Humankind has always struggled with mosquitoes over the centuries. Being a pathogen to various diseases, they pose a real threat to human beings. Despite technological advancements, there is no way to prevent mosquitoes or the infections caused by mosquitoes completely. But there have been various improvements in the existing methods to control them effectively.
Most of these traditional methods involve chemicals with some negatives that can affect babies, pets and, in some cases, even adults. So it is important to put more care into how and what is used to control mosquitoes. Numerous pet-friendly mosquito yard spray options are available in the market; these alternatives pose minimal harm to living things. To check out some, feel free to visit this site.
The struggle to banish mosquitoes from houses has been existing for ages. Here are some of the tried and tested tips that can help effectively control mosquitoes in your home. These tips will help you get a better quality of life and improve your health.
8 Tips and Tricks for Effective Control of Mosquitoes
Source: todayshomeowner.com
As social animals, humans have developed a tolerance towards different things that affect their lives. Instead of tolerating everything, many measures are used to improve the quality of life in different situations. Some tips and tricks to banish mosquitoes are listed below.
1. Preventing Stagnation of Water
Stagnant water in any quantity provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes. It is advisable to ensure that it does not occur. They are also known as container breeders; they lay eggs in any container that has water. This includes bottles, trash can lids and so on. Ensuring no water stands still around the house would be a great way to control mosquito breeding. This is the first step in ensuring the mosquito population remains at a threshold.
2. Control Vegetation Around Your House
Dark, cool and shady areas are the favorite places for mosquitoes to live in. Thus controlling the vegetation around the house and using mosquito-repellent plants would help control these insects. Plants like rosemary and citronella are examples of plants that can repel them.
3. Using Fly Screens
Source: phantom-fly-screens.co.uk
The most used and easy way to avoid mosquito bites is to use fly screens that act as a shield from permitting mosquitoes to enter the house. These nets can be placed in all the openings around the house. All kinds of nets are available nowadays; these are vital tools in preventing mosquitoes from entering the house. This has proved useful during the rainy season.
4. Using Insect Surface Sprays and Repellents
Knockdown sprays are available in the market that can be used against live mosquitoes. In addition, numerous vaporizers and plug-in repellents can prevent mosquitoes from disturbing your peace. These work best in enclosed places. Also, easy-to-use, skin-friendly mosquito repellent creams are available that can be used; these work effectively in all kinds of environments and can be used on open skin areas.
It is important to note that while purchasing mosquito repellent, please ensure they adhere to regulations set forth by the government. These repellents usually contain either picaridin or diethyltoluamide (DEET).
5. Using Essential Oils and Other Aromatic Substances
Mosquitoes find human beings by sensing human odor. So using essential oils and other substances help in mitigating and confusing them. This proves to be vital in avoiding mosquito bites. Most commonly used substances include and are not limited to Camphor, Lemons, Garlic, Cloves, and Sliced lemons.
These substances exert a strong aroma that often confuses the mosquitoes and prevents them from identifying the host target, thus protecting us from being bitten.
6. Using Fumigation
Source: forbes.com
Fumigating the inside of your houses using pleasant and aromatic substances helps in avoiding mosquito bites. There are two common ways of fumigation: spray treatment or fogging. Spray treatment involves spraying insecticides certified by WHO onto the walls of the houses. This has to be performed by certified professionals.
Fogging involves using a handy fogger to blow a gaseous mixture of insecticides. This is preferred in open areas, while spray treatment is done in closed areas and residential buildings. It is important to use WHO-certified insecticides as they can have harmful side effects when directly exposed.
7. Keeping a Dish of Soapy Water with Bubbles and Or Alcohol
Soap water or water mixed with detergents usually has lots of bubbles, and thus, mosquitoes often get trapped in them. Mosquitoes, by nature, are attracted to water and thus try to explore their ways in soap water and will be surprised to be trapped within them.
The mosquitoes do not like the smell of alcohol or beer. They can not stand its smell. Thus, keeping samples in open dishes is a nice way to eliminate mosquitoes. Please note that this should not be tried if you have kids at home.
8. Making Use of A Reliable Mosquito Trap
Numerous mosquito traps in the market can be used in closed areas like residential buildings and houses. These traps attract mosquitoes and prevent them from reaching other living organisms. These are highly reliable as they attract all mosquitoes in the vicinity, but they do little to their population. Mosquito traps often require maintenance. These traps use attractors, propellers, or sticky surfaces to lure the mosquitoes in.
Do’s and Don’ts After a Mosquito Bite
Source: self.com
Most of these techniques to control mosquitoes are suggested based on their behavior and nature. All these are tried and tested tips that proved helpful to many. If you still get bit by a mosquito, don’t panic; there are a few things to remember before consulting a physician.
Do’s
- Wash the bitten area with soap and water for at least 10 minutes.
- Use antihistamine cream to relieve etching.
- Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and itching.
Don’ts
- Scratch the bitten area as they might get infectious.
Conclusion
Source: bredapest.com
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is important to note that around 700 million people contract illnesses transmitted through mosquitoes; these include Dengue, Malaria, Viral fever, Chikungunya, various types of encephalitis and even Zika fever. Among the infected, around 700,000 deaths are reported every year due to this 2.5-milligram insect.
These statistics prove that mosquito control needs to be there in every corner. Mosquito control serves as an important aspect in ensuring the reduction of mosquito-borne illnesses. Governments worldwide resort to special programs to eradicate mosquitoes before monsoon season to ensure that dengue and viral fevers do not spike.
