We can say a lot about the fact that summer is a long-awaited time of the year, a time for vacations and walks in nature. And all this would be fine until you remember the thin squeak over the ear and itching all over the body and the beautiful picture of summer ceases to be beautiful. Mosquitoes. These insects can turn any vacation into hell.
How to keep mosquitoes away?
Mosquitoes cause trouble not only for humans, but also for animals. There are many methods for preventing mosquitoes. In this article, we will look in detail at all the ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes, as well as how to cope with the effects of mosquitoes, consider how to keep mosquitoes away from the yard, pool and how to protect your pets.
How to keep mosquitoes away from the yard?
In the hot season, there is one unpleasant moment that can spoil the whole impression of summer and it is because of him summer residents and all nature lovers are forced to hide in garden houses, apply a lot of repellents or wear special clothes. We decided to figure out if there is a convenient and safe way to get rid of mosquitoes at summer cottage.
Get rid of reservoirs
First of all, you need to get rid of all the reservoirs. Standing water is an ideal place for mosquito larvae to lay and grow.
Frightening odours
Plants, or rather their smell, is a mosquito repellent. If you plant flower beds with lavender, mint or wormwood in the yard, you can assume that there is already natural protection against mosquitoes. Smoke from a fire, in which throwing a few sprigs of mint or tansy is also a good deterrent.
Lure mosquitoes with sugar and yeast
The so-called traps or mosquito traps can be easily made yourself from a plastic bottle. The neck is cut off, and sugar and yeast are poured into the bottom. Then a little warm water is added to start the fermentation process. The cut off top is turned over and inserted back in the manner of a funnel. Everything is carefully fastened with tape or glue. Mosquitoes love the smell of carbon dioxide, and fermentation produces enough carbon dioxide. Insects fly into the bottle, but they can’t get out – they die there.
How to keep mosquitoes away from patio?
A patio is a small outdoor yard. The patio is usually surrounded on all sides by walls, fences, or trellises. But mosquitoes can get there too. Above, we looked at examples of how to keep mosquitoes away from the yard, and now we will look at ways to help keep mosquitoes out of the patio.
Use citronella
Mosquitoes don’t like citronella oil. It can be used as a body oil, as well as ignite a citronella stick and the smoke in the air will drive away insects.
Essential oils
Essential oils are one of the natural ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes. For example, you can use lavender, catnip, or eucalyptus oil. Add the required amount of oil to the aroma lamp and take the lamp out to the patio.
Plate with soapy water
Who would have thought that if you pour soapy water into a plate and put it nearby, then mosquitoes will clearly not come close to you. Mosquitoes will be attracted by a moisture source, but bubbles will keep them from flying away.
Garlic
Garlic not only effectively fights colds, but mosquitoes too. Plant garlic around your patio to keep mosquitoes away.
Keep water sources and pools clean
This method is more of a recommendation rather than a mosquito control method. Any source of water, pond or pool can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. It is necessary to constantly remove vegetation from there and, if possible, treat them with chemicals so that mosquitoes cannot settle there.
Take care of lawn and bushes
Tall grass and bushes are also breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Therefore, by cutting the lawn and bushes, you not only landscape, but thereby also protect yourself from mosquitoes.
How to keep mosquitoes away at night?
Perhaps everyone knows this unpleasant sensation when in a hot summer you go to your bed and just close your eyes when you hear the disgusting squeak of a mosquito above your ear. Sound familiar? But how can you ensure yourself a quiet sleep without annoying insects?
Mosquit nets
Mosquito nets on the windows are the main protection against mosquitoes. With such nets, you can sleep peacefully at night with the window open and not worry that a flock of mosquitoes will come to visit you.
Electric traps
Fortunately, now on the Internet you can find them to suit every taste. The principle of their work is simple – when an insect flies into the light, it touches the wire, which is under a strain. As a result, the insect dies or even burns up.
Anti-mosquito candles
These are candles that usually contain citronella oil. As mentioned above, mosquitoes cannot tolerate citronella oil. As for the disadvantages, aroma candles do not kill, but only keep away mosquitoes.
Repellents
Repellents are perhaps one of the most effective ways to fight mosquitoes. There are now an abundance of these remedies on store shelves. To surely protect yourself from mosquitoes, you need to smear with your favorite repellent before bed, in a spray, or you can use a cream, and sleep peacefully all night.
How to keep mosquitoes away from the porch?
A house with a porch is wonderful, except that the evening can be darkened by an invasion of mosquitoes. In order not to drive insects away from the table, not to scratch mosquito bites, you need to think over a protection system. There are many different options for how to equip an open space and get rid of insects completely. There are many purchased tools, but you can also make a variety of traps by yourself.
The simplest solution is a mosquito net.
Mosquito net is the simplest solution for equipping terrace windows. Such a device has many advantages in comparison with other traps and repellents of mosquitoes and flies:
- Partially accumulates dust, which reduces its amount on the porch.
- It is enough to buy a suitable net once, then to constantly purchase fillers for traps. This is the cheapest option.
- There are a variety of mosquito netting configurations that fit perfectly into any interior design.
- Does not cause allergies compared to chemical sprays and fumigators. Does not make noise and does not consume electricity like ultrasonic traps.
- Mosquito nets are universal, as they can protect against any insects – mosquitoes, flies, moths, beetles, midges.
- Pets cannot escape through an open window.
Such advantages of mosquito nets make them very popular in terms of arranging open areas such as terraces, balconies, verandas.
Among the disadvantages are the following:
- High cost, if the windows and openings of the porch are of non-standard shape
- Net deteriorates quickly
The net protects by 90%, but small insects and mosquitoes can also make their way through the cracks in the window or the canvas of the net.
In addition to mosquito nets, you can also use other devices and protective equipment. For example, chemicals, traps and repellents.
How to keep mosquitoes away naturally?
Numerous research works in this sphere reveal that mosquitoes can remember human smells and make some people bite more than others. Let’s take a look at a few natural ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes without using chemical repellents.
Essential oil spray
Use an essential oil spray. You can create an aroma mixture based on lavender, eucalyptus and thyme oils and apply to the body. Mosquitoes do not like these smells and are unlikely to fly to you.
Mosquito repellents
Plant mosquito repellents. Basil and lemon balm, citros and peppermint, rosemary, sage and lavender are all plants that, thanks to their scent, keep mosquitoes away from you.
Coffee grounds
If you have any leftover coffee grounds, drain into a bowl and let dry. Then set fire to the dry rest of the coffee grounds and put it next to you. The aroma of coffee will keep mosquitoes from flying up and close to you.
Garlic
We’ve already talked about using garlic as a mosquito repellent. All you need to do is peel and squeeze out a few cloves of garlic, then simmer for about 20 minutes. Once you’ve got hot garlic water, pour it into a spray bottle and spray wherever you are.
Light incense
It is a well-known fact that mosquitoes cannot stand the smell of smoke. Lighting up incense sticks when you’re out and this will provide you with a relaxing stroll. Choose scent sticks that contain ingredients such as citronella, eucalyptus, and cloves.
Camphor
This natural home remedy can help you get rid of mosquitoes in your home or apartment with ease. Its strong, pungent smell repels mosquitoes. All you have to do is close all doors and windows and light the camphor. And for 30 minutes you will not find a single mosquito.
Dry ice
Not the easiest way to control mosquitoes, but it works well. Place dry ice in a container or trap. It will attract mosquitoes due to its carbon dioxide emissions. Ultimately, the mosquitoes will stay inside and die. Gloves must be worn when using.
All of the above methods act differently on certain types of mosquitoes. Someone can get by with one method, but someone will have to use all at once. Nevertheless, all these methods of protection are harmless to humans because they are completely natural.
How to keep mosquitoes away from the pool?
Water is an ideal habitat and breeding ground for mosquitoes. Therefore, if you have a pool on the site, be sure that you will have to fight mosquitoes. The immature stages of the mosquito (egg, larva, case-worm) develop in stagnant water. From the moment a mosquito lays its eggs, it takes seven to ten days until 100 to 400 larvae begin their lives, possibly in your pool. The size of the container with water does not matter, since the larvae and case-worm of mosquitoes are small. What do you need to know?
- Chlorine does not always kill mosquito larvae.
- If the pool is covered, then it must be tightly closed.
- Every time after rain, it is necessary to remove the rainwater from the roof of the pool.
- Plastic baby pools need to be changed weekly and stored indoors or upside down when not in use.
How to keep mosquitoes away from babies?
Mosquito bites can cause problems not only for adults, but also for children. And if it is not difficult for adults to choose a remedy, then children need the most harmless drug.
Children under one year old
Since babies’ skin is very delicate and sensitive, it is better to avoid products that need to be applied directly to the body – sprays, creams, lotions – in order to avoid an allergic reaction.
The ideal solution would be spirals or special plates in the fumigator. And if you are with your baby for a walk, then you can put an anti-mosquito net on the baby bassinet or stroller.
Children from 1 year old
Children from one year old are also suitable for products exclusively on a natural basis. The composition should contain such natural ingredients as lavender, citronella and castor essential oils, which will repel insects and vitamin E with chamomile extract to moisturize the baby’s skin. Children’s mosquito repellent first of all should be:
- no pungent smell
- hypoallergenic
- relieves itching and irritation
- protect for at least 3 hours.
If you are still worried about the composition of the protective agent, then it can be applied to clothing.
Children over 3 years old
Children in this age category also require careful selection of protective equipment. The only thing that still requires attention is that children at this age are very active and spend a lot of time outdoors. Therefore, it is recommended to give preference to products that work for more than 3 hours.
How to keep mosquitoes away from the dog?
Mosquitoes cause problems and inconveniences not only for people, but also for their pets. Since these insects are carriers of dangerous diseases, the consequences can be irreparable.
Despite the fact that dogs are covered with hair, this does not always save them from mosquitoes. Bald and short-haired animals, as well as the ears and noses of dogs, are usually at greater risk. Dogs, like humans, can be exposed to the following hazards:
- Allergic reactions. Yes, dogs can be allergic to bites too. This manifests itself in the form of swelling of the bite site, itching. The local temperature may even rise.
- Disease infection. Dogs rarely get diseases such as western fever and equine encephalitis, which can be carried by mosquitoes. But the most common and dangerous disease that they can get after being bitten by a mosquito is helminths, or dirofilariasis. It is a heartworm that lives under a dog’s skin, in muscles, lungs and sometimes even in the heart. If you do not take any actions, then the worm in the body develops quite quickly and can grow up to 30 cm in length. It is capable of provoking thrombosis and embolism.
How to protect your beloved pet from terrible insects? Next, we will consider the main means of protection:
- Collar. A mosquito collar for dogs is a universal device of protection, as it also saves from fleas and ticks. If worn regularly, it is able to protect for 5-6 months.
- Drops. Also often goes universal. Protects up to 8 weeks. The composition contains waterproof preparations, so even if the dog bathes, the remedy will continue to work.
- Spray. It is one of the most popular remedies. Works from a week to a month, but is not waterproof. Therefore, after rain or bathing the dog, it is necessary to apply the spray again.
All protective equipment must be bought only in specialized places – pet stores and veterinary clinics in order to avoid fakes.
How to keep cats from mosquitoes?
Unfortunately, cats are also prone to mosquito bites. And they, like dogs, can be infected with dirofilariasis. Better, of course, to prevent the problem than to deal with it later. Therefore, keep cats at home as much as possible than outdoors. They use less powerful repellents than dogs. All products must be suitable exclusively for cats and must be purchased at specialty stores.
You can turn to natural remedies and use essential oils like geranium, peppermint and lavender and apply them between your shoulder blades. You also need to constantly brush the cat with a brush. Mosquitoes may not bite, but get stuck in thick fur.
