Mosquitos are common pests around the globe but especially in tropical countries like India. Not only are they annoying disturbances, but mosquito bites can result in serious illnesses like dengue, chikungunya, malaria and more. To keep ourselves and our families safe from these tiny insects, most of us go for quick and convenient solutions; mosquito repellent sprays, coils and liquids. But most of these are heavy in chemicals that aren’t good for the people living in your home or the environment. Here are 10 natural ways to keep mosquitoes out of your home:
1. Plants for the Win
Basil leaves are known for killing mosquito larvae. Get yourself small pots with basil plants and keep them at the entry points of your home. Marigolds, tulsi, mint, lemongrass and citronella are other plants that also naturally repel mosquitos.
2. Camphor
Camphor has a strong odour that drives mosquitoes right out. Simply close all the doors and windows, light the camphor and in about 30 minutes – no more mosquitoes!
3. Garlic
Garlic has natural properties that repel mosquitoes. So what do you do with the garlic? Simply crush a few cloves and them in water. Let it sit out and cool. Then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the solution all-around your home.
4. Eucalyptus Oil
According to research, lemon eucalyptus oil is a very effective mosquito repellent. This essential oil is available in drug stores and must be used sparingly as a natural, mosquito-repelling perfume. Simply take a cotton ball soaked in essential oil and dab it onto your soft furnishings.
5. Tea Tree Oil
If the smell of eucalyptus isn’t your cup of tea, try tree tea oil instead. Tea tree oil contains anti-bacterial properties that keep mosquitos away. Pour a few drops into a spray bottle of water and spray it around your home. It’s that easy to get a mosquito-free home.
6. Pinion Wood
The smell of burning pinion wood kills mosquitos which is one of the reasons it’s used in bonfires during camps. Burning wood indoors to keep warm is not a common practice in India, but you could try burning some on the balcony or right outside your door to keep the buzzing insects away.
7. Dry Ice
Dry ice may not be the most convenient to get a hold of, but its an effective, natural mosquito repellent method. Simply place some dry ice in an inexpensive mosquito trap and keep it in your home to watch the magic happen. The Carbon Dioxide emitted from dry ice attracts mosquitos and the mosquito will die in the trap. Note: Make sure that you handle dry ice with care.
8. Lavender Oil
Another essential oil that’s great to keep mosquitos at bay is lavender oil. Not only does it smell lovely to us, but mosquitos hate it! So go ahead and spray it around your home, and even on your body to avoid getting bitten.
9. Beer
You might love the smell of beer but mosquitos sure don’t. This hack is simple. If you have a beer can in your fridge already, simply open it and keep it out in your room. The smell will drive the mosquitos out.
10. Vinegar
Vinegar is easily found in most households. Take three cups of water and one cup of vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it around the home. You can use either apple cider vinegar or normal vinegar.
Try out these natural remedies to avoid getting bitten, but more importantly, you should stop the root problem – the breeding of mosquitos. It’s a well-known fact that mosquitos breed in still water. So look around your home and garden for any small bodies of water where mosquitos could lay eggs. This could be as small as a bottle cap full, so be vigilant. The tray of flower pots is one common place where still water is found. By keeping mosquitos from breeding in your home, you will be doing your part to stop diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya.
1 Comment
Thanks for sharing this article. This article is so effective and has working tricks.