Keep mosquitoes away home remedy


Kill Mosquitoes With These 10 Easy Home Remedies That Actually Work

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Mosquitoes are a nuisance. They buzz in your ear at night, they suck on your blood, they make you itch, they bite you. To them, you are as good as an “all you can eat buffet”. They may provide nutrients to the insects and birds but dealing with these nasty monsters on wings is certainly a nightmare. You feel like you can’t escape them and when you kill two, you’ll find ten more in their place. So how do you eliminate them? 

The truth is you do not have to kill mosquitoes to get rid of them. There are many home remedies that you can try to keep your home free of mosquitoes. In addition, as you make your home less attractive to them, you will make it more charming to you. Here are 10 home remedies that you should try if you want to keep your home mosquito-free. You will also learn how to kill mosquitoes without the need to use pesticides just in case they manage to get into your home. After all, who wants to use chemicals that are as harmful as these little bloodsuckers?

#1: Eliminate standing water

Stagnant water attracts mosquitoes

First, you should know that mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. So, how to kill these mosquito larvae? It is easy, just get rid of all the stagnant bodies of water and avoid them in the future. If you have pets, be sure to refresh their pet bowls frequently. Although this is the first step towards eliminating the presence of mosquitoes in your home, daily “human” activities like exhaling CO2 or sweating also seem to attract them to us. Don’t worry, we have some solutions for you in the following points.

#2: Candles, incense and essential oils

Candles and oils are not only refreshing but also excellent mosquito repellents

Incense, candles and oils made from plants or essential oils are very effective against mosquitoes because they cannot stand the smell. Lucky for you, the most effective fragrances, citronella, lemon, lavender, laurel, rosemary or basil, will lend a refreshing smell to your home. You do not have to use them all; choose the one you like best. You may have already done this without realising it, now you know why when you light your lavender candle the mosquitoes tend to disappear. This is the perfect example of how to get rid of them, without the need to kill mosquitoes while adding a fresh and relaxing touch to your home.

#3: Pot the right plant

Mosquitoes are averse to the smell of basil and mint

Some plants repel mosquitoes because of their smell. Therefore, another option is to plant pots of basil, mint, rosemary etc. In addition to keeping mosquitoes away, you can use these plants to complement your dishes and add a touch of nature to your home. You can place them near a window so that they receive enough sunlight and at the same time, deter mosquitoes from entering.

#4: Lemon and clove

Drive away mosquitoes with lemons and cloves

This method is perfect for small spaces or your room. It is very simple; all you have to do is place some split lemons with a few cloves and just like that, you will keep them away. As you can see so far, there has been no need to kill mosquitoes simply because they will not want to enter your apartment. Winning!

#5: Garlic spray

Mosquitoes hate the pungent scent of garlic

Garlic sulphur not only repels mosquitoes but also flies, ticks and fleas. To apply it in your home, you need to peel and cut several cloves of garlic and put them in a bowl with some water. Leave to macerate for a few hours and then use this water to spray all over your flat.  This method is perfect for those who do not love sweet smells and dare we say, enjoy the smell of garlic?

#6: Eucalyptus oil

Mix eucalyptus oil with a shampoo to use it as a repellent

This is the perfect alternative to garlic. If you are not too keen on the idea of spreading garlic around your house, eucalyptus oil is an excellent option. You can spray it around your home or mix it with your shampoo or moisturiser and use it as a repellent. To make this oil at home you can boil a few eucalyptus leaves and separate the liquid into small containers. 

#7: Mosquito net

Protect yourself from mosquitoes at night

This is a commonly used option. You can install these nets on your door or windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. What you may not have considered is to install one on your bed; a mosquito net can add a new and whimsical touch to your room. This way you can be sure that they will leave you alone at night and you will never have to wake up in gladiator mode to kill mosquitoes again.

#8: Camphor

Camphor is the most reliable home remedy

Camphor can be a very effective repellent. You can leave a few pieces in a container to evaporate on their own. If you are looking for an extreme measure, you can burn some for 20 minutes. Take care to ensure that all doors and windows must be closed, and you have to stay out of the room. This is an effective way to kill mosquitoes and keep them at bay.

#9: Mosquito trap

If you have the time, lay a trap

How to kill mosquitoes in a room? No secret there, just lay a trap! You can build it yourself with a plastic bottle cut in half, water, sugar and yeast. Heat the water with the sugar and put it in the bottle to cool it down. Once it is cold, sprinkle the yeast and insert the neck of the bottle upside down in the shape of a funnel. This way, the mosquitoes will be attracted to the water and get trapped inside the bottle. Pesticides, adieu! 

#10: Carnivorous plants

A bit extreme but definitely efficient

Contrary to what the movies show us, carnivorous plants do not eat humans, but they do kill mosquitoes for food. A plant of this type is always fascinating; you can use one as a complement to the other remedies we have mentioned. These plants get the nutrients they need to grow from insects so now you have the perfect excuse to buy a carnivorous plant!

How can Livspace help you?

We hope you found these home remedies useful and will use some of them. Book an online consultation with Livspace today. Delivering safe home interiors has been, and continues to be, our No. 1 priority. Click here to find out how interiors are being delivered following all safety protocols.

Getting rid of mosquitoes may seem like an impossible task but with a few basic ingredients and a couple of creative tricks up your sleeve, you’ll have a mosquito-free home in no time! You should also check out: Lizards Creeping You Out? Try These 8 Effective Home Remedies.

Send in your comments & suggestions to [email protected]

10 Natural Mosquito Repellents: What Works

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People are usually prone to mosquito bites due to a combination of scent, light, heat, and humidity. If you’re a mosquito magnet, you’re probably tired of having itchy, bumpy skin.

Different species of mosquitoes — like the ones that carry malaria — prefer bacteria and sweat. Others are attracted to carbon dioxide and certain hand odors.

Whichever species you encounter, you can protect yourself without having to use a DEET-based chemical repellent. DEET products have the potential to cause health and environmental problems.

You might choose to avoid using DEET products unless you’re visiting places that have a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases like Zika. DEET is recommended for people at risk of mosquito bites carrying any disease.

If you’re doing things like taking a hike, hanging out in your backyard, or taking a camping trip, natural repellents might be a better option. This can be especially true for children, who are more sensitive.

Read on to see which natural repellents work best to prevent mosquito bites.

Used since the 1940s, lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the more well-known natural repellents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved eucalyptus oil as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent.

A 2014 study showed that a mixture of 32 percent lemon eucalyptus oil provided more than 95 percent protection against mosquitoes for 3 hours.

DIY

You can create your own mixture with 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil to 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel. Researchers from the University of Florida caution against using the mixture on children under 3 years of age.

Crushed lavender flowers produce a fragrance and oil that can repel mosquitoes.

An animal study from 2002 on hairless mice found lavender oil to be effective at repelling adult mosquitoes.

Lavender has analgesic, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities. This means that in addition to preventing mosquito bites, it can calm and soothe the skin.

DIY

You can grow lavender in an outdoor garden or in indoor planters. Crush the flowers and apply the oil to bite-sensitive areas of the body, such as your ankles and arms. Also, drop some lavender oil on a clean cloth and rub it onto the skin.

Cinnamon is more than just a great topper to applesauce or oatmeal. According to a study in Taiwan, cinnamon oil can kill off mosquito eggs. It can also act as a repellent against adult mosquitoes, most notably the Asian tiger mosquito.

DIY

To make a diluted 1 percent solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon (or 24 drops) of oil for every 4 ounces of water. You can spray the fluid onto your skin or clothing, around your home, and onto upholstery or plants. Be careful when applying cinnamon oil, as a concentrated dose can irritate your skin.

When it comes to repelling malarial mosquitoes, thyme oil is one of the best at providing protection. In one animal study from 2002, 5 percent thyme oil applied to the skin of hairless mice provided a 91 percent protection rate.

You may also want to throw thyme leaves into a campfire. Research shows that burning thyme leaves offers 85 percent protection for 60 to 90 minutes.

DIY

For a homemade brew, combine 4 drops of thyme oil to every teaspoon of base oil, such as olive or jojoba oil. For a spray, mix 5 drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water.

Nepeta parnassica, a member of the mint family related to catnip, can ward off mosquitoes. The white and pink flowers grow up to 18 inches, but it’s the extract and oil from the bruised leaves that’s the most valuable.

One study found that oil from the plant could repel mosquitoes effectively for 2 to 3 hours. Researchers at Iowa State University also found catnip to be 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes.

According to the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, soybean-based products like Bite Block Kids (2 percent soybean oil) could provide long lasting protection from mosquitoes.

DIY

In addition to soybean oil, you can also add a little lemongrass oil to your home mixture. The combination has been tested to guard against different species of mosquitoes.

Citronella is a common natural and effective essential oil that works against mosquitoes. Made from a mix of herbs, it’s an ingredient in many mosquito repellents. When outdoors, citronella candles can provide up to 50 percent extra protection.

Research from 2011 says that the formulation of citronella is important to how effective it is. When the product is formulated correctly, it’s as effective as DEET and can protect you for up to 2 hours. If the formula isn’t right, citronella can evaporate quickly and leave you unprotected.

Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is a popular essential oil from Australia. This oil is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. But studies also suggest that tea tree oil may be an effective insect repellent.

Field testing shows that repellents containing tea tree oil are effective against mosquitoes, bush flies, and biting midges.

Geraniol is a type of alcohol used as a fragrance or flavor. It’s from plant oils like citronella, lemongrass, and rose. As an ingredient in mosquito repellent, it’s known to be effective for 2 to 4 hours, depending on the species.

Keep this oil away from your eyes, and try to avoid using it if you have sensitive skin. Geraniol may cause eye and skin irritation.

Although neem oil is advertised as a natural alternative, there are mixed results about its effectiveness. A 2015 study about the effectiveness of neem oil in Ethiopia found that it offered more than 70 percent protection for 3 hours.

Neem oil is not approved as a topical repellent because it can cause skin irritation. It’s still best to use DEET when traveling to a country that’s high risk for mosquito-borne diseases.

DIY

To repel mosquitoes with neem oil, dilute 50 to 100 milliliters of neem oil in water, oil, or lotion. It’s also important to choose extra virgin, cold-pressed neem oil.

Essential oils should never be put on the skin directly. They are always diluted in a carrier oil, such as almond oil. The recipe is usually 3 to 5 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil.

Essential oils aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It’s possible to buy a faulty product, so always buy from a reputable source.

If you are going to be traveling in an area where mosquitoes are known to carry diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, or the Zika virus, doctors advise using a chemical mosquito repellent to reduce the odds of contracting a dangerous illness.

It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the active ingredients in essential oils. Before you use any new product, spot test the product on a small section of your skin and wait an hour or two to make sure that hives or burning sensations do not occur.

DEET stands for a chemical named N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide. It’s the active ingredient in various repellents, such as liquids, lotions, and sprays, that you’ll find on store shelves.

Products containing DEET are used to repel mosquitoes and other biting pests, like ticks, by preventing the bugs from being able to sense human scent.

DEET has been sold commercially since 1957 but was used by the United States Army as early as 1946. Currently, over 120 products that contain this ingredient are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA shares that DEET does not pose risks to health when used properly. In rare cases, though, there are some issues you may encounter when using it, including:

Safely using DEET means:

Young children should not apply DEET products on their own or have it applied in or around the eyes or mouth.

Even with mosquito repellent, you may get itchy, painful mosquito bites.

To treat mosquito bites at home, you can try rubbing apple cider vinegar at the site of the bite. Putting a slice of raw onion or freshly cut garlic on the bite can also provide relief and guard against infection. Over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine creams, like calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream, can help as well.

If you do develop an infection or allergic reaction due to a significant amount of mosquito bites, take note of your symptoms and contact your doctor. Signs of a problem may include:

So, how exactly do you use various repellents to keep yourself bite-free? It’s important to familiarize yourself with the proper ways to apply products to your skin and clothing for maximum results.

How often should you reapply a repellent?

It depends. The EPA recommends that you carefully read the labels on any repellents you use and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on both how much to use and how often to apply products. Also, take into account things like:

Applying and reapplying by the package directions will help make sure you get the most effective protection.

What clothing helps protect against bites?

Mosquitoes can bite through tight-fitting clothing, like tights or yoga pants. To protect yourself, the CDC suggests choosing loose-fitting clothes that cover both the arms and legs for the most protection.

You can also treat the clothes you wear with permethrin or buy clothing that has already been treated with permethrin.

Unlike DEET, permethrin is not intended for use on the skin, so be sure to follow all package instructions and treat only clothing, boots, socks, hats, and other wearable items.

What can reduce the risk of mosquito bites?

Beyond wearing repellent, reapplying it when necessary, and choosing the right clothing, there are other things you can do to lower your risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes:

Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito times, between dusk and dawn.

There is significant research suggesting that natural ingredients are an effective way to repel mosquitoes. This is good news for people looking to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, especially young children and pregnant people.

Experimenting with different ingredients to create a blended, all-natural mosquito repellent that’s unique to you can be a fun way to stay safe from mosquito bites.

10 best folk remedies for mosquitoes and other insects

July 8, 2018 Likbez Video

Alcohol and lemon will save you if you don't have store repellent on hand.

Home remedies for mosquitoes last about two hours, so be sure to reapply regularly.

Juniper

If you want to sit in a cozy company by the fire, throw a couple of juniper branches into the fire. Or drip a couple of drops of juniper berry oil. The smoke will repel mosquitoes and midges. nine0003

Vanillin

Vanillin is one of the most effective insect repellents, especially against midges. Just apply the powder to your skin. Or mix 1 g vanillin and 10 g baby cream.

Essential oils

Essential oils can be used to counteract natural body odor. Suitable clove, anise, orange, cedar, lavender, tea tree, geranium, mint, thyme.

Simply mix 7-8 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and apply to skin. nine0003

You can also treat clothing and tent with essential oil, or pour a few drops into a fire. But before using, be sure to check if you have allergies.

Lemon and eucalyptus

The combination of lemon and eucalyptus is considered by many to be the most effective mosquito repellent. Mix 10 ml of eucalyptus oil with the juice of one lemon. Apply to exposed areas of the body, and mosquitoes will not touch you.

Garlic

Garlic is a very effective remedy, but not very pleasant. Take 5-6 cloves of garlic, crush, boil in a glass of water for 5-6 minutes. Pour the garlic water into a spray bottle and spray the tent. nine0003

Geranium and Lavender

Fill a liter bottle with water. Add 30 drops each of geranium and lavender oils and shake well. Apply to skin every hour.

Alcohol solution

Mosquitoes don't like the smell of alcohol, so you can make a repellent based on it. Fill the bottle ¾ full with alcohol, add 50 drops of essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass will do) and top up with water. Shake well before use.

Carnation

Cloves will be an excellent remedy. Pour 5 g of spice into a glass of water and boil for 15 minutes. Mix the solution little by little with cologne in a ratio of 1 : 1 and apply to exposed skin.

Basil and wormwood

If you don't like to smear yourself with anything, take a sprig of basil or wormwood with you. Mosquitoes are terribly afraid of these smells.

Black Pepper Salve

Pour 6 drops of black pepper, catnip, citronella, lavender and neem oil into a jar. Mix with any moisturizer in a 1:2 ratio. Apply to a small area of ​​skin to check for allergies. If all is well, enjoy. nine0003

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