Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mosquitos
After a long winter, summer has finally arrived bringing about glorious rain! Unfortunately, it also brings the mozzies too, and before you know it the annoying buzz interrupts your peaceful sleep. Luckily we've done the research and found a few natural ways to get rid of those persistent bloodsuckers that will also have your home and garden looking and smelling fantastic!
Essential Oils:
The old notion of using specific essential oils holds true when it comes to repelling mosquitoes, as these pungent scents block a mosquito's "smell" receptors. Mosquitoes find their targets by following smells such as the carbon dioxide we exhale and our body odours. There are a few oils and foods that can be used to block those little bugs' noses. Citronella and lemon eucalyptus oils work well to confuse mosquitoes, adding a few drops in an oil burner or in a diffuser helps to spread the scent throughout a room, leaving it smelling great and mosquito free.
Garlic & Apple Cider Vinegar:
Some people swear that consuming certain foods will help "make your blood taste gross to mosquitos". The truth is that specific foods can produce an odour through our sweat that blocks mosquito scent receptors and almost hides us from them. The two most common foods are garlic and apple cider vinegar. Garlic tablets and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar drunk with water or used in cooking to add flavour to your meals will do the job. Just remember you will need to consume a lot of garlic and apple cider vinegar for this method to be effective.
Clear Out Mozzie Breeding Grounds:
A great way to get mosquitos out of your garden is to get rid of any potential breeding grounds. Standing and stagnant water provide the perfect place for mosquito larvae to develop into fully-fledged annoyances. Empty out any plant pots, puddles, clogged gutters and any toys left out after the rain or any water left behind, to ensure that there is no place for them to breed and multiply. If you have a pond with a flowing water source, don't worry.
Fish & Dragonflies:
Fish & Dragonflies:
Dragonflies love to chomp down on mosquito larvae and so do goldfish. Try introducing a few Rockets or Koi fish into your pond to prey on the budding larvae.
Natural Plant Repellents for the Garden:
Here are a few plants that help to block the "smell" receptors but will also be great additions to your garden beds: Marigolds, Basil, Anise, Coriander, Lemongrass, Asters, Lemon Thyme, Lemon balm, Chrysanthemums, Lavender, Rosemary, and Catnip all release wonderful smells that confuse mosquitoes and provide a host other benefits to your garden, pets, and cooking.
Braai Mozzie Repellant:
During an evening braai or dinner party on the patio, if mosquitos are in full swing, throwing a few sprigs of Rosemary or Lemongrass on the coals of your Weber will work well to chase the mozzies away.
Natural Ways to Scratch the Itch:
White vinegar rubbed over the area will help reduce the itch, a paste made of baking soda and water will reduce both the itching and swelling and a warmed teaspoon pressed onto the bite will burn away the histamine without burning the skin.
Getting rid of mosquitoes can be a mission but there's no need to expose yourself and your family to harmful chemicals. Bringing in their natural predators and blocking their scent receptors will work even better and provide far more benefits to your home and your life.
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19 Nov 2018
Author Lillian Rencken