From mosquito nets to essential oils, here are all the remedies to free the apartment from the most hated insects of the summer
Ah, finally summer! The sun, the sea, free time and … mosquitoes! There is little to do: stings and buzzing are in effect the nightmare of the summer, both for those who live in the city and for those who live in the countryside. But getting rid of the curse, and enjoying a summer evening in total tranquillity, without the worry that annoying insects sting our and our guests’ legs, is possible. So here is a small guide to protecting your home from mosquitoes.
Danger mosquitoes: that’s what they are attracting to
“Prevention is better than cure,” goes the adage. And the maxim also applies to mosquitoes. These insects are attracted by particular circumstances. So be careful of the stagnation of water in the pots, a place where they could go to deposit their eggs: the saucers must be emptied regularly. Then avoid creams and perfumes with a fruity aroma, which in contact with the sweat of the skin become a real source of attraction for mosquitoes.
Natural remedies
Before giving up on the shopping of chemicals, let’s try to see if some items we have in the pantry can come to our aid. We start from the assumption that mosquitoes are bothered by strong smells, capable of stunning them and therefore of removing them from our body since they can interfere with the functioning of their nervous system and with enzymatic processes.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Hence, essential oils become excellent allies in the fight against mosquitoes. Lavender, lemon, lemongrass and geranium give off scents so strong that they are unbearable for insects. How to use them? Pour them into glass containers, put wooden toothpicks inside to be turned upside down now and then, and wait for the scent to spread into the air.
DIY CANDLES
Also in this case the diffusion of the essences will help us to keep mosquitoes away. To make them, get the necessary essences (first of all lemongrass, queen of repellents), wax, wicks, wick holders and a glass container.
VINEGAR AND LEMON
On a plate, arrange the vinegar and a lemon wedge. After letting the mixture rest for a few hours, place it in strategic places such as the windowsill or the balcony. The same practice can be implemented with a saucer containing cloves or coffee grounds.
ANTI-MOSQUITO PLANTS
Then there is space for anti-mosquito plants, such as mint, basil, lavender, geraniums, to be planted, even in these cases, in pots located near windows and balconies. If, on the other hand, you are lucky enough to have a garden, consider planting repellent plants such as garlic or catalpa.
DIY REPELLENT
Boil mint and basil for twenty minutes, strain the contents and store in the refrigerator. After waiting a few hours, spray everything on your arms and legs to get a foolproof barrier on your skin.
MOSQUITO NETS
They are by far the most ecological method. The important thing is to remember to close them every evening when the sun goes down, that is when mosquitoes tend to spread in the rooms. It is possible to arrange mosquito nets to seal the windows or arrange them around the bed to create a sort of canopy that touches the ground on all sides.
Chemical remedies
CHEMICAL REPELLENTS
They are the quickest solution. Creams or sprays to spread or spray directly on the skin are effective in repelling mosquitoes. Also remember that, in case you need to spread both the sunscreen and the repellent, the latter must be put on later. The classic plates found in supermarkets, to be placed in the appropriate stoves, are also decisive.
ELECTRIC RACKET
It kills mosquitoes instantly because they come into contact with the electrified surface and is lethal.
LED, sodium or yellow LAMPS are a good repellent to mosquitoes or you can call Major Pest Control for Mosquito Control in Melbourne.
