Folk remedies for mosquitoes: how to get rid of them in an apartment

Mosquito repellents (video)

Pryrethroid is a general-acting nerve poison. It was first isolated from pyrethrum - Persian chamomile. Now pyrethroids are being synthesized. Under the influence of pyrethroid in mosquitoes, nerve impulses are blocked and paralysis and death occur. If the product contains a high concentration of the active substance, mosquitoes die quickly.

Fumigators

Fumigators are a plastic container that is equipped with an electrical plug and plugs into an outlet. A plate with the active substance is placed in the fumigator or a bottle with a liquid product is screwed on. After switching on, the fumigator heats up, causing the active substance to heat up. It begins to evaporate under the influence of temperature and spread through the air. As a result, the substance affects all insects in the room and destroys them.

The most famous fumigator is Raptor.

Fumigators are not recommended to be used in rooms where there are pregnant and lactating women, as well as small children. It is also known that the work of fumigators can harm cold-blooded animals. There have been cases of illness and death of fish, snails, and inhabitants of terrariums. Before turning on the fumigator, it is recommended to take the cages with birds to another place.

Spirals

Mosquito coils work on the same principle. The active substance begins to be released into the air when the product smolders, so it is set on fire at one end. To prevent a fire from occurring, the mosquito repellent of this type is installed on a special metal stand.

Ultrasonic repellers

They can be powered from the mains or be battery-powered. The devices emit ultrasound of a certain frequency, which informs insects of danger and repels them. Mosquitoes detect ultrasonic waves and emit them themselves. Therefore, such repellers have a good effect on them.

Modern methods of mosquito control

It is impossible to get rid of mosquito infestations once and for all, but it is possible to reduce or eliminate the population for a long time. There are a lot of modern pest control products that can always be found on the shelves of hardware stores and home departments.

Mosquito net

To get rid of mosquitoes, you should first pay attention to protecting your apartment. Mosquito nets are ideal for prevention. A mosquito will not be able to get into the apartment due to the microscopic size of the mesh cells

There is a wide range of designs for windows and doorways on sale.

A mosquito will not be able to get into the apartment due to the microscopic size of the mesh cells. There is a wide range of designs for windows and doorways on sale.

To prevent the pest from getting into your home, cover all possible openings to the street: windows, vents, doors

Also pay attention to ventilation. You can cover the holes with gauze or a special anti-mosquito cloth.

Fumigators with liquids and plates

One of the most popular devices for protecting premises from mosquitoes is a fumigator. The principle of operation is to heat the insecticidal substance contained in the plate or liquid. The product releases vapors that have a detrimental effect on insects. The device requires an electrical connection to operate.

The drugs begin their effect within 30 minutes after connecting to electricity. One plate is enough for 12 hours of work, and a bottle of liquid is enough for 45-60 nights. The radius of action of the substances is 20 square meters. m.

Before use, carefully read the instructions for use.

If there are small children living in the house, use the device with extreme caution, following the prescribed safety measures specified by the manufacturer on the packaging.

Spirals

The action of the spiral is based on the distribution of toxic substances at the treatment site. To make the spiral work, set fire to its tip and immediately extinguish it so that the smoldering process begins

Use spirals with extreme caution, and only outdoors, such as a gazebo, veranda or balcony. In enclosed spaces, insecticides released can cause poisoning of the body

Ultrasonic repeller

The device operates from the mains. The repelling process involves the distribution of special radio waves that the insect body cannot tolerate. However, these waves do not affect humans in any way.

Use of traps and baits

Mosquitoes notice humans due to the release of carbon dioxide during breathing. Based on this principle, scientists have invented a special device that releases carbon dioxide. The female insect smells an odor that attracts her and flies to the place where the device is exposed, where she ends up in a special container, from where she can no longer get out.

Magnetic mosquito nets for doorways

Until recently, housewives covered doorways open to the street with curtains. This was extremely inconvenient, since going through the device on the doors was quite difficult.

Nowadays there is a wide range of mosquito nets for doors of various modifications. The most popular of them are magnetic grids. The magnets are located along the central vertical line of the mosquito net. Now, when passing through a doorway, you will not worry about the curtain getting caught or sliding to one side. Once opened, the magnets are attracted again and the mesh closes on its own.

Sonic attack

The operating principle of such repellers is based on the life activity of mosquitoes. The device emits ultrasonic waves identical to the squeak of males when in danger. Females hear this and are afraid to approach the affected area.

Lighting devices

The device proved to be very weak in the fight against mosquitoes. The work scheme is based on attracting insects to ultraviolet light. As soon as the pest lands on the grill of the device, it immediately receives an electric shock and dies. Unfortunately, mosquitoes are not attracted to light. Insects are more attracted to the smell of a person, so they rarely fly close to the device.

Anti-mosquito bracelets

Special mosquito repellent bracelets are impregnated with various oils and fragrances that repel insects. On the packaging, the manufacturer assures that full protection of the body is guaranteed for 200–240 hours.

In fact, the range of action of the anti-mosquito accessory is so small that for optimal effect you will need to wear a bracelet on each limb. In addition, the smell of impregnation disappears much faster than indicated on the packaging, and, as a result, the device becomes ineffective.

How to remove mosquitoes from a private house or apartment

There are both traditional methods of getting rid of mosquitoes (mainly using odors) and more modern ones. We will look at them all in order.

One of the simplest, most frequently used and effective methods is to use mosquito nets. They need to be used to tighten the window openings, loggia windows or balconies; the ventilation holes should also be closed - gauze will do. For additional effect, you can hang blackout curtains on the balcony door. Be careful: when tightening the openings, try to ensure that the mosquitoes are outside and not inside. Otherwise, you will have to get rid of them even after installing mosquito nets.

The following method will help remove mosquitoes and lift your spirits. To do this, you should hang New Year's rain or tinsel around the house; they cast bright reflections on the walls and floor that repel insects.

Use mosquito nets to prevent mosquitoes from coming to you

How to get rid of mosquitoes in a room using folk methods and improvised means?

Traditional methods of fighting mosquitoes are based on the use of odors that are repugnant to insects. As observations show, they are disgusted by the aromas of elderberry or geranium, cloves or eucalyptus, bird cherry or chamomile, as well as basil. You can place bunches of dried herbs in the bedroom and other rooms, above the door and windows. This method works for several days, then you need to remove the old bunches of herbs and put new ones in their place.

You can also use aromatic oils against mosquitoes - both in pure form (citronella, rosemary and thyme, litzea, eucalyptus, basil), and in mixture with each other (mint + cloves + lavender, basil + juniper + geranium + tea tree or lavender + tea tree + cloves). How to use them? A few drops of the selected aroma oil or their mixture should be diluted in 1 tbsp. spoon of base oil (usually jojoba, grape seed oil, almond or regular sunflower), soak 5-8 dry wipes with this mixture and spread around the apartment or house. You can use the same mixture in an aroma lamp. If you don’t have this device, then it is recommended to use improvised means, namely, drop oil into a bowl of salt. Such methods based on aromas work effectively and, with the correct use of aromatic oils (important! 1 drop of oil per 5 square meters), they are safe for people.

Essential oils repel mosquitoes

Effective insect control methods that can repel mosquitoes for a long time - video

For the next method you will need camphor. This is a white (sometimes transparent) powder of plant origin, sold in pharmacies. For humans, camphor is harmless, but for mosquitoes it first causes loss of the ability to bite, and then death. There is also camphor oil, which will also help us in the fight against unpleasant insects. How to use? The easiest way is to moisten cotton wool with it and leave it on the windowsill or dilute a few drops in a glass of water and heat it in a small saucepan.

Camphor oil can be replaced with valerian.

Camphor powder can be purchased at a pharmacy

The next method is suitable for smokers. Insects are well repelled by the smell of tobacco smoke; you can place an ashtray with remaining cigarette butts near the windows or on the balcony.

Mosquitoes really don’t like the smell of tomatoes, and if you have tomatoes growing on your windowsill, mosquitoes are unlikely to want to fly to you. The smell of growing tomatoes does not cause harm to humans.

Tomato bushes on the window can protect you from mosquitoes

Garlic is also an excellent mosquito repellent. The only condition is to use it correctly. You can use the following method:

1. Peel 12 cloves of garlic.
2. Cut them in half.
3. Pour 2 glasses of water and boil.
4. Spray throughout the apartment, room or house.

How to get rid of mosquitoes using modern means?

The most modern mosquito repellents, which are constantly being improved, are fumigators (with a dry plate or with a liquid - aquafumigators). The fumigator plates (and liquids in aquafumigators) are impregnated with chemically active substances that mosquitoes cannot tolerate; they are constantly heated in the device. They should be used according to the instructions. As a rule, 1 plate is designed for 20 square meters. meters of area. Therefore, if you have a small room, it is recommended to cut the plate in half. It is important not to exceed the maximum permissible operating time of the fumigator specified by the manufacturer.

Aquafumigator - a modern mosquito repellent

You can also use mosquito coils - they are set on fire, and the smoke with chemicals harmful to mosquitoes, spread by them, repels vampire insects. This remedy is quite effective in the fight against bloodsuckers, however, such spirals are not entirely safe for humans. When used in closed, unventilated areas, the chemicals released by the coils can cause poisoning. Therefore, according to the instructions, they are prohibited from being used in a house or apartment. However, they can be a good help if you need to get rid of mosquitoes in the basement.

Spiral repels mosquitoes

There are ultrasonic mosquito repellers; they emit sound waves, at the vibration frequency of which male mosquitoes squeak in case of danger, so the females turn on “trust” and they are afraid to approach the place where the ultrasqueak is coming from.

Ultrasonic mosquito repeller Tornado

How ultrasonic mosquito repellers work - video

There are also mosquito repellent candles; their operating principle is based on the dissemination of a smell that mosquitoes do not like, for example, the aroma of citronella. However, according to the instructions, they, like spirals, cannot be used indoors, but for a romantic evening under the moon they are perfect. Such candles burn and repel mosquitoes for 4 to 30 hours.

A special candle repels mosquitoes

Top 5 anti-mosquito devices (according to consumer reviews)

1. Fumigators.
2. Aroma oils.
3. Camphor.
4. Ultrasonic repeller.
5. Geranium and tomato seedlings.

Cologne “Carnation”: the best of alcohol-containing means of protection

Blood-sucking insects also do not like the smell of alcohol, so for short-term protection you can treat the skin with alcohol, vodka or even cognac. However, the best alcohol-containing folk remedy for mosquitoes is “Carnation” cologne, which contains clove flower extract.

This is an inexpensive cologne with a rather pungent odor that many find unpleasant. However, as a mosquito repellent, Gvozdika is very good. A small amount of cologne is applied to the skin or clothing, providing protection against insects for several hours.

Summer is undoubtedly a romantic time of year. However, the blissful summer heat and evening twilight are overshadowed by the appearance of small “ghouls” - mosquitoes and midges, which are capable, in the literal sense of the word, of getting to anyone. How to protect yourself from them?

Folk remedies for mosquitoes and midges are safer for our body than various chemicals

This is especially important when it comes to the health of the child. So, how can you save yourself from midges and mosquitoes? We’ll find out in our article! Folk remedies for mosquitoes and midges in nature. Oh, these midges!

Oh, these midges!

Damn mosquitoes!

These “ghouls” appear in April-May. They disappear in September-October. In their short life, these bloodsuckers manage to literally bleed many people! They attack before sunset. It is the females who feed on blood. They inject a special anticoagulant into the blood, which prevents the blood from clotting. It is this substance that causes our itching and redness.

Folk remedies against mosquitoes:

Folk remedies for mosquitoes and midges in the house

Fighting midges:

1. Find out the reasons why you have midges in your apartment. The fact is that they lay their eggs in food that begins to rot.
2. Get rid of spoiled food and limit midges' access to water.
3. Catch them on a saucer of wine vinegar or with sticky tape.
4. You can add a special spice called cloves to the orange. The smell will cause the midges to leave your home.

We fight mosquitoes:

1. In a private house, elderberry bushes should be planted under the windows. Mosquitoes and midges will fly around your home.
2. Place tomato seedlings on the window. The fact is that mosquitoes cannot stand the specific smell of tomato leaves.
3. “Fry” camphor in a frying pan or use tobacco smoke. Simply put, smoke the bloodsuckers out of your property.

Remember, folk remedies for mosquitoes and midges are in no way inferior to professional chemicals sold in stores. However, in comparison with them, traditional methods of combating these annoying insects are absolutely harmless to our body.

People who spend summer weekends in the country, in the forest or near bodies of water, rural residents and mothers walking with strollers have to suffer from annoying bloodsuckers. Midge and mosquito bites are very painful and cause an allergic reaction in many people. Within a few minutes after the insect sucks blood and flies away, swelling develops at the puncture site, burning and itching appears. A collision with a cloud of midges can even lead to an increase in temperature.

To avoid encounters with these dipterans, measures should be taken in advance. Of the folk remedies against mosquitoes and midges, crystalline vanillin is considered the most effective in terms of protection.

Useful tips

To avoid unnecessary attention from mosquitoes, you should not use perfume. Their aroma attracts insects in the same way as the smell of sweat.

You should avoid wearing dark colors and carefully plan your time spent outdoors. Don't forget about the times when mosquitoes attack.

If, despite all precautions, you are exposed to insect bites, the damaged areas must be lubricated with hydrogen peroxide, vinegar solution, alcohol or a special anti-itch ointment. Applying ice and cold water soaks are also effective.

Today there are a huge number of both folk and modern mosquito repellents. Which one to choose is up to you!

A few more tips

Now you know how to get rid of mosquitoes in an apartment. There are still a few important points left to figure out:

• When selecting mosquito repellents, follow an individual approach. Preparations for children, pregnant women and lactating women should not contain toxic components;
• When using repellents, do not forget to regularly ventilate your apartment;
• If an allergic reaction occurs, consult a doctor immediately (Allergy to mosquito bites: symptoms and treatment methods, read more in the article here).

Mosquito repellents safe for children

Chemicals

The chemical industry offers many products that are intended for children - creams, lotions, sprays. There are special anti-mosquito bracelets for children, and repellent devices are used that create an ultrasonic wave.

When using children's insect repellents, keep in mind that most of them should not be applied to damaged skin with wounds and scratches; it is important to avoid exposure to mucous membranes. Chemicals should not be used more often than 2-3 times a day, and their maximum duration of action is about two hours

When going on a picnic with your child, treat the clothes well, not the skin. Sometimes mosquito repellents are applied to the stroller canopy. After a walk, you need to remove substances from your child's skin.

Folk remedies

Caution in the use of chemicals, restrictions and precautions encourage parents to look for folk remedies against mosquitoes. Use essential oils in a child's room or while walking with a child with caution.

But folk remedies such as:

• Fresh elderberry branches.
• Camphor (100 grams evaporate over the burner).
• Carbolic acid (applied to walls and household items).

Vanillin (do not confuse it with vanilla sugar) is suitable for protecting against mosquitoes at home. Dissolve 2-3 bags of vanillin in a liter of water and pour into a spray bottle. The product does not have a very long-term effect (about an hour), then repeat the spraying.

A teaspoon of vanillin can be mixed with a tablespoon of baby cream, and the resulting composition will protect the baby’s skin during a walk. This cream is also suitable for pregnant women, and vanillin can be added to Vaseline or your usual cream.

Aromatherapy

The previous method is good if you have time and there is only one bloodsucker at home. But what if a stagnant puddle has formed under the window, from which countless hordes are pouring out? How to kill mosquitoes at home without resorting to chemicals? Try using essential oils. These are eucalyptus and cedar, anise and tea tree, basil, and cloves. The easiest way is to drip into an aroma lamp, but you can also apply it to the skin.

Mosquito repellents

For home use

It is easiest to get rid of bloodsuckers indoors, since in an open area the most we can do is reduce their numbers and scare them away for a certain time. But in a closed space we can even prevent their appearance, using, for example, the following prevention methods:

• close windows and doors at night;
• do not turn on the lights when windows and doors are open;
• Use home protection products to repel insects.

And, of course, the most effective way to combat it is to install a mosquito net. At the same time, with a mesh, you can open the window at night so that fresh air can enter the room without fear that a bunch of flying pests will annoy you while you sleep.

You can’t go anywhere without a mosquito net – thanks to it you can freely ventilate the room without fear of mosquito attacks

Don’t despair: modern means called fumigators will help you evict annoying neighbors.

Device Features of use Electric fumigator with plates, powered by mains The plates must be changed periodically

An electric fumigator with a removable container containing a toxic liquid. It is important to take precautions when coming into contact with the liquid when refilling the container.

If mosquitoes do enter your home, fumigators will help you escape from them.

The listed electrical devices can be used in enclosed spaces, for example, at home, but do not forget to periodically ventilate the room, especially if it is a bedroom.

Repellent plants

If you do not want to resort to chemical and expensive means and preparations to combat flying bloodsuckers, you can use alternative methods. Scientists have conducted many studies and come to the conclusion that mosquitoes cannot tolerate the aroma of some “simple” plants. The list of the “green army” includes:

• spruce;
• fir;
• sagebrush;
• mint;
• lavender;
• Walnut;
• western thuja;
• tomato leaves;
• black currant;
• valerian;
• lemon;
• tansy;
• carnation.

To get rid of mosquitoes in your area, you can plant plants that repel such insects

There are also additional options for using plants as a means to get rid of annoying midges:

• while at the dacha, you can place juniper branches in the fire, which will definitely scare away bloodsuckers from your area;
• plants can be placed in a vase at home to protect the room from pests;
• These plants can be made into a decoction and used as a repellent, applied to the skin of the body or sprinkled on clothing.

You can make a decoction of the above plants to spray on clothing and skin, or use essential oils

Despite the prevalence and general safety of these plants for humans, it is worth remembering individual intolerances and possible allergies.

Spiral

You can buy a fumigator in the form of a spiral in stores. They are sold in boxes of 5-10 pieces.

The spiral is very simple to use: it must be installed on the metal base included in the kit and set on fire, holding it over the fire for 15-20 seconds. Afterwards, the spiral should be extinguished and left to smolder and fumigate the room.

A spiral is often used, which is set on fire to repel mosquitoes.

Some manufacturers give different recommendations for use, so it is better to study the description on the package. The only condition that unites all spirals is a ban on use in enclosed spaces and installation near people and food.

Ultrasonic repellers

Small boxes that you can carry with you anywhere. The effect of the repellers extends over two meters around, driving away pests that are uncomfortable with ultrasound, including mosquitoes.

Recently, ultrasonic repellers have become popular, which usually have a range of 8-12 meters. They can be used both at home and outdoors

There are also OUs that operate from the network. They can be purchased for your home, as their range of action reaches 8-12 meters, which allows you to rid an entire room of bloodsuckers.

Specialized products for repelling and killing mosquitoes

Mosquito exterminators

This category is the most effective and modern means of combating mosquitoes. Its main representatives are the so-called mosquito exterminators, which can exterminate insects over fairly large areas using specialized technical means. They are conventionally divided into several groups:

Carbon dioxide traps

Carbon dioxide trap

Carbon dioxide traps The operating principle of such devices is based on a complete imitation of warm-blooded objects (human or animal), including heating the air. For this purpose, a propane cylinder is connected to the device, the gas from which, burning in a small amount, produces this imitation.

Insects attracted by the heat, flying close to the heat source, are picked up by a stream of air created by a special fan. This air flow draws mosquitoes into a trap located nearby. The trap is a bag from which mosquitoes cannot escape and die in it.

The cost of such devices is quite high and amounts to several hundred dollars, however, their efficiency is one of the highest. One such trap can protect an area of ​​several hundred square meters from mosquitoes. This is quite enough to ensure a comfortable existence on an area equal to a medium-sized garden plot.

Electric traps

Electric trap

Electric traps A device capable of protecting slightly smaller areas (from 0.3 to 1 hundred square meters), however, it is much cheaper and works without a propane cylinder. The electric trap looks like a night light, the light of which attracts mosquitoes in the dark.

Mosquitoes, attracted by the light of such a trap, fall onto a metal mesh connected to a voltage source, where they die.

The device is absolutely safe for humans and can be used both in open spaces and indoors.

Ultrasound repellers

Ultrasound repellers

Ultrasonic repellers The operating principle of these devices is based on simulating the mosquito squeak that male mosquitoes emit at the moment of danger. Hearing this ultrasonic signal, mosquitoes begin to fly away from its source.

The effectiveness of such devices depends on the intensity and frequency of the ultrasound used. The most widely used repellers are from the following manufacturers:

• Tornado (frequency from up to 40 kHz)
• Typhoon (frequency 5 to 18 kHz)
• Veitek (30 – 40 kHz)

Depending on the power of the device, its range of action ranges from 2 m (battery-powered devices) to 15 m (with stationary power supply from 220 V).

The price of such devices is approximately half that of electric traps.

A mosquito bit me: what to do?

If you notice redness, slight swelling, or even a blister, the skin in which is terribly itchy, then most likely you have been bitten by a mosquito. We unbearably want to scratch the bite site, saving ourselves from pain and itching, but after scratching everything only gets worse: the skin turns even redder, blood may appear, and an unsightly mark will remain on the scratched area for a long time.

It's best not to scratch the bite area as this may cause more problems.

What to do if a mosquito bites you?

1. Itching is perfectly relieved by fresh onion juice, aloe juice, lemon, dandelion leaves, as well as by applying plantain or parsley.
2. A saturated solution of table salt will also protect the bite site from the desire to scratch it and redness.
3. Ammonia, vinegar solution, soda - what you can use to wipe the bite area.
4. You definitely need to treat the areas that you have already combed with brilliant green.
5. If the itching does not stop, you should use allergy medications and immediately visit a doctor.

If you notice a mosquito bite, it is recommended to use ammonia, vinegar, soda and other means that can be easily found, perhaps, in every home

What to do if you are bitten by a mosquito

You can use the following remedies to relieve pain, itching, and swelling.

Baking soda

Mix some baking soda with water to make a paste and apply it to the bite and the area around it to soothe swelling and itching.

Do not apply this paste to open wounds.

Peppermint oil

Apply a couple drops of peppermint essential oil to the bite 2-3 times daily to reduce swelling and redness.

Ice pack

Applying an ice pack or a cold, damp cloth to the bite will reduce swelling and the risk of infection.

Traditional methods of killing mosquitoes

To combat insects, you can use various natural and safe means for humans, including:

Citronella essential oil

In this case, it is important that the oil is not perfumery, but natural. Soybean oil, which can be mixed with catnip or lavender. Neem tree seed oil comes from India. Garlic. Ammonia is an effective remedy that can be used, but is not advisable, since it is unpleasant not only for mosquitoes, but also for household members. Camphor heated on a burner. Valerian or tobacco. Tea tree oil. To fight bloodsuckers, just drop oil on a lamp or place a cotton pad soaked in the product on the windowsill

It is worth noting that the oil is effective not only in repelling mosquitoes, but also in treating bites. Elder. Persian or Caucasian chamomile. This product also repels insects, because it contains pyrethrum, which all parasitic insects are afraid of.

Important! Some of the folk remedies can cause an allergic reaction, so their effect on the body must be checked first.

Why are mosquito bites dangerous?

Mosquito bites can not only ruin the warm season, but also cause serious damage to health. The insect saliva that is injected during a bite contains anticoagulants that inhibit blood clotting, in response to which the human body reacts with an allergic reaction and local irritation around the bitten area.

In some individuals, the immune response may be abnormal, but most people experience only local reactions such as burning, itching, swelling, and redness. If you scratch the bites, suppuration and dermatitis may occur.

But the health threat is not limited to reactions to mosquito bites. The main problem is the risk of contracting blood-borne diseases from a mosquito bite, carried by blood-sucking mosquitoes. These are parasitic, viral and bacterial infections, in the first place among them is malaria, which kills about 2 million people every year. That is why protection from mosquitoes, including the folk remedies described, is not so much a matter of comfort as of one’s own safety.

Traditional methods of controlling mosquitoes in an apartment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiQS_uYGr2w

Some people, having blocked access to the apartment for mosquitoes, do not fight insects indoors, hoping that the bloodsuckers will die in a day or two. However, you shouldn't hope for it. Mosquitoes have a much longer lifespan. It depends on who is in front of us, a male or a female, as well as on the temperature in the apartment.

The female mosquito feeds only on blood, while the males consume the nectar of individual flowers. If the temperature in the apartment is about 25 degrees, then the female, feeding from you, can live for about 43 days. The lower the temperature, the more its life expectancy increases. At a temperature of 10 degrees, the female will live up to 120 days.

The lifespan of males is much shorter. At a temperature of about 25 degrees it will live only 20 days. However, this is enough to get you bored. Therefore, do not delay the fight against mosquitoes, because they can not only ruin your night with an unpleasant squeak, but also cause serious harm.

For people with allergies to bites, mosquito bites can be a real problem. It is very difficult to hide from insects, since they can smell the blood and sweat of a person several tens of meters and sometimes kilometers away.

There is also a dubious theory that mosquitoes can transmit HIV, but this has not yet been proven.

On the street it is not difficult to hide from insects, because it is enough to shorten the duration of the walk, but at home it is impossible to do this, because this vile buzz will haunt you both day and night

Of course, you can hide from them under a blanket, but in the summer you don’t want to do this, which is why it is important to know how to eliminate mosquitoes from your living space. To do this, you can use the tools and devices described below.

Sprays, ointments and creams

Such products are not practical in their use, so they can only be used when going outdoors. You won’t be able to use the products in an apartment, and their period of action is only a couple of hours, which means they won’t be able to protect you during sleep.

mosquito net

You can also protect yourself from mosquitoes using a mosquito net that is installed on the windows. It serves as a barrier for insects, thanks to which they will not be able to enter the house. The mesh is safe for human health and is non-toxic. The only drawback is that if the surface is damaged, the integrity of the barrier will be compromised and mosquitoes will again enter the home.

Repellent odors

You can also influence mosquitoes using odors, while some of them can kill insects, while others attract them and will serve as a habitat that prolongs life.

In order to repel mosquitoes, it is best to use one of the options suggested below:

• Tomato stems.
• The smell of mint, bird cherry, lavender or lilac.
• Walnut leaves.
• Eucalyptus or lavender oil.
• Cloves, basil and other spices.

What to Keep in Mind Before You Start

Before you take action, you need to carefully consider your options. Several principles must be adhered to:

• Safety

When fighting mosquitoes in an apartment, you need to follow the principle of safety for its residents, as well as pets. Many professional chemicals are not intended for residential use. Vapors and particles of the drug can get on tables, furniture and cause poisoning. This outcome is especially dangerous for children, who endure intoxication more severely than adults. The same goes for some electrical traps if they are too bulky.

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• Efficiency

Otherwise, there is simply no point in starting events. It is important to choose the appropriate options for fighting or defending. For example, when using a fumigator, it is necessary to evaluate the effective area of ​​the device. On average, it ranges from 10 to 20 m2. If there are several rooms or it is much larger than the calculated area, in order to get rid of mosquitoes, you will need several fumigators located around the perimeter of the apartment. Otherwise, only part of the room, bedroom or kitchen will be protected.

• Feasibility

You can always find a suitable way of fighting at a suitable price. There is no point in spending large sums of money to control a small number of mosquitoes seasonally. For example, to cope with a mosquito that accidentally flies into a house with mosquito nets on windows and doors, there is no need to buy expensive traps. It is enough to acquire a fumigator or portable repellers.

When choosing a method for exterminating uninvited guests, you need to take into account the area of ​​the apartment, the number of residents, and the initial budget for solving this problem. Also depends on the number of mosquitoes, the probable source of their spread (most often they come from outside, from the street or from a common corridor), the location of the residential building, as well as the duration of the season when bloodsuckers are active.

How to get rid of mosquitoes in nature and in the forest

Do clothes with anti-mosquito treatment work?

Repellent-impregnated clothing is not some newfangled invention. Military uniforms treated with permethrin have long been tested on the military, saving American soldiers from malaria and other diseases caused by insects, some of which were fatal. The US Army has used permethrin for more than 20 years to impregnate uniforms. And only recently have they begun to use this technology for commercial purposes and produce clothing for civilians.

What to choose: clothes with anti-mosquito impregnation or spray?

You can buy ready-made clothes treated with permethrin or buy a spray, for example, from the American brand Sawyer and treat your clothes yourself. Factory impregnation of clothing against insects can withstand from 25 to 70 washes, but under no circumstances should it be dry cleaned. And you can’t iron it either, because, as scientists who conducted experiments say, ironing destroys the components of permethrin. The main advantage of the spray is its low price - $13 for a 350 ml bottle of spray, but the effect of one treatment lasts up to 40 days or 6 washes.

Theoretically, clothing can be treated with other repellents, for example those containing DEET, but they are less durable and do not retain the repellent effect after washing.

Are permethrin-treated clothing safe?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has certified the safety of clothing treated with permethrin. In 2009, they assessed the risks in various modes of use, including wearing the clothes by toddlers, or contaminated clothing, or, in the case of the military, long-term daily wear. And they concluded that clothing impregnated with permethrin in factory conditions is unlikely to pose any threat to the people wearing it, both in the short term and during long-term wear. They also claim that there is no risk for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Although, you can certainly weigh all the dangers and consequences yourself by critically approaching the issue. Yes, permethrin is a powerful pesticide. Therefore, it is hardly worth spraying all your clothes and children’s clothes in the city. But, if you or your child are traveling to a forest infested with ticks and mosquitoes, then the benefits of using permethrin outweigh all the risks.

We have prepared a table for you showing the active ingredients effective against mosquitoes, repellents, and where they are used.

Anti-mosquito insecticides: for larvae and adults

About the safety of mosquito repellents for children and pets

The safest mosquito repellents that do not affect pets and children are ultrasonic repellers.

As for essential oils, many are confident that their use is safe, but this is not the case. For example, essential oils can have a stimulating effect on pets - remember how cats behave under the influence of valerian oil.

Geranium on the window will repel insects

Essential oils of geranium or cloves can have a negative effect on the child's body. If children spend a long time in a room with a strong smell of such oils, they may experience weakness, dizziness, and sometimes nausea. In addition, allergic reactions are possible.

Crayons, pencils, bracelets

Insect repellent

This group of products, despite its relatively low prevalence, has one important advantage over creams and sprays. This advantage lies in the fact that applying the repellent is very simple and quick, without getting your hands or clothes dirty.

In terms of performance characteristics (action time and safety), such products are practically in no way inferior to aerosol-based repellents. On average, their effect lasts for 4-5 hours.

In this segment, the most common products are from Gardex, Moskitol and Chicco.

Bracelets are made from durable fabric (most often microfiber), which is impregnated with various essential oils. Essential oils of the following plants are used:

• rosemary
• verbena
• lemon
• lavender

The width of the bracelets ranges from 10 to 15 mm, and their length can vary. Usually bracelets are equipped with a clasp, so that the length is adjusted to the thickness of the hand. The duration of action of such funds is 1-2 weeks. When the bracelet is not being worn, it should be stored in a sealed plastic bag.

Anti-mosquito bracer

For small children, there are ankle bracelets.

Manufacturers of bracelets are Gardex, Bagslock, BagStop and others.

Stickers are a relatively new product. They are small pieces of plaster, just like bracelets, soaked in essential oils of plants with a strong repellent aroma.

Mosquito stickers

These products are ideal protection for children, since their use is permitted starting from the age of two months. In addition, they are hypoallergenic. These patches can be applied directly to the skin. However, nothing prevents you from sticking them on children's clothes, furniture or strollers.

The duration of operation of such products is about 4 hours.

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How to get rid of mosquitoes in the yard: fumigators and traps

We talked about insecticides, chose the best ones, now let's decide how to use them correctly. The most effective method of spraying is to use foggers. Foggers (hot fog generators (fumigators)) can be called “weapons of mass destruction.” Creating toxic fog is a simple and effective method of mosquito control.

The Burgess 1443 40-Ounce Outdoor Propane Insect Fogger is one of the best-selling foggers on Amazon with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Why is it so popular? Obviously because of the price. Before writing a review, we made sure that you can save your money with it: it’s not exactly the best, but it’s a solid and cheap device. It is powerful enough to release mist up to 3m away. Price: $61.77

Other plants that don't like bloodsuckers

Besides herbs, there are plants that are also used to repel mosquitoes. Our ancestors observed the behavior of bloodsuckers for a long time in order to note these plants and test their effect in practice.

Such plants include:

1. Sagebrush. The root of this plant must be boiled for 15 minutes, apply the resulting decoction to cotton wool and wipe open areas of the body with it. This will protect the skin from bites for 3-4 hours.
2. Wheatgrass. A decoction of this weed can protect a person from bloodsucker for 3 hours. After which its smell disappears and there is a chance of being bitten.
3. Carnation. If you mix a decoction of cloves with perfume or cologne and apply it to the skin, it will protect a person for 2 hours.
4. Tomato leaves. If tomatoes of any variety grow under the windows, you can forget about mosquitoes.
5. Fish fat. Not only children, but also mosquitoes do not like it. Insects cannot stand its smell, much less its taste. Therefore, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with fat to avoid becoming a victim of a bloodsucker.
6. Vinegar. Diluted vinegar 1:1 repels insects very well, its smell lasts a long time, so this method is very effective both indoors and outdoors.
7. Chamomile. A bouquet of these flowers will protect any room from enemy penetration.
8. Garlic. Of course, it will repel mosquitoes, but we should not forget that it can also repel people.
9. Tobacco smoke.

Before using any method, make sure that it will not cause an allergic reaction. After all, each person is individual and each has his own method against insects.