Mosquitoes, in contrast to how minuscule they may be, can cause great harm to your health. For centuries, mosquitoes have been spreading diseases to humans. In fact, mosquitoes are considered to be very dangerous infecting hundreds of thousands and killing many each year.
Most commonly, mosquitoes infect humans with malaria, dengue, Zika virus, yellow fever, and many other diseases. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), more than half the world population is exposed to contracting mosquito-borne illnesses.
Read More >> How Can You Protect Your Family From Dengue In Singapore?
Five Methods to Repel Mosquitoes Naturally
There are several efficient natural mosquito repellants which you can use to keep mosquitoes at bay.
- Plants
Basil is a herb that can also double as a mosquito repellent. The pungent smell the leaves give off are what keeps mosquitoes at bay. You can plant basil in containers or in the garden, along or with other plants.
The lavender plant has a lovely fragrance, which comes from its essential oils that are found on the leaves of the plant. It is believed that lavender oil hinders a mosquito’s ability to smell!
In addition, mosquito repellant plants like marigolds, lemongrass, rosemary as well mint are effective. So, consider planting a few of these plants and herbs.
- Catnip (catmint)
Catnip is an amazing mosquito repellant and has been used for ages to repel mosquitoes. It is from the mint family and grows abundantly both as a commercial plant and as a weed. They have a compound called nepetalactone which activates the irritant receptor in mosquitoes. In a study at Iowa State University, catnip was found to be ten times more effective than DEET, the chemical used in most insect repellants.
- Essential oils
Essential oils can come in handy to repel mosquitoes. Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lemongrass and Citronella are effective in repelling mosquitoes. You can use it around the home without worrying about it having any harmful effects on your family and pets. There are several ways to administer essential oils, vaporizing using a diffuser, spraying a few drops diluted with water into a spray bottle and applying a mixture of the essential oils, mixed with a base oil or cream first, directly onto skin.
- Coffee
Mosquitoes don't like the smell of coffee. Coffee grounds have a very strong smell, and even stronger when they are burned. The common belief is the strong smell of burned coffee grounds can block mosquitoes to track the emitted carbon dioxide that humans naturally exhale when biting us.
- Garlic
Homemade garlic mosquito repellent sprays is another way to keep them at bay. It is believed that the strong smell is able to offer mild protection from mosquitoes. In addition, by eating large amounts of garlic, utilizing the amino acid content found in garlic and/or rubbing garlic on your body, people believe that it will make our bodies unattractive for mosquitoes to bite.
Read More >> Mosquito Control Tips and Tricks
Conclusion
These natural mosquito repellants may help to repel mosquitoes. How effective are these cheap and easy methods? Do natural mosquito repellents really work? It is still important to engage the help of professionals for mosquito control services. They can help eliminate mosquito populations and mosquito breeding on your property. Stop mosquitoes from invading your home and avoid dengue. Contact ORIGIN Exterminators today!
