scheme: it contains substances that, by their smell repel mosquitoes. Damage radius: up to 100 cm (in diameter).

Mosquito Repellents

Protection against mosquitoes can also be provided through repellents. This name refers to a group of natural or chemicals that have a deterrent effect on insects, including bloodsuckers.

All varieties of repellents on sale today can be divided into two groups:

• products applied to the skin and clothing of a person are sold in the form of sprays, creams, ointments and emulsions. Such formulations can be applied to exposed areas of the skin (arms, neck, legs, face) or sprayed onto clothing. Before smearing with such a composition, you should check it for an allergic reaction on a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin,
• compositions for spraying in the surrounding space - these can be plates, spirals (you must first set fire to it), aerosols.

The main feature of repellents is that they only repel mosquitoes. Moreover, the latter do not die upon contact with such substances.

On average, the duration is 2-6 hours. Here a lot depends on the brand, the type of repellent, composition, price range, etc.

Folk methods

Many folk remedies for mosquitoes have long been proven to be effective.

To repel mosquitoes, the following methods are well suited:

1. The use of essential oils in the apartment - with their aroma, they scare away bloodsucking. For this it is necessary Take any essential oil (like lavender, eucalyptus, mint, etc.) and apply it to your skin. You can also soak a few napkins with oil and place them throughout the house, add this composition to an aroma lamp or put a couple of drops on the locket and wear it around your neck. There are many options, so choose whichever you like.

2. Mosquitoes can't stand the smell of vanilla, so it's also great for killing mosquitoes. Dilute a few tablespoons of this fragrant additive in warm water, soak a cotton pad in it and wipe the skin. As a result, the body will exude a pleasant aroma that will simultaneously scare away bloodsuckers.

3. There are certain categories of plants that also protect against mosquito bites with their smell. For example, on window sill you can plant citronella (a common ingredient in many insect repellents), rosemary (better known as a spice, but it also works well against mosquitoes), geranium, etc.
   If there is no desire to mess with the ground and plantings, then you can simply arrange dry bunches of wormwood around the apartment.

4. Use the well-known old Asterisk balm. It should be applied pointwise in different parts of the body. It also heals existing mosquito bites well and relieves itching.

Bitten by mosquitoes: what can be done?

When bitten by a mosquito, the first thing you want to do is scratch the bite. However, this is not the correct action. which in the end will only increase the itching and can lead to the formation of a wound. She'll take a long time to heal and deliver discomfort. In addition, damaged areas of the skin can easily become infected.

Thus, if you are bitten by mosquitoes, then you should take the following steps:

• in order to relieve itching, you can apply a compress with a small amount of ice to the bite site (for 10-15 minutes). Also in the pharmacy you can ask for some remedy. Today on sale there are many different ointments, emulsions and creams, good for relieving itching
• if you have already combed the bite site and a wound has formed on it, then it should be treated with Fukartsin solutions (1%),
• if there are a lot of mosquito bites on the body, then before going to bed it is recommended to drink a drug with an antihistamine action to prevent an allergic reaction,
• if after a few days the symptoms persist (itching, swelling, redness), then you need to seek medical attention.

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