The mosquito carries around life-threatening diseases such as Malaria, Dengue Fever, West Nile virus, and Chikungunya virus. In fact, it is the insect that killed millions of the population. But, mosquitoes are so stubborn to get rid of. You can try one or more ways and may shoo away mosquitoes. Unfortunately, these insects will come back the next day at the same hours.
Here are all known ways to get rid of mosquitoes, and let us discuss their effectiveness.
Table of Contents
Chemical Repellent
Chemical repellent usually comes in a spray. The Environmental Protection Agency discourages the use of mosquito repellent containing more than 50%. Since mosquitoes are flying-insect, it could be a challenge to spray directly to the mosquitoes. It can also pose dangers to where the chemical spray may land, such as food and fruits. It can pose adverse effects when chemicals and inhaled and are not correctly used.
Pros
- Effective to kill mosquitoes
Cons
- Contains DEET and other chemicals that are harmful to human and environment
Fixing Gaps
Gaps could be any opening to your homes, such as a broken window or spaces between door and wall or floor. It is an opportunity for mosquitoes to get inside. It is vital to stop mosquitoes from breeding inside the house. Since more mosquitoes come out during dusk, it is essential to close the windows, doors, and other openings. Fix the gaps, use a simple door strip, and use a screen to keep mosquitoes away.
Pros
- Effective in keeping mosquitoes from breeding indoor
Cons
- Small gaps are hard to find but mosquitoes can find easily
Mosquito Net
Mosquito Net is among the classic and cheaper options in getting rid of mosquitoes. You will just set up the net to drape around the bed and ensure no gaps where mosquitoes can enter. While it is effective, the gaps caused by movement when getting in and out of bed may be an opportunity for mosquitoes to join into.
Pros
- Effective and natural, no pungent odor to deal on
Cons
- Movement during sleep can result to an opening where mosquitoes can enter
Mosquito-Repellent Plants
If you are into plants, choose those varieties that are mosquito-repellent. Many indoor plants can keep mosquitoes away, such as marigolds, tulsi, lemongrass, citronella, mint, and catnip. Not only can it keep mosquitoes at bay, but it also supports other pesky pests such as mice, bees, and wasps.
Pros
- Effective for as long as the smell is strong
Cons
- Can only last for short period
Mosquito Swatter
Mosquito swatter looks like a racket that you can swing around to catch mosquitoes. It will create a sound that signals an electrocuted mosquitoes. However, the downside of this is you can kill other harmless bugs.
Pros
- Effective in killing mosquitoes
Cons
- Might kill harmless bugs
Oscillating Fans
Oscillating fans can disrupt the flying of mosquitoes. Hence, it can only shoo away mosquitoes temporarily and not kill them. The downside of using fans is when it is turned off, mosquitoes will eventually come back.
Pros
- No pungent odor and no chemicals to deal with
Cons
- Not so effective
Neem Oil
Neem is another known plant that can naturally get rid of mosquitoes. The Neem oil is mix with coconut oil and water and sprays to the skin. It can be effective for about six hours.
Pros
- Effective and natural product
Cons
- Lasts only for few hours
Citronella
Citronella is one of the most-known plants use for killing mosquitoes. Being easy to grow and propagate, it is one of the main ingredients in different products to get rid of mosquitoes. Burn a citronella leaf to keep away some insects. It can be made into oil spray and can be mixed with water or alcohol. However, citronella oil evaporates quickly, so it will be effective for a short time.
Pros
- Effective and natural home remedy
Cons
- The oil evaporates quickly so it is only effective for a short time
Removal of Stagnant Water
Stagnant water is the breeding ground of mosquito larva. No matter how many mosquito-repellent products you are using, mosquitoes will always come back if there is stagnant water around. So, it is crucial to remove stagnant water or those water that stands for more than a week.
Pros
- Removes mosquito’s breeding ground
Cons
- There might still be other areas where mosquitoes thrive and breed
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are a safe and effective way to eliminate mosquitoes and other pests such as bees and wasps. Coffee grounds are burned like you would with incense. You can also put it in a bowl or aluminum foil. Or put it in egg cartons, light it and blow it. The smoke will continue burning the carton along the coffee grounds.
Pros
- Safe, effective, and all-natural
Cons
- Smoke may not be good for people with a respiratory issue
Music
In March 2019, a study concluded that the electronic song “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” reduces the attack and mating success of the dengue mosquito vector.
Mosquitoes are sensitive to sound; Low-frequency vibrations facilitate sexual interactions. The study shows that the tested electronic song’s noise disrupts the perception of signals from conspecifics and hosts.
Mint
The pungent smell of mint plants can ward off pesky flying insects such as mosquitoes. IT is safe and effective in getting rid of mosquitoes. Just crush the leaves and rub them on your skin. You can also put some drops of peppermint oil with a cup of water in a spray bottle and spray them onto the skin. While it can repel mosquitoes, it can also help soothe mosquito bites.
Pros
- Smells good on the skin and soothe insect bites
Cons
- Only effective as long as there is the strong smell which could take an hour
Camphor
Camphor has a strong fragrance that mosquitoes can’t tolerate. Put one camphor tablet in a glass of water and place it in a room. After a few moments, you will notice that there is no more mosquito in a room. You can replace the camphor every 2 to 3 days.
Pros
- Natural and cheap product
Cons
- Strong and pungent odor to deal with
- Should be avoided if there are children around
Beer and Alcohol
Beer and alcohol have a strong smell that can deter mosquitoes away. Simply keep a dish of beer or liquor in a shady area.
Pros
- Natural home remedy
Cons
- Not-so effective
Garlic
Garlic has a strong smell that mosquitoes may ward off. To protect pets, just sprinkle some garlic powder around the area. You can also pound some cloves of garlic, mix with some water, and put it in a spray bottle. Before lighting a bulb, spray on the garlic water. You can also spray it around the room, garage, patio, porch, or anywhere in the house. The faint smell it emits will keep mosquitoes away.
Pros
- Effective for an hour or two
Cons
- Pungent and faint odors
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is an excellent mosquito-repellent product you can use inside the house. Not only will it keep the mosquitoes away, but it can also make the room smells great. You can also put on some lavender-smell lotion on your body to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Pros
- Effective and good fragrance for the room
Cons
- Can be used only inside the room
Dry Ice
When dry ice is placed inside of a container, the carbon dioxide it emits will attract mosquitoes. As mosquitoes get trapped, they will eventually die inside. Though it can be time-consuming, it is effective in keeping mosquitoes away for a more extended period.
Pros
- Safe even when there are children around
Cons
- Not readily available
Yellow LED Lights
According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, mosquitoes don’t like warm color temperature LED lights. Those lights do not repel mosquitoes but they will not attract them like incandescent bulbs and halogens. So, if you can use yellow-emitting LED lights as night lights or outside, it can help mosquitoes from containing in the area.
Pros
- Effective
Cons
- Yellow lights are not so good in the eye
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another natural and effective way of getting rid of mosquitoes. With its anti-bacterial effect, it can be beneficial in treating insect bites. For a mosquito-repellent solution, put some tea tree oil drops in some water and add them to a spray bottle. The mosquito-repellent solution is then sprayed anywhere around the house.
Pros
- Can also treat insect bites
Cons
- Needs to smell concentrated to emit a strong odor
Soapy Water
Another way to keep mosquitoes away is using soapy water. Place a dish of water with some soap and let it bubble. The mosquitoes will be attracted and trapped in the soap bubbles.
Pros
- Easy home remedy
Cons
- Not so effective
Mosquito Traps
Many mosquito traps are widely available. However, you can make your own natural mosquito trap using a mixture of sugar and active yeast in a bottle. Since mosquitoes are attracted to the sugar, it can be stuck down in a bottle and drown.
Pros
- Safe, natural, and effective
Cons
- Can only trap mosquito in small area
Basil
Basil is another plant that can repel mosquitoes. Mosquitoes cannot withstand the strong smell of basil. Thus, they can be placed indoor or near the entrance, such as doors and windows.
Pros
- Readily available
Cons
- Needs to be crushed to emit a strong odor
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm can be applied directly to the skin, especially to sensitive areas. Just crush it and rub it on the skin.
Pros
- Readily available at home
Cons
- Not so effective
Listerine
If you are traveling, bringing a bottle of Listerine not only keeps your mouth fresh but can be a helpful product to get rid of mosquitoes. Since it contains mint and eucalyptus that can ward off mosquitoes, it can be a great alternative, especially if there is no available mosquito-repellent.
Pros
- Handy and readily available
Cons
- Effective for a few minutes
Maintain the yard
To lessen mosquitoes’ possibility of thriving in the yard, it is vital to keep it well trimmed and remove those rotten leaves that serve as breeding grounds. Ensure cleaning the yard regularly to get clear of mosquito eggs.
Pros
- Effective in removing the mosquitoes breeding ground
Cons
- Mosquitoes from the nearby area may still come to your house
Cedar mulch
Cedar mulch makes a good mosquito repellant in the yard. The mulch keeps the soil’s moisture and doesn’t allow mosquitoes from breeding in the garden area.
Pros
- Natural and safe products
Cons
- Not so effective
Vinegar
The pungent aroma of vinegar, especially the apple cider vinegar, can definitely keep mosquitoes and other bugs away. For mosquito and other insect bites, simply get cotton and dab it into some vinegar and apply it to the skin. The smell may be off, but it will only last for a few minutes.
Pros
- Easy and effective home remedy
Cons
- Smell evaporates quickly
Use light-colored clothing
Mosquitoes love dark-colored environments. Wearing light-colored clothing can be a good technique to get rid of mosquitoes. Long pants and long sleeve in light-colored provides an added protection in getting rid of mosquitoes.
Pros
- Easy, natural, no chemicals, and no pungent odors
Cons
- Not all mosquitoes repel to light-colors
Frequently Asked Questions
What smells do mosquitoes hate?
Mosquitoes don’t like strong smells. That’s why they keep away from places with strong odors such as essential oils, herbs, garlic, and many more.
Does Vicks Vapor Rub repel mosquitoes?
Yes, Vicks Vapor Rub contains eucalyptus, which has a strong aroma. It keeps mosquitoes away. But because the eucalyptus also evaporates simultaneously as the Rub does, it can only be effective quickly.
Do fire pits keep mosquitoes away?
Fire pits themselves won’t shoo away the mosquitoes. However, if you add some coffee grounds, pinion wood, or some leaves with a strong odor, it could be an effective way to keep mosquitoes away.
Can a mosquito bite through clothing?
No. Clothing is also a protection against mosquitoes as it can not bite through clothing. It is advisable to wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Spraying clothes with some essential oils mixed with water is an added protection.
Conclusion
With these all known ways to get rid of mosquitoes, you can have a peaceful sleep without worrying about mosquito bites’ danger. Now, you can have more fun in the garden or on the patio without needing to slap and clap here and there because of the mosquitoes joining the fun times.
If you have unique and other ways to get rid of mosquitoes, let us know! We would love to hear from you.