09 Oct Killing mosquitoes naturally
While mosquitoes are both annoying and irritating and tend to ruin a perfect summer at the drop of a hat, there are numerous natural methods to keep this pest at bay.
As the chilly spring weather gives way to beautiful hot days and balmy summer evenings, we tend to spend more time outdoors, enjoying all the activities that accompany sunny skies and warm weather. The only challenge is that there are some very annoying and irritating pests that tend to be more prevalent during the hotter months – and they make our lives a misery with their continuous buzzing, biting and bloodsucking behaviour.
Mosquito (“Culicidae”)
Although there are ways and means of dealing with mosquitoes and their seemingly endless attacks, the question to ask is whether we actually want to utilise methods that, although they might rid our living space of mosquitoes, involve the use of chemicals and pesticides. Some people prefer to utilise natural methods first, if at all possible.
How do I rid my home of mosquitoes without using chemicals?
It may sound like an impossible task, but may actually be easier than you think. We have searched and combined a list of tips to assist you in dealing with and eradicating this common pest:
- Eliminate standing water
Once again, before we as South Africans start hyperventilating at the thought of emptying our pools, be assured that we are not referring to them in the slightest way, shape or form!
However, we are referring to the bodies of water that may be standing from the last torrential downpour, that could include items such as buckets, old tyres, empty plant troughs, children’s toys, bird baths and even clogged gutters.
Standing water provides the perfect haven in which mosquitoes can breed and in which larvae can thrive. In a nutshell, mosquitoes need water to survive, so dump and drain any excess water that may be found on your property.
- Use candles & essential oils throughout your home
Oh-la-la! Romance is alive and well…killing two birds with one stone! Actually, apart from creating a lovely vibe, candles, incense and essential oils have proven to be a very effective method of naturally deterring mosquitoes, as they don’t like certain fragrances. Try to stick to lemon, lavender, citronella, basil or rosemary for the most effective results.
- Did you know that mosquitoes hate the smell of garlic?
In fact, it is not only mosquitoes that flee the smell of garlic but other pests as well, including fleas, flies and beetles that detest the smell.
Cut up some fresh garlic cloves, let them soak a while in water, after which it can be decanted into a spray bottle and sprayed around your home. Not only will it smell slightly like an Italian restaurant (and who doesn’t like the smell of garlic we might add?) but it will also ensure a pest free area.
Garlic to evade mosquitoes
- Eucalyptus oil
Right up there with garlic, eucalyptus oil is renowned for repelling mosquitoes. You can dilute it with water and spray around the house for a mosquito free zone.
- Lemon & cloves: A match made in heaven!
One of the easiest ways yet to drive away these blood thirsty pests, is a very simple solution of lemons and cloves. For smaller areas in your home or a specific room, trying cutting a lemon in half, adding some gloves and leaving them there, to ensure a mosquito-free area.
- Let your plants do the talking…or eating
Sometimes you need to bring out the big guns to deal with little pests …how about a carnivorous plant? A bit drastic or over the top some may say, but personally it sounds like a refreshingly great idea to those who are forever being stung or hounded by these blood suckers.
The insects provide the perfect food for the plant and you are rid of an annoying insect…very much a win-win situation if you ask us!
Carnivorous Plant to keep away mosquitoes
- Herbs for the win
Did you know that some herbs are a natural mosquito repellent? It is a well-known fact that mosquitoes detest the smell of basil, peppermint, sage and thyme to name but a few.
Pop some herbs into your window sill for not only the freshest ingredients while you are cooking, but it will also act as a natural defence against these pests entering the house at that entrance point or window.
Thyme to keep away pests
- Camphor
Just as mosquitoes use their extremely heightened sense of smell to search for their next meal (in other words YOU!), so this can be used against them. This sensitive sense of smell that mosquitoes have can be used against them, with fragrances that they cannot tolerate, such as camphor which has an extremely strong odour.
Using a camphor block or spray is a sure way to get mosquitoes heading out the door and away from you!
- Mosquito Nets
If all else fails, our suggestion would be to invest in a good quality mosquito net. Not only will it keep the mosquitoes at bay and unable to reach you, but hopefully these little bloodsuckers will also give up and head out looking for their next unlucky victim.
Mosquito nets can be brought at a wide range of stores, either in store or online and remain a cost-effective solution to the age old problem of insomnia due to nocturnal pests and zinging in your ears!
Chemical and Pesticides: A Last Resort
Many people prefer a more natural approach, utilising items or products that they may already have within their homes. However, sometimes this is not enough. Should you experience an infestation of mosquitoes in or around your home, it may be best to call in the professionals to deal with it and eradicate these bothersome insects.
Professional pest control management companies, such as Kallvest, are well-versed in dealing with pests. The team’s detailed knowledge of common pests, pest habits, lifestyles and treatment plans make them one of the leading integrated pest control management companies in South Africa.
Contact Kallvest’s national team on telephone +27 (0)11 794 4060 or info@kallvest.co.za for an obligation free quote.
