The trouble is, much like fruit flies and maggots, there’s an abundance of mosquitoes during the summer months and while they make a distinct buzzing sound as they near, a single insect can be tricky to detect and deal with. Worry not though, we’ve pulled together this comprehensive guide to take you through the best ways to handle these pests. We will also cover what to do if you’re bitten. Here’s how to get rid of mosquitoes.
How to get rid of mosquitoes in your home
Before you take action, you need to be clear on whether you’re dealing with the odd mosquito or a full-blown infestation. Mosquitoes love dark, humid environments, so check under sinks and in your laundry room for signs of an infestation. Mosquitoes don’t build a nest like other insects, but there will be a high number of them where they’re breeding. Whether you suspect an infestation or you’re only dealing with a few of these pests, you’ve got a couple of options:
- Try a natural remedy — You don’t have to kill the mosquitoes, especially if you’re only dealing with a handful. You can deter them from your home instead. Here’s some natural remedies which have been known to work:
Essential oils — Mix a few drops of essential oils, such as peppermint or citronella, with a cup of water in an empty spray bottle and apply around the home to deter mosquitoes. These oils as well as others, such as lavender and lemon eucalyptus, can also be applied directly to the skin to repel mosquitoes, although be sure to patch test first. Candles — Likewise, you can invest in candles which contain similar scents to make mosquitoes steer clear. Lavender candles are widely available and mosquitoes hate this smell. Although do not leave a lit candle unattended and do not leave it burning as you sleep.
Coffee grounds — The smell of burning coffee grounds is also known to repel mosquitoes. To do this, just lay out your coffee grounds in a bowl or tray and light them as you would incense. Just be sure the space is safe for this method and watch the smoke doesn’t set off your fire alarm. Switch on the fan — Mosquitoes are actually pretty weak at flying, so if you’ve got a strong breeze circulating your room, they’re unlikely to try to fly in it. Switch on your oscillating fan or use one of the best air purifiers as a fan to do two jobs at once. Invest in the right plants — Certain plants contain oils which will repel mosquitoes. Strategically place catnip, lemon thyme, mint, lavender, rosemary and citrosa around your home to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
- Seal off any entrances — Once you’ve dealt with your mosquito problem, you’ll want to stop them from coming back. Inspect your doors and windows and seal off any potential entryways. Replace any damaged window screens and invest in screen doors if you don’t already have them. If none of the above deals with your mosquito problem, you may need to call in a professional to help.
How to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard
- Adjust the conditions — You may have an abundance of mosquitoes in your yard because it makes for ideal living conditions. Remove any standing water, cut down your grass and clear away any debris. Standing water will attract mosquitoes because that’s where they lay their eggs. So empty and clean your bird baths and eliminate any small puddles.
- Introduce predators — Dragonflies are a natural predator to mosquitoes. A water feature will generally help attract dragonflies to your yard, as will rocks on which they can sun themselves. If you own a pond, certain fish, such as goldfish, will also eat mosquito larvae which can help reduce the population. You can also add a larvicide to pond water, although be sure to check it won’t hurt any existing fish. Keep the water rotating as well with a pump to deter mosquitoes.
- Use home remedies — Much like treating mosquitoes indoors, many of the same techniques can be applied outdoors to create a barrier. Lavender candles can be effective for deterring mosquitoes at short range, while oscillating fans can prevent them from flying. Plants with natural oils which will deter mosquitoes can also feature in your garden, such as mint and catnip.
- Protect yourself — Remember to apply mosquito repellent to your skin when necessary and to re-apply it once it wears off. The CDC (opens in new tab) recommends you use EPA-registered insect repellents and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants for best protection. You should not use products which contain lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol on children under three years old. You should also not apply the repellent to young children’s hands, eyes, mouth or any part of the skin which is cut or irritated.
- Invest in a trap — There are different types of mosquito trap available on the market for both indoor and outdoor use. But, these will usually attract mosquitoes using either a light or scent and then trap or kill them on contact with electricity. More advanced ones will vacuum in the insects as they draw near.
How to get rid of mosquito bites
Unfortunately, even if you take every precaution with preventing mosquitoes, one sometimes slips through and you can still get bitten. It’s always a horrible moment when you realize you can’t stop itching a certain spot and then the skin flares up and you know you’re in for an uncomfortable few days. The good news is there are certain steps you can take to help reduce the effects of mosquito bites. The CDC (opens in new tab) recommends the following steps:
- Wash the bite with soapy water and rinse.
- Hold a fresh ice pack to the bite for 10 minutes and reapply as necessary. This should reduce the swelling and itching.
- Combine one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to create a paste.
- Apply that paste to the bite and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing away.
- You can also buy an antihistamine cream at the pharmacy to lessen the itching. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. You might also want to check out how to get rid of fruit flies quickly if you find any at home. We’ve also covered how to get rid of ladybugs, how to get rid of roaches, how to get rid of gnats, how to get rid of ants and how to get rid of fleas.
