Every year, there are thousands of mosquito-borne illnesses reported in the United States. These include the West Nile virus and Zika.
Eliminating the risk of getting a mosquito bite will ensure that you and your family stay healthy. Keeping mosquitoes away from your property all together is mainly about breaking the breeding cycle. But sometimes, the pests get into the house despite your outside efforts.
Do you have trouble keeping mosquitoes out of your home? If so, this article is aimed to give you some tips on how to do it efficiently.
How do you get rid of mosquitoes in the house?
The basics of getting them out are to first take away their entrance, and then kill off any of the mosquitoes still in the house. Here are several tips and recommended products that can help.
Block entry points
You should do your best to block any way that the mosquitoes are coming into your house. Check the seals around your doors and windows to make sure there aren't any cracks. Make sure your window screens are operating properly and that they don't have any holes.
If your screens have holes, you should be able to replace them by going to any home improvement store. Be sure to bring your window measurements along so that you know exactly which size to purchase. Some screens can be purchased online.
You should be aware that mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, so they will be able to find any holes and gaps where the air is coming through.
Use a mosquito trap
Once the gaps and holes are filled and the mosquitoes have no way to enter your house, you will need to find a way to eliminate the ones that are inside already. A mosquito trap is one way to do this.
These traps work by emitting a light that attracts the mosquito to enter the trap. Once they enter, it kills them. All you must do is empty it and clean it out occasionally. Here is a good mosquito trap option that may interest you.
Use an ultrasonic insect repeller
An ultrasonic insect repeller emits a noise at a frequency not noticeable to humans. But bugs aren't willing to come near.
This type of device is normally plugged into one or more of the outlets in your house to keep any mosquitoes from sneaking in when the window or door is opened and drive any of the mosquitoes in the house to search for a way out.
Purchase an indoor bug zapper
This is similar to the mosquito trap. The difference is that, once the mosquitoes enter, they are zapped, or electrocuted.
One pro to purchasing a bug zapper is that you won't only eliminate mosquitoes. Flies and other annoying bugs will be attracted to the zapper and be killed, too.
Here are a few of the most recommended bug zappers that could help you:
Any of these would do the trick of killing any mosquitoes left behind. They come in varying sizes and prices.
Use a chemical insecticide
To be sure that you are eliminating every mosquito, you may also consider using an insecticide. Keep in mind that mosquitoes like to hide in dark humid places, so check your house thoroughly and treat each area well. Here are a few places to look
- Under the sink
- In closets
- Under furniture
- In the laundry room
Be sure to treat these areas well, as they are the most likely hideouts. You will want to be sure to exercise proper safety measures if applying a chemical inside your home. Follow these steps when applying the chemical.
#1: Clear the Area.
Anyone who isn't helping with the process shouldn't be near while mixing and applying the pesticides. This includes children and pets.
#2: Wear proper attire.
Make sure you are wearing clothes that will keep the chemicals from coming into contact with your skin. Long pants, a long sleeve shirt, and closed-toe shoes would be good.
#3: Mix the chemicals safely.
When mixing the chemicals, make sure you do it in a well-ventilated area so that you are not breathing in too many of the fumes that could be harmful to your health. If possible, mix them outdoors.
#4: Prepare the right amount.
Try to prepare only what you need for this use. You don't want to have to worry about storing or disposing and extra.
#5: Prepare for an accident.
If the chemical spills, you want to be prepared for cleanup. Have cleanup items like paper towels, sawdust, or kitty litter on hand to absorb the chemical. It would also be wise to have gloves and trash bags on hand.
You should also be prepared for a medical accident. Read the directions carefully to avoid this, but should it happen, be sure to have the number for the Poison Control Center on hand. The number is 1-800-222-1222.
#6: Remove items from the area.
It is important to remove any personal items from the area that you will be applying the chemical to. These could include clothes, toys, tools, or dishes. You want to make sure the chemicals do not touch them.
#7: Ventilate the area.
When spraying inside, you should properly ventilate the area so that you aren't breathing in the fumes. You could open windows and doors to let air in from outside.
#8: Wash up.
After you have applied the chemicals, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything or anyone else.
When you spray your home, you should consider that the insecticide will likely kill any bugs inside your house, including any good bugs. Some bugs are considered helpful. Certain spiders eat other bugs and keep the population down in your home. If you don't mind them being inside, and if they are non-venomous, you may want to consider not spraying the areas where they live.
Use a natural insecticide
When you hear the word insecticide, does your mind automatically go to a chemical? Did you know that other options exist? There are some natural insecticides that you may want to consider if you wish to avoid contact with chemicals.
Garlic
Garlic can be used as a natural insecticide to keep the mosquito population down in your home. You may consider planting some garlic outside your windows and doors so that the scent keeps them from coming near those areas.
You could also make a spray and use it in much the same way you would use a chemical insecticide in your home. Be sure to spray any dark and damp areas well.
Camphor
Camphor is a waxy substance that comes from the wood of the camphor laurel tree. It is a natural mosquito repellent. The odor drives mosquitoes away. Camphor has been successfully used as an indoor mosquito repellent.
You can purchase camphor tablets that can be crushed in water and placed in dark corners to deter mosquitoes. Because these tablets dissolve quickly, you should be sure to replace them every few days. But, don't toss the old water. You can use when you clean the floors as an extra safeguard against mosquitoes.
You can make a spray with camphor oil that can be sprayed in the damp and dark areas. This is also effective.
Plants
Another option is to use plants in your house and outdoors that will keep the mosquitoes from wanting to come near. A few of the most common plants that repel mosquitoes are:
If you use them inside, try to place them in the areas that will most attract mosquitoes. If placing them outside, consider placing them in window boxes and/or near doors.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another effective indoor mosquito repellent. You can make a spray with tea tree oil and water to use in the areas most attractive to mosquitoes. You can also spray it around doors and windows.
Keeping Mosquitoes Away from Your Property
Once you have eliminated the mosquitoes from your house, it is wise to focus on the outdoor elimination to avoid a recurrence of them inside.
Eliminate standing water
Standing water in your yard can easily become a breeding area for mosquitoes. They prefer to lay their eggs in stagnant water. Try to eliminate these areas in your yard. But, if you can't eliminate them, consider dissolving some of the above-mentioned camphor tablets in them or strategically place plants around the areas that repel the mosquitoes to make it less inviting.
Spray your yard
Consider using a pesticide in your yard to kill off any mosquitoes. You may have to do this occasionally. One time won't take care of it for life.
Keep in mind that mosquitoes like to lay low in dense plants like trees and shrubs. Spraying these areas could help keep the mosquito population down in your yard. If you would rather use one of the more natural spray options mentioned earlier, those could help, too.
Mosquitoes pose a health risk to you and your loved ones. Doing your best to eliminate their presence is important.
With these tips, you can begin taking steps to eliminate and repel mosquitoes in your house. If you liked this article, be sure to comment below to share your thoughts!