Whether you have mosquitos inside or outside your house, these pests are not only annoying but can be a serious health risk. Mosquitoes feed on our blood and leave us with an unpleasant itchy bite that can carry life-threatening diseases. Protect your home and yourself with these techniques and remedies.
Here’s what can be used to repel mosquitoes, naturally.
1. Catnip
This is a recommendation your cats will thank you for. As many of you probably know, catnip is adored by cats. But did you know it can also repel mosquitoes? It’s so effective, in fact, it was found to be ten times more effective than products containing DEET! So, plant some catnip and keep your garden and home free from disease-ridden bugs.
2. Lavender
Lavender is renowned for its calming properties. It has also been used for centuries as an insect repellent. Plant some lavender close to the entrance of your house to prevent mosquitoes from hovering around your doorway and entering your castle. It will also leave guests with a good first impression as they get a good whiff of soothing lavender when approaching your home.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary plant is an easy herb to grow and it has a wide variety of uses. Because it can both repel bugs and add flavor to food, throw it on the barbecue with your meat and vegetables. The strong aroma will ward off insects, keeping them off you, your guests and your food.
4. Lotus
Ponds are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and bacteria. Keep those blood suckers away from your pond by planting lotus flowers in it. The Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine has found that lotus is just as effective as mosquito repellent. It also kills mosquito larvae, preventing your pond from becoming a breeding ground at all.
5. Homemade citronella candles
To make your own citronella candles, you’ll need an old soup or vegetable can, a double boiler, an old candle or soy wax, pre-waxed wicks with tabs, citronella oil, other oil scents (if desired) and a hot glue gun. Use the hot glue gun to stick the wicks to the bottom of the cans. Melt the wax in the double boiler. After it boils, add your citronella oil and choice of scent. Use the ratio of one ounce of citronella oil per pound of wax.
If you choose to add scents, use half an ounce of scented oil per pound of wax. Allow the mixture to cool slightly to be able to pour it, but not enough for it to harden. Pour it into the cans. Maneuver the wicks so they remain upright and in the center. Let it cool and harden, then put on your patio, garden or wherever you see fit.
Here’s how to get rid of mosquitoes inside your house:
6. Cinnamon oil
Sprinkle this oil on furniture, crevices, window sills and anywhere you expect mosquitos are hiding. Cinnamon oil not only acts as a repellent, but it also kills mosquito eggs before they can even hatch, so you can prevent the next generation of disease carriers from taking over your home.
7. Soybean oil
Add a few drops around your house, or dilute it with water and mist. This powerful oil works as a repellent and insecticide. It also lasts longer than most citronella products.
8. Lemongrass oil
Like with soybean oil, lemongrass oil is both an insecticide and a repellent. When compared with other herbal insecticides, The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health found lemongrass to be a superior solution. Lemongrass oil can be added to soybean oil for added oomph and longevity without harmful side effects.
9. Basil oil
Basil oil is a great natural repellent alternative because it doesn’t have to be misted or dropped in random places of your house for the purpose of repelling bugs. You can add it to a natural home cleaner! As a result, your floors, tables, windows and kitchen area can all be clean, unwelcome surfaces for mosquitos and other roaming pests.
10. Mosquito traps
Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale. You can use that knowledge to outmaneuver those annoying bloodsuckers. To create a trap, you will need a two-liter bottle, knife, black paper of some kind, tape and a candy thermometer.
Cut off the top of the bottle, reverse it and stick it inside the bottle so the cap end is facing the bottom of the bottle. Now make a simple syrup with active yeast. To make this version of a simple syrup, you’ll need to dissolve one cup of sugar in one cup of water. Let the mixture cool to 90°F then add your yeast. Add the mixture to the bottle and secure the inverted cap of the bottle to the body of the bottle with tape. Wrap black paper around it to attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes prefer the dark. Leave on the counter for two weeks to ferment.
Here are home remedies to keep mosquitoes off of you:
11. Citrus oil
You may have noticed that citrus oil is a refreshing scent that is very versatile. You can use it in your home or on your body to repel bugs. The best part is that fruity scents are light and refreshing on a hot summer’s day, and that’s when mosquitoes are out in full force. Dilute it with some water and lightly mist areas where your skin is exposed before enjoying a day in the great outdoors.
12. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is a great alternative to DEET that has a lot of health benefits. It also works as an insecticide. If you have already been bitten, rub the leaves of peppermint plants between your fingers to release the natural oils. Then, rub the leaves on your skin to help your mosquito bites heal.
13. Neem oil
Neem seed oil is native to India, but can be purchased in international stores or online. In India, the neem tree is known as the “tree of life” and its oils are used as a natural pesticide to keep bugs away from plants. The same is true for humans. It is a natural repellent that works just as well as DEET, according to both the National Research Council and the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association.
14. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV), when consumed, can act as a natural repellent that won’t bother anyone’s nose. Just add one or two tablespoons to 16 ounces of water and drink. You can sweeten it with a natural sweetener or infuse your ACV water with fruit if you’d like. Add mint or citrus to it and you’ve made an even more potent mosquito-repellent drink.
15. Garlic
Garlic has a wonderful flavor that can be added to all sorts of savory dishes. But did you know that eating garlic makes you less appealing to mosquitoes? You leave off a different scent when you eat garlic. If you eat too much though, you’ll smell yourself!
This is a great trick if you are going camping or having a barbecue. Add some garlic to your meals before the sun sets so it has time to start working. Use this with the rosemary trick mentioned above and both your campground and body will be anti-mosquito fortresses.
— Susan Patterson