Do you know what is the most hated insect in the world? Out of all the venomous and nasty bugs littered around the globe, mosquitoes are probably the most hated. Sure, their bite is not as painful as that of a bullet ant and they do not look half as bad as a cockroach. In spite of this, plenty of people still despise mosquitoes – to the point that they will immediately call pest control companies upon seeing them – because although they do not have a stinging bite and they don’t look scary, they have the ability to obliterate millions of people through the diseases they carry.
Every year, plenty of people fall ill due to dengue, malaria, and Zika virus – illnesses that you can contract from mosquito bite. Do not let this pesky insect harm you your family. To be safe, follow these four ways of repelling mosquitoes!
Consistently Clean Your Home
The easiest and most common way to prevent attracting mosquitoes in your home is by consistently cleaning it. Mosquitoes are attracted to clutter and debris – such as buckets, cans, scrap metals, and tires – because these places can serve as breeding grounds for them. For example, if you leave a bucket of water in the garage for weeks, expect adult mosquitoes to lay their eggs on it. Avoid situations like this for a mosquito-free home by following these tips:
- Make sure that all of your doors and windows do not have any holes since they can serve as entry points for mosquitoes. If there are any, make sure to block them right away.
- Empty all of your water containers twice a week. Birdbaths, pet water bowls, and flowerpot saucers can attract mosquitoes too so make sure to drain them regularly.
- Turn over empty buckets and pails to avoid excess water from dripping inside the containers. If they cannot be emptied, make sure that they are at least covered.
- Check if the bottom of your garbage bin and other containers have holes. If there are any, make sure to cover them to prevent mosquitoes from entering these holes.
- Keep your gutters clean and unclogged.
- Make sure that your swimming pool is clean and chlorinated as well.
- Do you have a pond at home? Aerate ornamental ponds to keep its water from moving. Also, try placing a mosquito-eating fish in your pond to prevent mosquitoes from invading the area.
- Cover your trash can or dustbin when not in use.
- Mosquitoes are drawn to dark and damp places so trim the bushes on your property in a regular basis. This will not only make your garden beautiful but reduce the population of mosquito in your yard as well.
Wear Insect-repellent Clothing
Wearing insect-repellent clothing is one of the best ways to prevent mosquitoes from biting you. Put on long-sleeved shirts and pants especially if you are going to sleep. Covering your skin with garments is also a must if you are venturing to areas where there are mosquito infestations.
Utilize Citronella Candles
Citronella is known as an effective repellent of mosquitoes. So place a few citronella candles in your living room, bedroom, and even garden in order to keep these pesky insects away. Aside from battling mosquitoes, these candles can also help beautify your place!
Plant Mosquito Repellent Plants
If you have a garden at home, try planting mosquito repellent plants. Some of them are basil, lavender, lemon balm, peppermint, and marigold. These plants can effectively drive mosquitoes away, preventing them from wreaking havoc on you and your family’s health.
Mosquitoes will not just leave your skin feeling itchy after they bite you. In some cases, their bite can also lead to numerous diseases such as malaria and dengue. To avoid contracting the several illnesses that mosquitoes carry, follow the four tips mentioned above! If they continue to pester you after trying everything, then maybe it’s time to avail pest control services. Contact a professional immediately to get rid of the mosquitoes in your home.