Although mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases, most of them actually do nothing but bite, suck blood and leave a red, itchy mark on the skin. This, however, is bad enough in itself, especially for particularly unfortunate people who attract these annoying insects more than others. Hunting and killing a single mosquito is not too difficult, but if you want to prevent your home and garden from being infested with these insects, you need to find more effective and effective solutions.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Create a Housewife Trap
Step 1. Get a large square fan
You can purchase a powerful fan at a home improvement store or department store. Choose one that has a metal frame, as you will need to use magnets with this trap. With this appliance and a few other supplies, you can build a trap that will reduce the number of mosquitoes in your home, at least in the short term. Its long-term effect is not yet known, but to learn more about this you can consult the section dealing with the prevention of larvae development.
If you need to catch mosquitoes in the garden, you will also need an extension cable, so that you can connect the appliance to an outlet at home
Step 2. Using magnets, secure a wire mesh to one side of the fan
Cover the front of the device with a piece of fine-meshed wire mesh that is able to trap insects. You will need many strong magnets for this operation.
Step 3. Turn on the fan
Whichever area is infested with mosquitoes, start the device and let it run for at least a few hours. You will notice a significant reduction in mosquitoes for a day or two, although the long-term effects of this method are unknown.
Step 4. Kill these pesky insects with denatured alcohol
In a spray bottle, pour an equal parts solution of 70% denatured alcohol and water. Spray any mosquitoes that have landed on the wire mesh with this mixture, avoiding the central part of the fan motor. You can leave the net outside for other animals to feed on dead insects or you can shake it and throw the mosquitoes in the garbage. The net is reusable.
Consider removing all beneficial insects and moths from the net before spraying it with the alcohol solution
Method 2 of 4: Try Other Methods to Control the Mosquito Population
Step 1. Spray insecticide as a temporary solution
Products based on DEET (diethyltoluamide) are among the most effective in repelling mosquitoes, but they only last a few hours and, unfortunately, they also kill the beneficial insects of the garden. Other insecticides can cause just as much collateral damage, but are less effective, have a shorter lifespan, and / or are designed to be sprayed on clothing rather than large surfaces.
Check the product label to make sure that the insecticide is approved for the use you want to make of it
Step 2. Consider growing repellent plants
Lantana is considered one of the most effective in repelling mosquitoes, but be aware that it is poisonous to pets, can cause allergic reactions and, in some areas, is classified as a pest. Alternatively, you can evaluate other plants that are less effective; rely on these others only if you like them or want to grow them in large quantities:
Lemongrass, citrus plants, basil, rosemary, mint or catnip are all mild repellents
Step 3. Be wary of mosquito lamps and ultrasonic devices
The former seem effective because they emit a loud sound, bright light or sparks. However, most of the insects that kill are not represented by mosquitoes, on the contrary they could also exterminate those that normally feed on mosquitoes and compete with them for the territory. Ultrasound devices simply don't work.
Some mosquito traps prove effective because they are based on the fan principle and look a lot like the home device described above. They can be useful for a fixed term
Step 4. Take temporary measures
Mosquitoes tend to avoid smoke and are blown away by fans at maximum speed. Having the dining room or patio full of smoke or subjected to a constant current of air may not be pleasant, but if your main concern is to keep mosquitoes away for a few minutes, it could be a viable solution.
Lemongrass candles are very effective thanks to the smoke they give off and not because of their scent. Any type of candle will perform the same function
Method 3 of 4: Kill the Larvae
Step 1. Empty the containers full of standing water or treat the latter
Still water is a fertile ground for the deposition of mosquito eggs and the life of the larvae. Regularly empty the rainwater barrels, the children's pools, the pet water bowl and all other containers. Treat puddles and other water sources that you cannot empty with a specific insecticide for larvae.
Always read the instructions of insecticides carefully, to understand if they are dangerous for animals and children, in case of ingestion. There are products that use active ingredients that are toxic to the larvae, but not chemical elements and are generally safe for other animals
Step 2. Regularly clean the gutters and garbage pails
These are areas where water stagnates and are a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which you may not have taken into consideration. Tidy up your garden often, especially during the rainy season.
Step 3. Cut the grass and bushes to reduce the likelihood of puddles of rain or dew forming
Water the garden only when and as needed and keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Method 4 of 4: Kill a Single Mosquito
Step 1. Turn on a lamp or torch
Mosquitoes are attracted to light, but if there is already a specimen buzzing in the room, it is useless to turn it off. Light a very bright torch to attract the insect to its destiny.
Mosquitoes are not attracted by sodium bulbs, LEDs and yellow "anti-insect" lights. You can use these devices to reduce the number of insects that enter your home, but be aware that they are not useful for attracting a single mosquito and exterminating it
Step 2. Try using a vacuum cleaner
Mount the pointed accessory on a large vacuum cleaner and, when you spot the mosquito, turn it on and hunt it down. Once sucked, the insect should die in the appliance bag; in any case you can throw it in the trash to feel safer. If you think this method is too complicated for a single mosquito, you can read the next steps in which traditional techniques will be described.
Step 3. Wait for the mosquito to land on the wall
If you keep following her with your eyes or walking towards her to scare her until she leans against a wall, then it will take you a couple of minutes to resolve the matter.
If the mosquito does not land, you can try to kill it "on the fly" by clapping your hands as it flutters around you. It will take several attempts
Step 4. Squeeze it with a long object
A rolled-up newspaper or magazine (but also an old sheet of paper) are perfect objects to increase the strength of your blow. You can also use a shirt, a book or other object, the important thing is that you are willing to wash it or clean it from the crushed residues of the insect. Once you have successfully killed the nuisance mosquito, you can allow yourself to gloat and then continue your normal activities.
For this purpose, you can buy a fly swatter or even an electrified model, thanks to which you just need to touch the insect to exterminate it instantly
Step 5. Trap the mosquito in a glass
If the insect continues to fly before the blow hits, the reason could be the insect's reaction to the movement of air that precedes the impact. Try to quickly move a clear glass cup to the surface where the mosquito has landed to trap it. Slide a piece of paper or cardboard between the glass and the surface to retain the insect. Bring the container outside and crush the mosquito with paper or leave it in the glass to suffocate it.
Advice
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing loose-fitting but long-sleeved clothing.
- Research has shown that eating garlic does not repel mosquitoes.
