How to Get Rid of the Mosquitoes

By Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta on August 23, 2016

What are Health Risks Related to Mosquitoes

Monsoons are the best time for the mosquitoes to breed. These tiny creatures are ruining our atmosphere. Almost all of us have experienced the swelling, redness and itching caused due to mosquito bites. They cause dangerous diseases like dengue, malaria, Chikungunya, elephantitis, and yellow fever. These diseases may be fatal and so it is very important to get rid of the mosquitoes.

Health Risks Related to Mosquitoes

What are the Ways to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

Many mosquito repellents are available in the market. Repellents that contain up to 50% DEET are more popular.They can be used by adults and also for the children who are above 2 months. They are effective for 12 to 24 hours. Repellents that have less than 30 percent DEET provides protection for a short term.

Ways to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

If you have infants below 2 months of age, it is better to use a mosquito net.

Many other products are available in the market. However, besides helping us to get rid of the mosquitoes, they not only pollute the environment, but also may have an adverse effect on the body and may cause allergy. Below in this article are some natural home remedies to get rid of mosquitoes in an eco-friendly way.

What are the Natural ways to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

1.Dry ice- Mosquitoes are attracted by the carbon dioxide exhale by us. Dry ice also emits carbon dioxide that too in large amounts. If you place it in a container it will attract the mosquitoes. Remember to keep it at a distance. Close the lid once all mosquitoes are attracted. It is a little time-consuming method but an effective one.

Dry ice

2.Mint- Smell of mint not only relax us, but also acts as a mosquito repellent. Vaporizer mint oil in your room or apply the oil on your exposed body parts. Plant mint shrubs outside your doors, window or garden.

Mint

3.Coffee Grounds- It is the easiest way to get rid of mosquitoes. Sprinkle coffee grounds over the stagnant water bodies in your surroundings. This will force the mosquito eggs to come to the water surface and are oxygen deprived and kills them.

4.Citronella oil- It is extracted from the citronella grass. It is very efficient in keeping mosquitoes away. Infuse it with a candle. You may also vaporize it.

Citronella oil

5.Mosquito Trap- They are available in the market. Put them before sleeping, but make sure to kill any mosquito that has entered into the net while putting it.

6.Brown sugar- Take a plastic bottle and cut it in half. Take brown sugar and add it to hot water. Mix well and cool down the mixture. After cooling it, pour it into the bottom half of the bottle. Add yeast and put the funnel part of the bottle in the bottom half in an upside down direction. Wrap a tape on the bottle keeping the top uncovered. Place it to get rid of the mosquito. Change the mixture every 14 days.

7.Camphor- It is an eco-friendly way to get rid of mosquitoes. Just Light a camphor in the room and leave it 30 minutes.

Camphor

Take 4 Camphor balls and a cup Neem oil in and fill it in an emptied refill bottle. Fix it to the machine and turn on.

8.Garlic- Because of its pungent odor, it repels mosquitoes abhor its smell. Crush garlic cloves and boil in water for a few minutes. Pour it in a spray bottle. Now squirt this around your room to kill the mosquitoes.

9. Indian Lilac Oil and Coconut Oil- Indian lilac is anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-protozoan and anti-fungal. Mix it with an equal quantity of coconut oil and apply on your skin. This will keep the mosquitoes away for 8 hours.

10.Eucalyptus Oil and Lemon Oil- Mix the lemon oil both in equal amount and apply on the exposed parts.

Eucalyptus Oil and Lemon Oil

What are the Prevention Measures to Get Rid of the Mosquitoes

Most homes have a mosquito infestation are near a standing water, which is perfect for the growth of the mosquitoes. They spend the first 10 days of their life in water, so better get rid of stagnant water bodies as soon as possible. Encourage proper drainage. Do not throw coconut shells, tyres, and other utensils in open. Change the water of coolers and flower pots regularly.

Better wear full sleeved and full pants that cover most of your body parts. This will protect from mosquito bite.

You may spray the clothing with repellents mentioned above. Do not wear dark clothes.

Most of the diseases caused by spread of infection due to the mosquito bites have no vaccination and can be serious. So it is better to take preventive measures to protect ourselves.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta: Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.