Mosquitoes are among the most annoying insects that exist. When they start to sting, they not only spoil your outdoor outings, but they can also transmit dangerous diseases. However, by dressing appropriately, using the right repellents, and adopting simple household tricks, you can keep them away and enjoy your adventures, meetings and outdoor spaces.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Protect the Body
Step 1. Put on a long sleeved shirt, a pair of pants and closed shoes
Mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and bacteria that naturally accumulate on the skin. Cover up using long-sleeved clothing, pants, and shoes to attract them as little as possible and prevent them from biting you.
- Many department stores for camping and outdoor activities sell lightweight sports suits that allow you to stay covered comfortably and cool, even in high temperatures.
- Choose light-colored clothing, such as white, beige, and pastel. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, including black and dark blue.
Step 2. Use mosquito repellent
Sprays and creams that contain diethyltoluamide (DEET) can keep mosquitoes away when you are outdoors. The substance they are made of is safe if you use them as directed and they can also be spread on the skin of 2-month-old babies, but be sure to read the safety and application instructions before proceeding.
- Eucalyptus, lemon essential oil, and picaridin are also effective ingredients found in mosquito repellents.
- The effect of these products tends to wear off over time, so be sure to follow the application instructions.
- If you prefer to use a homemade natural repellent, mix 50 g of witch hazel and 60 ml of distilled water in a spray bottle and add a total of 40-50 drops of a lemongrass, eucalyptus or lemon essential oil (you can choose the combination that do you want). If you have to apply it to a child under the age of 3, it is best to halve the amount.
Step 3. Light a few geraniol or lemongrass candles
Geraniol is 5 times more effective than lemongrass at repelling mosquitoes, so you may want to buy these kinds of candles, even if not everyone thinks the smell is as pleasant as that of lemongrass.
Although lemongrass isn't particularly effective against mosquitoes, the smoke from the lit candle can confuse them, preventing them from biting you
Step 4. Use curtains or netting fabrics
If you're having a garden party or want to lie down in the hammock to take a nap, consider surrounding the area with fairly dense curtains or nets.
They will not necessarily ward off mosquitoes, but they will prevent them from coming into contact with the skin, as long as the flaps and openings of the tent are tightly closed and that the fabric falls abundantly on the ground creating a barrier against these intruders
Step 5. Turn on the fans
Mosquitoes are not insects with particularly energetic flight, so if you place fans strategically around your location or on the terrace, they will have a harder time getting close and biting you. In addition, they are attracted to the carbon dioxide emitted as you breathe, so you will also need to dissipate it.
Step 6. Stay clear of tall grass, standing water, and wooded areas
They are the favorite areas of mosquitoes, because inside them they are able to live and reproduce, so if you avoid this type of space, the risk of attracting them and being bitten will be lower.
Step 7. Stay indoors in the evening
Mosquitoes are most active at night, starting at dusk. If you stay indoors and wait to resume outdoor activities the next morning, you are less likely to sting.
Method 2 of 2: Free Your Spaces from Mosquitoes
Step 1. Install bird and bat houses
Birds and bats are natural predators of mosquitoes. By giving them a place to live close to home, you will encourage them to settle and live by reducing the number of mosquitoes. In addition, they will eliminate other pests.
Step 2. Mow your lawn every week
Mosquitoes tend to hide in tall, thick grass. Remove cut threads after mowing. They may continue to harbor insects once they fall to the ground.
Step 3. Grow mosquito repellent plants on your patio or garden
Lavender, calendula, lemon balm, mint, catnip, and basil are just some of the species you can grow near your home to discourage mosquitoes.
Step 4. Remove sources of standing water
Fill in ditches and uneven areas around your home. These spots can collect water, giving mosquitoes a place to breed.
- Consider buying some concrete for foundations or driveways, or contact a company to have the holes filled with a professional product.
- Remove any containers that can collect water during the cold season. Cisterns, tarps, barbecues, garbage cans and plant pots where moisture accumulates are ideal places for mosquitoes to thrive.
- Empty and clean pet fountains and bowls every 24-48 hours, where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
Step 5. Clean the pool
If you have a swimming pool, check the cleanliness of the filters and add chlorine regularly to prevent these insects from reproducing on the water.
If there is a body of water near your home, such as a pond, consider populating it with mosquito larvae-eating fish, such as koi or goldfish
Step 6. Fill the tree trunks
Tree stumps are also great spots for mosquito breeding, but people often don't take them into consideration. Fill the hollow parts with sand, earth or rubble to prevent moisture and water from accumulating.
Step 7. Pour the coffee grounds into the standing water
Coffee kills mosquito larvae, so by sprinkling it in puddles, ditches or swampy areas near your home, you can reduce their presence.
Avoid placing them in ponds or lagoon areas where fish, birds or other life forms live so as not to pollute their habitat
Step 8. Use industrial pesticides if you live near wooded or swampy areas
You can contact a company specializing in mosquito pest control. If there is a pond or large body of water, workers may spray a larvicidal product, but not toxic to other aquatic life.
- In some places, you can buy and spray pesticides yourself. The relevant laws and regulations differ based on where you live.
- Whole communities are often disinfected by mosquitoes. If you are looking for more information on the use of pesticides and the pest control procedure in the area where you live, contact the ASL or the Municipality.
Warnings
- Before buying mosquito repellent, spray, cream or candles, carefully read the composition and application instructions. Some people may be allergic to certain substances.
- Keep pets away from mosquito-treated areas to prevent poisoning from ingesting toxic substances.
