Mosquito protection is of utmost importance because they can be carriers of diseases like dengue, chikungunya and malaria, especially during the monsoon. Although a vast number of chemical repellents, insecticides, plug-in devices and mosquito
Mosquito protection is of utmost importance because they can be carriers of diseases like dengue, chikungunya and malaria, especially during the monsoon. Although a vast number of chemical repellents, insecticides, plug-in devices and mosquito coils can be used to keep mosquitoes at bay, they comprise harmful chemicals which have ill effects on our health and cause indoor air pollution. Therefore, consider these natural methods to keep your environment mosquito free.
Check for Stagnant Water
Stagnant water can emerge as a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes so make sure that there are no puddles in areas like the garden or terrace. Also, check for stagnant water in vases, coolers, bathroom, kitchen, balcony etc. Make sure your outdoor gutters are clean and all leaking faucets are fixed.
Camphor emits a strong small which is extremely effective in keeping mosquitoes away. Close all the doors and windows and light camphor within the room or put one camphor tablet in a bowl of water and replace it after every 2-3 days.
Make a Garlic Spray
The strong and pungent odour of garlic prevents mosquito bites and creates a mosquito free environment. Crush few cloves of garlic and boil it in water. Once it cools down, pour the liquid within a spray bottle and spray it around the home.
Use Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, neem, citronella, eucalyptus and mint oil work as powerful mosquito repellents. Mix a few drops of any of these essential oils in some water, add it to a spray bottle and spray it around the home. Alternately consider aromatherapy and introduce these essential oils within a vaporiser or an oil diffuser. Tip: Create a neem oil spray for applying on your skin. Mix neem oil with equal parts coconut oil and a few drops of lavender oil.
Bring in Mosquito Repellent Plants
Some of the plant species include Marigold, (Tagetes), garlic (Allium sativum), Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuflorum), lavender (Lavandula), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon), peppermint (Mentha x piperita) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). If you have a lawn, trim the grass regularly because mosquitoes like to rest on tall grass which is moist and shady.
Make an Apple Cider Vinegar Spray
Create a mosquito repellent spray with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of citronella oil. Spray it around the home.
Use Lemon and Cloves
Slice a lemon into half, insert some cloves within it and keep it in different areas of the home.
Create a Water Mosquito Trap
Place a small bowl of soapy water in each room. Mosquitoes get attracted to water while the soap traps the insects and prevents them from flying away.