Mosquitoes are annoying insects that bite humans to feed on their blood. This happens because they need protein to develop their eggs. Generally, females are the ones that bite, while males feed on nectar and do not bite.
In addition to being annoying and their buzzing does not allow you to get a good rest, they can be carriers of diseases such as dengue, zika, or chikungunya.
That is why it is important to keep them away from our homes, especially children and the elderly since the diseases they transmit can be fatal.
To scare them away, there are repellents available over the counter in pharmacies and supermarkets that are useful for keeping them away, however, there are also alternatives that we can find at home to avoid them.
Homemade alternatives to scare away mosquitoes
There are some options that we can carry out at home to keep mosquitoes away without having to resort to aggressive chemical products; these, in addition, can have more pleasant smells than those of repellents:
- Lemon and cloves: Place half a lemon with three or four cloves embedded in the windows to keep mosquitoes away.
- Candles: Some scented candles can also be used to repel mosquitoes, as the smoke will keep them away. It is preferable to use candles with scents that are unpleasant for mosquitoes, such as citronella.
- Mosquito nets: This option can be useful to keep mosquitoes away from our homes. You can place them on the windows and check frequently that they do not have any holes.
- Incense: Just like candles, the smoke will keep mosquitoes away, but you can increase its effectiveness if you also use odors that are unpleasant for mosquitoes.
Plants that scare away mosquitoes
Plants are also a good alternative to keep mosquitoes away since many do not like the smell. With some of the plants you can place pots on the windows or doors of your house, always avoiding the accumulation of water, and with some others you can prepare a preparation to use as a repellent:
Some of these plants are:
- Citronella: is a plant known for its repellent capacity.
- Eucalyptus: it emits a smell that mosquitoes hate.
- Lavender: It has a pleasant scent for people but is unpleasant for mosquitoes. You can also use lavender oil as a repellent which will be just as effective.
- Chamomile: This plant can serve as a homemade repellent. All you have to do is boil water with chamomile flowers for 30 minutes. Once the infusion has cooled, rub the mixture on your body to keep mosquitoes away.
- Mint: This is another plant known to have an unpleasant smell for mosquitoes. Like lavender, you can use it as an oil on your body.
How to prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes
Reducing the mosquito population in your area starts with preventing mosquitoes from breeding on your property. With these tips, you can keep mosquitoes away and prevent diseases:
- Eliminate any standing water, as this is the ideal place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
- Keep water storage containers, such as flower pot saucers, clean.
- Clean gutters and rain drains on roofs.
- Cover the tanks or containers you use to collect water.
How to soothe mosquito bites
Mosquito bites can be annoying and painful, but relieving the itching and reducing the inflammation can be done effectively with some simple methods.
- Apply cold compresses to reduce inflammation and itching.
- Use calamine ointments or creams to relieve itching.
- Avoid scratching to prevent secondary skin infections.
Remember that maintaining a clean environment and using natural remedies can be an effective and safe way to protect against mosquitoes in your home.