Why do mosquitoes appear in human homes?
Typically, mosquitoes live on balconies, garages, bathrooms, porches or basements. In villages, the favorite habitats of insects are barns, cattle pens and cellars. It is not surprising that even in winter you can notice the appearance of several individuals in the apartment. If there was a water leak in the basement of your house and a puddle remained, insects will safely settle in this place, since the air temperature in the basement allows them to lead a normal lifestyle. Through small cracks and holes, insects enter the apartment, where they cause harm to humans.
A mosquito is a blood-sucking insect that exhibits its vital activity mainly in the evening and at night during the warm season. Any warm and humid place is suitable for the full development and reproduction of the pest.
What types of mosquitoes are there?
There are 3,600 species of mosquitoes in the world. In a temperate climate, only 4 types of insects can live near humans: culex, biters, bells, and caramora.
Rod Culexa
A typical representative of the species is the squeaking mosquito. It is this mosquito that we most often encounter in everyday life. Insects have adapted well to life not only next to humans, but also in basements and cellars.
Peculiarities:
- feed on both human blood and decomposition products;
- are able to reproduce in cold weather in warm, damp basements;
- carry meningitis, malaria, encephalitis;
- the size of the individual does not exceed 1 cm.
If even several individuals appear in the apartment, start fighting immediately.
Rod Kusaki
Mosquitoes live in tropical and subtropical climates. They settle near humans, in lowlands favorable for breeding offspring. Insects can be distinguished by characteristic white stripes on their bodies. Capable of carrying microorganisms dangerous to human health.
Zvontsy family
Also called jerk mosquitoes or chironomids. The bells got their name from the ringing hum emitted by a swarm of insects. The characteristic sound appears due to the ability to flap its wings up to 1000 times per second. The name “derguns” also appeared due to an external feature. Adult mosquitoes continuously twitch their long front legs.
You can recognize the species of chironomidae thanks to its larvae - bloodworms, which are actively used to feed fish.
Externally, chironomids resemble culex mosquitoes and are distinguished by their large body size, densely feathered antennae, and a special manner of sitting. This species is harmless to human health, but a swarm of ringing mosquitoes can cause aesthetic discomfort with its massive invasion.
Karamora clan
We know this genus as centipedes. Mosquitoes have a terrifying appearance due to their long limbs, which are several times larger than their body size. Despite their menacing appearance, insects are not dangerous to humans. They feed exclusively on plant foods. Genus centipedes can get into an apartment by accident.
What harm do mosquitoes cause to humans?
First of all, mosquito bites can cause an allergic reaction to the human skin. Many people experience itching and a reddish swelling at the site of the bite.
However, it is necessary to fight mosquitoes not only because of allergies. Some types of insects can infect humans:
- malaria;
- lymphatic filariasis;
- tularemia;
- fever.
All these diseases cause irreversible liver damage, anemia, vascular blockage, intoxication, increased body temperature, and bleeding.
Also remember that mosquitoes can bite repeatedly. This means that the parasite can suck blood from one person and then from another. As a result, the insect becomes a carrier of a number of other diseases if it first bites a sick person and then a healthy one.
How long can a mosquito live in an apartment after being bitten?
It's no secret that it is the female insects that bite. Mosquitoes are not animals that die soon after being bitten. The bite and life expectancy of the parasite are in no way related. A female mosquito lives 42–115 days, and a male mosquito lives 20–60 days.
As soon as the insect smells a person, it begins to hunt for him in order to bite him. The bite itself is a kind of exchange: the parasite pierces the skin and injects saliva, which prevents the blood from clotting, and the person “gives” the blood. The substance contained in saliva is what causes skin reactions, redness, and itching.
Why do mosquitoes appear in autumn and winter?
If a mosquito enters an environment with an air temperature below 0 degrees, it will go into torpor (hibernation). Insects cannot tolerate cold, so in the off-season they try to fly into a warm room, where they continue their life activities.
Habits of mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are two-winged insects distributed throughout the world. In temperate climates they are active from early May to October. The population prefers to settle in damp, dark places where there is access to water.
The optimal air temperature for pest activity is 15-18 C. When the thermometer shows 28-30 C, the number of insects decreases. During flight, they quickly lose moisture; the heat does not allow them to restore vital energy, so mosquitoes prefer to wait out the heat in a shelter.
Not all mosquitoes drink blood. Males feed on plant nectar, but females have mouthparts adapted to pierce the skin of animals and humans. The female individual makes up to 8 bites per night. She needs blood to replenish energy and obtain proteins to reproduce. Mosquitoes from the genus Kusaki are common in Russia and neighboring countries.
Modern methods of mosquito control
It is impossible to get rid of mosquito infestations once and for all, but it is possible to reduce or eliminate the population for a long time. There are a lot of modern pest control products that can always be found on the shelves of hardware stores and home departments.
Mosquito net
To get rid of mosquitoes, you should first pay attention to protecting your apartment. Mosquito nets are ideal for prevention. A mosquito will not be able to get into the apartment due to the microscopic size of the mesh cells. There is a wide range of designs for windows and doorways on sale.
To prevent the pest from getting into your home, cover all possible openings to the street: windows, vents, doors. Also pay attention to ventilation. You can cover the holes with gauze or a special anti-mosquito cloth.
Fumigators with liquids and plates
One of the most popular devices for protecting premises from mosquitoes is a fumigator. The principle of operation is to heat the insecticidal substance contained in the plate or liquid. The product releases vapors that have a detrimental effect on insects. The device requires an electrical connection to operate.
The drugs begin their effect within 30 minutes after connecting to electricity. One plate is enough for 12 hours of work, and a bottle of liquid is enough for 45-60 nights. The radius of action of the substances is 20 square meters. m.
Before use, carefully study the instructions for use. If there are small children living in the house, use the device with extreme caution, following the prescribed safety measures specified by the manufacturer on the packaging.
Spirals
The action of the spiral is based on the distribution of toxic substances at the treatment site. To make the spiral work, set its tip on fire and immediately extinguish it so that the smoldering process begins. Use spirals with extreme caution, and only outdoors, such as a gazebo, veranda or balcony. In enclosed spaces, insecticides released can cause poisoning of the body.
Ultrasonic repeller
The device operates from the mains. The repelling process involves the distribution of special radio waves that the insect body cannot tolerate. However, these waves do not affect humans in any way.
Use of traps and baits
Mosquitoes notice humans due to the release of carbon dioxide during breathing. Based on this principle, scientists have invented a special device that releases carbon dioxide. The female insect smells an odor that attracts her and flies to the place where the device is exposed, where she ends up in a special container, from where she can no longer get out.
Magnetic mosquito nets for doorways
Until recently, housewives covered doorways open to the street with curtains. This was extremely inconvenient, since going through the device on the doors was quite difficult.
Nowadays there is a wide range of mosquito nets for doors of various modifications. The most popular of them are magnetic grids. The magnets are located along the central vertical line of the mosquito net. Now, when passing through a doorway, you will not worry about the curtain getting caught or sliding to one side. Once opened, the magnets are attracted again and the mesh closes on its own.
Sonic attack
The operating principle of such repellers is based on the life activity of mosquitoes. The device emits ultrasonic waves identical to the squeak of males when in danger. Females hear this and are afraid to approach the affected area.
Lighting devices
The device proved to be very weak in the fight against mosquitoes. The work scheme is based on attracting insects to ultraviolet light. As soon as the pest lands on the grill of the device, it immediately receives an electric shock and dies. Unfortunately, mosquitoes are not attracted to light. Insects are more attracted to the smell of a person, so they rarely fly close to the device.
Anti-mosquito bracelets
Special mosquito repellent bracelets are impregnated with various oils and fragrances that repel insects. On the packaging, the manufacturer assures that full protection of the body is guaranteed for 200–240 hours.
In fact, the range of action of the anti-mosquito accessory is so small that for optimal effect you will need to wear a bracelet on each limb. In addition, the smell of impregnation disappears much faster than indicated on the packaging, and, as a result, the device becomes ineffective.
How to remove mosquitoes from a private house or apartment
There are both traditional methods of getting rid of mosquitoes (mainly using odors) and more modern ones. We will look at them all in order.
One of the simplest, most frequently used and effective methods is to use mosquito nets. They need to be used to tighten the window openings, loggia windows or balconies; the ventilation holes should also be closed - gauze will do. For additional effect, you can hang blackout curtains on the balcony door. Be careful: when tightening the openings, try to ensure that the mosquitoes are outside and not inside. Otherwise, you will have to get rid of them even after installing mosquito nets.
The following method will help remove mosquitoes and lift your spirits. To do this, you should hang New Year's rain or tinsel around the house; they cast bright reflections on the walls and floor that repel insects.
Use mosquito nets to prevent mosquitoes from coming to you
How to get rid of mosquitoes in a room using folk methods and improvised means?
Traditional methods of fighting mosquitoes are based on the use of odors that are repugnant to insects. As observations show, they are disgusted by the aromas of elderberry or geranium, cloves or eucalyptus, bird cherry or chamomile, as well as basil. You can place bunches of dried herbs in the bedroom and other rooms, above the door and windows. This method works for several days, then you need to remove the old bunches of herbs and put new ones in their place.
You can also use aromatic oils against mosquitoes - both in pure form (citronella, rosemary and thyme, litzea, eucalyptus, basil), and in mixture with each other (mint + cloves + lavender, basil + juniper + geranium + tea tree or lavender + tea tree + cloves). How to use them? A few drops of the selected aroma oil or their mixture should be diluted in 1 tbsp. spoon of base oil (usually jojoba, grape seed oil, almond or regular sunflower), soak 5-8 dry wipes with this mixture and spread around the apartment or house. You can use the same mixture in an aroma lamp. If you don’t have this device, then it is recommended to use improvised means, namely, drop oil into a bowl of salt. Such methods based on aromas work effectively and, with the correct use of aromatic oils (important! 1 drop of oil per 5 square meters), they are safe for people.
Essential oils repel mosquitoes
Effective insect control methods that can repel mosquitoes for a long time - video
For the next method you will need camphor. This is a white (sometimes transparent) powder of plant origin, sold in pharmacies. For humans, camphor is harmless, but for mosquitoes it first causes loss of the ability to bite, and then death. There is also camphor oil, which will also help us in the fight against unpleasant insects. How to use? The easiest way is to moisten cotton wool with it and leave it on the windowsill or dilute a few drops in a glass of water and heat it in a small saucepan.
Camphor oil can be replaced with valerian.
Camphor powder can be purchased at a pharmacy
The next method is suitable for smokers. Insects are well repelled by the smell of tobacco smoke; you can place an ashtray with remaining cigarette butts near the windows or on the balcony.
Mosquitoes really don’t like the smell of tomatoes, and if you have tomatoes growing on your windowsill, mosquitoes are unlikely to want to fly to you. The smell of growing tomatoes does not cause harm to humans.
Tomato bushes on the window can protect you from mosquitoes
Garlic is also an excellent mosquito repellent. The only condition is to use it correctly. You can use the following method:
- Peel 12 cloves of garlic.
- Cut them in half.
- Pour 2 glasses of water and boil.
- Spray throughout the apartment, room or house.
How to get rid of mosquitoes using modern means?
The most modern mosquito repellents, which are constantly being improved, are fumigators (with a dry plate or with a liquid - aquafumigators). The fumigator plates (and liquids in aquafumigators) are impregnated with chemically active substances that mosquitoes cannot tolerate; they are constantly heated in the device. They should be used according to the instructions. As a rule, 1 plate is designed for 20 square meters. meters of area. Therefore, if you have a small room, it is recommended to cut the plate in half. It is important not to exceed the maximum permissible operating time of the fumigator specified by the manufacturer.
Aquafumigator - a modern mosquito repellent
You can also use mosquito coils - they are set on fire, and the smoke with chemicals harmful to mosquitoes, spread by them, repels vampire insects. This remedy is quite effective in the fight against bloodsuckers, however, such spirals are not entirely safe for humans. When used in closed, unventilated areas, the chemicals released by the coils can cause poisoning. Therefore, according to the instructions, they are prohibited from being used in a house or apartment. However, they can be a good help if you need to get rid of mosquitoes in the basement.
Spiral repels mosquitoes
There are ultrasonic mosquito repellers; they emit sound waves, at the vibration frequency of which male mosquitoes squeak in case of danger, so the females turn on “trust” and they are afraid to approach the place where the ultrasqueak is coming from.
Ultrasonic mosquito repeller Tornado
How ultrasonic mosquito repellers work - video
There are also mosquito repellent candles; their operating principle is based on the dissemination of a smell that mosquitoes do not like, for example, the aroma of citronella. However, according to the instructions, they, like spirals, cannot be used indoors, but for a romantic evening under the moon they are perfect. Such candles burn and repel mosquitoes for 4 to 30 hours.
A special candle repels mosquitoes
Top 5 anti-mosquito devices (according to consumer reviews)
- Fumigators.
- Aroma oils.
- Camphor.
- Ultrasonic repeller.
- Geranium and tomato seedlings.
What smells repel mosquitoes?
Insects cannot tolerate certain odors, so you can use fresh bouquets or essential oils of mint, basil, lavender, and elderberry to repel them.
Basil
The smell of basil repels not only mosquitoes, but also flies. For humans, the aroma of the plant is more than pleasant, but insects cannot tolerate it at all. The plant is not picky about care and watering. Plant basil under windows or near front doors. You can also plant the indoor version in a pot and place it on the windowsill.
Lavender
Mosquitoes cannot tolerate the smell of lavender. If you can't find fresh flowers, use lavender oil. Apply a little of the substance to your skin or body accessories, and mosquitoes will not even think about approaching you. If you do not want to apply oil to your skin, soak a napkin with ether and place it on a saucer at the head of the bed.
Mint
It has been noted that mint extracts are components of almost all repellents. The aroma of the plant has a repellent effect on insects. Place fresh mint bouquets around the apartment or plant the plant in pots. If you can't find fresh mint, use essential oil. You can add a few drops of the substance to the water for a humidifier - the result will be better.
Elder
Elderberry, like other plants, is an excellent mosquito repellent. In this option, only fresh branches work. Arrange bouquets of elderberries around the apartment or plant shrubs in the yard under the windows, you will immediately feel the effect.
Why are mosquitoes dangerous?
By piercing the body, the female injects saliva under the skin, which includes substances that inhibit the function of blood clotting. Saliva provokes itching, redness, swelling and causes an allergic reaction.
Mosquitoes are carriers of dangerous diseases. An insect bite can become the basis for the development of parasitic, bacterial infections, malaria, and West Nile fever.
At the end of the last century, scientists seriously feared that mosquitoes were carriers of HIV infection, but fortunately, the assumption was not confirmed. Although some experts still do not exclude this possibility.
Traditional methods of mosquito control
Most housewives, when mosquitoes appear, do not rush to the hardware store for a specialized product, since there are a lot of traditional methods of control, the production of which requires simple plants or products.
Tomato
Mosquitoes cannot stand the smell of tomato leaves. To get rid of insects, place containers with seedlings on windowsills.
Houseplants against mosquitoes
Some indoor flowers can repel mosquitoes with their scent. For example, if you place geraniums on the windowsill, you can be sure that insects will not come close to the apartment. In addition to repelling parasites, geranium will give you aesthetic pleasure with the beauty of its flowering.
You can also decorate the windowsill with pots of mint, myrtle, rosemary or pelargonium. The oils secreted by the leaves of these plants actively repel parasites.
Pyrethrum
The substance is sold at the pharmacy. It is made from dried chamomile flowers, the smell of which is not tolerated by mosquitoes.
Prepare 5–10 strips of paper, starch and pyrethrum. Prepare a paste from starch and apply to paper strips. Sprinkle pyrethrum powder on the top layer. After drying, hang homemade repellers around the apartment.
Aroma lamp
When using a lamp with aromatic oils, do not overdo it. Prolonged exposure to strong-smelling ethers can cause dizziness and pain in the temples. Do not set the appliance's heating temperature too high. Air saturation should be light and gradual.
The following oils have proven to be the best mosquito repellents:
- eucalyptus;
- anise;
- lavender;
- thyme;
- mint;
- geraniums;
- tea tree;
- valerian.
They can be used individually or mixed together.
Freshly cut leaves and branches
Not only potted plants, but also cut bouquets are good at repelling mosquitoes. Place twigs around the apartment:
- mint;
- lemon balm;
- carnations;
- wormwood;
- basilica;
- bird cherry;
- thyme;
- lavender.
Replace bouquets with fresher ones as the smell fades.
Wheatgrass decoction
Wheatgrass has a mosquito repellent effect. It worked best in a liquid decoction that should be applied to the skin. To prepare the tincture:
- Grind the wheatgrass root.
- Fill it with a glass of water.
- Place the solution on the fire and wait until it boils.
- Boil the broth for 4-5 minutes and cool slightly.
- Put it back on the fire and bring it to a boil again.
- Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.
- At the last stage, cool the solution and apply to the skin.
Vanillin alcohol solution
The pleasant smell of vanilla to humans is not tolerated by mosquitoes at all. Prepare an alcohol solution from the aromatic additive to apply to the body. To do this, pour 6 g of vanillin into 100 g of vodka and stir thoroughly. Apply the resulting liquid to all exposed areas of the body.
Yeast
You can make your own mosquito trap using yeast. Its principle is based on the property of yeast to release carbon dioxide during fermentation, which so strongly attracts mosquitoes.
To make a trap you will need:
- plastic bottle;
- a piece of dark fabric;
- 1 glass of water;
- 50 g sugar;
- 5 g dry yeast.
Procedure:
- Cut off the top of the bottle with the neck.
- Pour warm water into the lower part with the bottom and add sugar.
- Add yeast and mix thoroughly.
- Place the top of the bottle, neck down, into the bottom.
- Wrap the container in a dark cloth.
Insects will be attracted to the carbon dioxide released by fermentation, as well as the lack of light in the container. Once an individual flies inside, it will no longer be able to get out, and will eventually drown in the liquid.
Such traps work for 5–7 days while the fermentation process takes place. When the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture has turned into alcohol, it will need to be replaced with a new one.
Vinegar
When applying the product to your skin, be extremely careful: the vinegar mixture may stain your clothes. To prepare the solution you will need:
- table vinegar;
- sunflower oil;
- shampoo.
Mix all ingredients in equal proportions and apply to skin.
Carnation
You can use cloves both as an aroma oil and as a seasoning. Pour 5 g of spice with water and leave to steep for 15–20 minutes. Apply a few drops of ether or tincture to the skin. The mosquitoes will smell the spice and fly away.
Valerian root
It is not recommended to use the product if there are cats or cats near you. The smell of valerian will repel mosquitoes, but also attract the attention of pets.
To prepare a repellent liquid, prepare a decoction of valerian roots. To do this, chop the root and fill it with two liters of cold water. Bring the broth to a boil and let it brew for an hour. Cool the solution and apply to the skin using cotton swabs, wipes or a spray.
"Star"
This remedy, familiar from childhood, perfectly protects against mosquito infestations. The aromatic additives and camphor included in the composition have a persistent aroma that insects hate. Apply the product to your skin and you will see the results immediately.
Herbal remedies that help fight mosquitoes
Among the range of available herbal mosquito repellents, neem, tea tree, eucalyptus and lemon oils, as well as tulsi, garlic and camphor, have performed well.
Neem oil
Neem tree seed oil has proven to be an effective mosquito repellent. In addition, the substance has antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Mix equal amounts of neem tree oil and coconut oil and apply to skin. The duration of action of the drug can last for 8 hours.
Eucalyptus and lemon oil
Like other esters, eucalyptus and lemon oils are effective in repelling mosquitoes with their aroma. You can use the substances separately or mix them in equal proportions and apply to exposed areas of the body. This combination is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control due to its high effectiveness and antibacterial properties.
Tulasi
Helps get rid of not only adult mosquitoes, but also mosquito larvae. Just a few shrubs planted near the house will help reduce the insect population or get rid of them altogether.
Camphor
Please note that the substance itself is not toxic, but sleeping in a room where there is a container with camphor is not recommended, as this can lead to intoxication of the body.
For the procedure, you will need an unnecessary frying pan and crushed camphor.
- Heat a frying pan with the crushed substance.
- Wait until a little smoke comes out from the camphor.
- For a more effective effect, walk around the apartment with a smoking frying pan.
Smoking like this will permanently rid you not only of mosquitoes, but also of flies.
Garlic
The pronounced smell of garlic has a repellent effect on mosquitoes. The product can be used in several ways.
Method 1.
Mash 2-3 cloves of garlic and place in containers. Place plates with garlic paste on the windowsill. Mosquitoes won't even come close to the window.
Method 2.
Chop the garlic and pour boiling water over it. When the tincture has cooled, pour into a container with a spray bottle. Spray around the apartment. The effectiveness of the substance will remain for 12 hours.
Tea tree oil
One of the most powerful antiseptics and antifungal substances, it works as an insecticide against insects. In addition, the drug is good at relieving inflammation at bite sites. Apply a little oil to your skin before going outside or soak several cotton swabs in ether and place them around your apartment.
On the sea
Vacations at the sea are sometimes marred by the appearance of blood-sucking insects that prevent you from enjoying the desired peace and tranquility. You should worry about how to get rid of mosquitoes in advance by choosing the appropriate product.
Aerosol OFF! Extreme
A popular and reliable aerosol that protects against mosquitoes for up to 8 hours when applied to the skin and up to a month when applied to clothing. The active ingredient is DEET. At the same time, it protects against ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, horse flies and other blood-sucking insects.
The aerosol should be used as follows:
- Shake the can vigorously several times.
- Clothing should be processed not indoors, but outdoors from a distance of 20-25 cm, holding things vertically and in the direction of the wind.
- To apply to the skin, the product is first sprayed onto the palm of your hand, and then only distributed, without rubbing, onto open areas of the body.
- The spray does not leave any greasy marks and smells pleasant.
How much does it cost: 150-175 rubles per 100 ml.
Cream ARGUS
Insecticidal cream from a Russian manufacturer that protects against mosquitoes using diethyl-m-toluamide. The product is indispensable for a comfortable holiday near the water and in nature, it has a pleasant consistency and is very easy to apply. Recommended for adults and teenagers.
How to use Argus cream:
- Squeeze the required amount of the drug into the palm of your hand.
- Distribute the product evenly over exposed skin in a thin layer. There is no need to rub it in.
- The insecticidal effect is observed for at least 4-5 hours.
- Continuous protection against mosquitoes can be ensured by repeated application, but not more than 3 times a day.
- Usually insects do not even land on treated areas. But if this happens, then the cream has a negative effect, causing disruption of the nervous system in bloodsuckers.
Price - 35-50 rubles per 42 ml.
How to get rid of mosquitoes yourself
In addition to apartments, mosquitoes choose private houses, local areas and basements as homes. Methods of control may vary slightly depending on the location of the insects.
In the basement
As already mentioned, mosquitoes can appear in apartments from basements, where there is an environment favorable for their life.
To get rid of insects in the basement, first eliminate the comfortable environment. There should be no leaks or stagnant water in the room. After removing them, dry them thoroughly and treat the basement.
Basement treatment can be carried out:
- Insecticides are substances, upon contact with which paralysis occurs and the insect dies. When using such drugs, follow the prescribed precautions.
- Repellents. The principle of operation of the substances is based on repelling insects. The main thing during processing is to maintain the required dosage of the drug, otherwise the body may be poisoned.
You can also use popular fumigators, repellers or folk remedies to exterminate insects.
If the situation is critical and you were unable to repel mosquitoes on your own, call a special pest control service.
In a private house
To exterminate mosquitoes in a private home, first of all, destroy all possible breeding sites and development of larvae.
For this:
- Clean all yard buildings: barn, bathhouse, livestock pens.
- Clean the roof and gutters of debris and standing water.
- Remove leaves from the yard.
- Destroy trash that can collect sediment: old barrels, containers, car tires.
- Ventilate basements, utility rooms and living spaces regularly to avoid excess humidity.
- Clean dishes and water bowls for livestock in a timely manner.
When the places where the larvae develop are destroyed, begin exterminating the adults. To do this, use repellents, insecticides or folk remedies.
After exterminating insects from your home and surrounding area, protect yourself from repeated invasion. Plant elderberry, lavender or mint in the yard, and install mosquito nets on windows and doors.
Features of mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are small insects reaching a length of 3-7 mm. Their activity peaks in the warm season. You can encounter this problem in nature, in the courtyard of a private house, in a barn or living room. Insects fly into the house in response to the heat, which is detected by their infrared vision.
Mosquitoes feed on plant sap, but female pests also feed on human blood, which is necessary for the development of offspring and population growth. Insects find their victims by the smell of sweat.
Insects make squeaking and buzzing noises while flying, which disturbs sleep and peace. But the main danger of mosquitoes is bites, which cause discomfort in the form of itching, redness, and swelling. In addition, insects can be carriers of dangerous infectious diseases (malaria or yellow fever).
Mosquitoes are small insects whose females feed on human blood to reproduce healthy offspring.
What mosquito repellents can be used if there is a newborn baby in the house?
To protect your child from mosquitoes, it is not recommended to use contact products applied to the skin.
To keep your newborn safe:
- Hang mosquito nets on all windows and doors;
- for walking, use special anti-mosquito devices;
- do not use fumigators, repellents and insecticides in the apartment;
- give preference to mechanical traps or folk remedies.
Experienced mothers recommend using diluted clove essential oil or dry vanillin to protect babies outdoors.
HOW TO FIND AND CATCH A MOSQUITO
If the squeak of a lonely “bloodsucker” is heard at night, it is not at all necessary to use remedies against them. It is better to turn on a flashlight or lamp to find the mosquito. Wait for it to sit on a wall or other surface, and then kill it with a rolled-up newspaper or suck it up with a vacuum cleaner.
To do this, you need to sharply point the pipe at the victim and turn it on so that the insect does not have time to fly away. This method is especially good if the mosquito is sitting in a hard-to-reach place.
Another way is to catch on your body, for which you need to lie on your side, cover yourself completely with a blanket, leaving only half of your face accessible. Place your hand in a comfortable position so that you can quickly deliver the “deadly blow” when the mosquito swoops down on the skin (most often it lands on the cheek). The main thing is not to injure yourself!
How to get rid of mosquitoes in nature and in the forest
When going on a summer vacation in nature or planning a picnic in the garden, take care of protection from mosquitoes. To avoid applying strong-smelling spray or cream to the skin, especially for children, use outdoor mosquito traps. Destroyers and lamps are absolutely silent and do not emit odors. They will make your rest comfortable, without bites or annoying squeaks.
Nowadays, clothing with special anti-mosquito impregnation is gaining mass popularity.
Do clothes with anti-mosquito treatment work?
Initially, similar clothing was used by the American military. Military uniforms were impregnated with permethrin to prevent soldiers from contracting malaria and other diseases caused by insects.
Now the technology has moved into commercial production, so anyone can buy anti-mosquito clothing.
What to choose: clothes with anti-mosquito impregnation or spray?
Undoubtedly, any clothing can be made mosquito-proof. It is enough to saturate it with a special spray, and you can go for a walk in the forest. However, such impregnation, even with a super-effective substance, will last only 5-6 washes.
Special clothing impregnated with permethrin can withstand up to 70 washes. However, its purchase will cost several times more than the spray.
Are permethrin-treated clothing safe?
Permethrin-treated clothing has been tested in dozens of ways to determine whether it is toxic to humans. All studies have proven that such clothes can be worn by adults, children, pregnant and nursing mothers.
Permethrin is a strong pesticide, so do your due diligence before wearing clothing. If, for example, you are going to the forest with your whole family, it would be more rational to wear anti-mosquito clothing once than to be bitten by mosquitoes or catch a tick.
Ultrasonic repellers
Ultrasound against mosquitoes has been used recently. The operating principle of the devices is based on ultrasonic waves. Are mosquitoes afraid of ultrasound? The opinions of scientists are divided; 100% effectiveness has not been proven. But, some models really work. Devices that are plugged into the network, battery-powered, and portable devices are sold.
When purchasing a device, keep in mind that ultrasound works at a distance of up to 5 meters if it is a stationary model and up to two meters for portable models.
Ultrasound is not dangerous for humans, since we cannot hear it. What frequency are mosquitoes afraid of? The creators say that bloodsuckers cannot withstand a frequency of 30 kHz. And the devices are produced with a floating frequency, from 4 to 40 kHz. It is believed that mosquitoes are afraid of the sound that imitates the flight of dragonflies, and this is 30 kHz.
Anti-mosquito insecticides: for larvae and adults
In the range of chemical mosquito repellents you can find substances both for the destruction of adult mosquitoes and their larvae. Before you start fighting adults, destroy the larvae in nearby water bodies.
Many owners of private houses may have various bodies of water in their yard: a pond, a swimming pool, a rainwater sump. To destroy larvae in standing water, use special bacteria. They are sold in granules or tablets.
Pour the required amount of substance into the reservoir based on the volume of liquid. The drug not only kills larvae already present in the water, but also prevents the appearance of new ones within a month. Such products are safe for pets. In Russia, the production of such bacteria has not yet been established, so only products from American brands can be found on sale.
Once the larvae are destroyed, you can begin to kill adult mosquitoes. To exterminate them, you can use special chemicals based on pyrethrins or pyrethroids. The drugs are very effective, but it is very difficult to buy them without a license. As an alternative, you can use spirals or fumigators.
About the types of homemade mosquito repellents
There are two main groups of working homemade products:
- The first are exterminators and insecticides. They have a detrimental effect on mosquitoes and kill midges. But, as a rule, they are unsafe for humans and pets.
- The second are repellents. They occur many times more often. Used to repel pests. They act almost like professional drugs, except for a shorter period of time.
It is recommended to give preference to the second class, repellents. They are easier to create and allow you to solve the problem more effectively.
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Is it possible to get rid of mosquitoes forever?
Unfortunately, there is no product that can permanently get rid of mosquitoes. Any devices and drugs lose effectiveness over time. In addition, mosquitoes have the property of resistance (they get used to insecticides).
Regularity and variety are the basic rules of mosquito control. As soon as you stop acting, the mosquito will return to your home, so for prevention purposes, carry out extermination and repelling procedures several times a season. For maximum effect, use several methods together. Also, do not forget to keep your apartment, house, basement and yard clean.
Preventing mosquitoes indoors
In order to protect yourself and your home from annoying bloodsuckers, take care of the following preventive measures:
- Install mosquito nets on the windows, which will prevent not only mosquitoes, but also other insects from entering the room. This method of prevention is absolutely safe, non-toxic and effective;
- use fumigators or ultrasonic repellers;
- When walking outdoors, use protective equipment - creams, sprays, gels. Their action time is 2-4 hours, so periodically renew the protective layer;
- use folk remedies and substances with pronounced aromas to repel insects;
- take care to maintain cleanliness in the apartment, avoid high humidity and unsanitary conditions.
To protect your room from mosquitoes, install special mosquito nets on the windows. This will allow you to ventilate the apartment without letting pests in
It is impossible to get rid of blood-sucking insects forever, since they get used to smells, learn to “bypass” traps and overcome considerable obstacles by smelling the smell of food. However, properly organized control and preventive measures will help minimize the risk of mosquito bites and the spread of pests. Use folk remedies, repellent devices and other methods to prevent annoying insects from spoiling your vacation in the summer.
To prevent bites from itching
You can avoid unpleasant itching with the help of available remedies. Soda has proven itself to be the best antiseptic. Dilute half a teaspoon of the substance in a glass of warm water, mix and apply to the bite site. Ammonia and potassium permanganate solution also have similar effects.
If the indicated remedies are not at hand, lubricate the affected area with kefir or yogurt.
If the trouble happened in nature, apply a leaf of plantain, mint, bird cherry or parsley to the bite area.
To understand which method of struggle is better, try several methods in turn. You can buy a special device to repel mosquitoes or use traditional methods of extermination. You will achieve maximum effect if you use a couple of methods in combination.
Remedies after a bite
There are many traditional ways to cope with itching and swelling after a mosquito bite. There is an important point: you should not allow scratching of the sore spot, since the wounds will take longer to heal and they must be treated like scratches and other damage to the skin - folk remedies will not help here.
If you don’t have gauze, a bandage or a cotton swab at hand, you can use a handkerchief or any other fabric for lotions. The main thing is that it is clean.
Soda
Baking soda, which is found in almost any home, will soothe the bitten area.
- Take 200 milliliters of warm water and a tablespoon of soda.
- Mix the ingredients well.
- Apply lotions to the bite site by soaking gauze pads in the resulting mixture.
- The duration of the lotion is 10–15 minutes.
I wipe the bite area with baking soda! I do it this way: I take just a little bit of Soda in a small bowl, moisten a cotton pad with lukewarm boiled water, dip it in the soda and for a minute or so gently rub the child’s bite area! This procedure relieves itching and stops the inflammatory process! After two such procedures, the bite site noticeably decreases and no longer burns like a lantern! And after a couple of days it goes away completely, leaving no traces behind.
KetiTyT
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Salt
Regular table salt also relieves itching well.
- Mix salt with very little water.
- You should get a mushy mass.
- It is applied to the bite sites.
- The duration of the procedure is the same as for the soda lotion.
A tingling sensation will be felt for some time after applying the product. This is not scary, it indicates the beginning of healing and passes quickly.
If no other means are at hand, ordinary salt will come to the rescue.
Chamomile infusion
Herbal infusion of chamomile will relieve itching and inflammation.
- Pour a tablespoon of dried chamomile into 250 milliliters of boiling water.
- Leave for 15 minutes.
- Filter the infusion.
- Soak a cotton or gauze lotion in the resulting liquid.
- Apply to the bite site.
- Keep the lotion until it dries.
Chamomile tea filter bags are also used. Pour a glass of boiling water over this bag and wait until it cools down. When the liquid temperature is equal to room temperature, you need to take it out, squeeze it a little and apply it to the bitten area. Keep it on like a lotion until it dries.
Essential oils
To relieve itching and irritation, use a product with essential oils of tea tree, lavender, mint and lemon balm.
- Take 2 tablespoons of base oil (almond, jojoba, peach, apricot, calendula or other odorless) or low-fat cream.
- Add 5-10 drops of one of the listed oils into it.
- Apply the product to the bitten area three times a day.
other methods
You can mash a bay leaf (dry - grind) with olive oil and apply the mixture to the bitten area. Bites are also wiped with a cotton swab soaked in:
- corvalol;
- valocordine;
- ammonia;
- lemon juice diluted in cold water.
It's great to have fresh aloe leaves. They should be cut into thin slices and applied to the bite for 20 minutes. And the healing Russian herb - plantain - can be scalded with boiling water and ground into a paste, and also applied to skin damaged by bloodsuckers. For convenience, both products are fixed on the bitten area with a bandage.