Mosquitoes are unbearable parasites. Their noise is particularly annoying, while their bites are extremely unpleasant—whether you are allergic to them or not. Let’s also mention certain varieties that can transmit serious diseases. Thanks to this guide, you will succeed in getting rid of mosquitoes inside and outside your house, to finally enjoy a peaceful summer.
How to get rid of mosquitoes outdoors?
If you no longer want to suffer from mosquitoes at home or even in your garden, your first efforts should focus on the outdoors. Indeed, if the outdoors are unattractive to these pests, there is less risk they will want to approach your home!
1. Eliminate standing water
Generally, mosquitoes rest in dark and damp outdoor areas, such as tall grass, hollow trees, or in leaves. Moreover, they lay eggs in stagnant water areas (flower pot saucers, small ponds, puddles, gutters, etc.). Your mission then is to make your outdoors as inhospitable as possible for them. How? By eliminating any damp areas or standing water.
Start by removing excessive moisture around your garden furniture, your plantings (in soil and pots), and your garbage cans. Also ensure that your garage, garden sheds, and cabins are dry.
2. Use outdoor mosquito treatments
If mosquitoes swarm around your house, you can also use special treatments in addition to these precautions. Be careful to find out about the properties and potential risks of chemical products—especially if you have children, pets, or even plants. And follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations closely.
Here are some suggestions for outdoor mosquito treatments:
• Larvicides eliminate mosquitoes before they become adults.
• Foggers and sprays approved and formulated for outdoor use release toxins that eliminate mosquitoes.
• Light citronella candles or sticks to keep them away from your porch or patio.
• Fans can blow strongly enough to disperse mosquitoes outdoors.
• Anti-mosquito lamps use heat and carbon dioxide to attract and kill the pests.
• High-tech mosquito traps combine heat and scent to mimic a human target and thus attract mosquitoes. If one approaches, it is then sucked into the device and eliminated.
3. Place naturally repellent plants
Outdoors, your third option is to place plants that will naturally repel mosquitoes. There are many varieties whose scent is highly unpleasant to these pests. Plus, many of them are particularly useful! Basil, lemon thyme, rosemary, mint, or alliums (garlic, onion, chives, etc.) are great in cooking and will effectively rid you of mosquitoes. So, combine the useful with the pleasant!
In terms of more ornamental plants, there are also several natural—and therefore safe—repellents. For example, this includes lemon balm, catnip, lavender, pelargonium or citrosa geranium, lantana, feverfew, southernwood, and ornamental tobacco.
Plant these different varieties around your house and garden, to deter mosquitoes from approaching. Their effect is not infallible, but they will already rid you of a good number of these undesirables.
What anti-mosquito solutions are there in the house?
Now, let’s see how you can get rid of mosquitoes in your house. It involves both preventing them from entering and eliminating those that have made their way inside.
4. Install mosquito nets
The most formidable solution against mosquito invasions indoors is undoubtedly the mosquito net. Thanks to its fine but sturdy mesh, it forms a barrier against all types of flying or crawling insects. The ideal is to install mosquito nets on your home’s windows, so you can open them without mosquitoes getting through.
For optimal effectiveness, we strongly recommend opting for custom-made mosquito nets, whether fixed, on hinged frames, or rollable. You can customize them on this site.
Some people prefer to place a mosquito net only around their bed. But the effectiveness is reduced since insects can still enter the room and fly nearby.
5. Place anti-mosquito diffusers
Next, you can also place anti-mosquito diffusers in several areas of your house. On the market, there are various types of diffusers to plug into the wall or place on furniture. Some have a product reservoir that diffuses continuously when the device is plugged in. Others work using strips infused with a repellent that diffuses under the heat of the outlet.
An alternative is to put drops of repellent essential oils in a specially designed diffuser. It is a more natural option and potentially less harmful, even if it is better to avoid it in the presence of children or pregnant women. Draw inspiration from the list of anti-mosquito plants above. Peppermint, camphor, and citronella are also effective in essential oil form.
6. Use insecticides
Then, for a more targeted treatment, consider using an anti-mosquito spray. It’s a good option for killing a mosquito that managed to get into your house. This solution is also useful to complement the effect of a mosquito net—by spraying it with insecticide, you further enhance its effectiveness.
But be careful: again, the substances contained in these aerosols are potentially dangerous to health. Their use requires good ventilation and is strongly discouraged around vulnerable people.
7. Equip yourself with a fly swatter or electric racket
Finally, our last solution is much more physical for you. If a mosquito has made its way into your house, simply pull out your manual fly swatter or electric racket. Your opponent won’t withstand a well-placed hit!
Did you know?
We will end this article on a positive note: mosquitoes have several natural predators, such as dragonflies, swallows, and swifts. So, try attracting some near you!
