No matter what the season is, mosquitoes are always unwelcome guests that want to make your home their home. As a result, you’re always looking for ways to “shoo” away mosquitoes. After all, apart from being pests, mosquitoes are also carriers of diseases.
Although controlling mosquitoes outdoors is the best way to address the problem, you need a solution indoors, too. However, indoor mosquito control can be tricky, especially if you don’t want to use harsh chemicals inside.
You can always get in touch with a professional mosquito control service, but you can also do some DIY solutions while you wait for the pros.
Here are some ways to get rid of mosquitoes indoors.
Fix Your Doors and Windows
If you don’t want mosquitoes inside your home, don’t give them easy access. One way to do so is to address your doors and windows.
With your windows, a screen 100 percent keeps mosquitoes out. Most houses come with windows that have screens but in older homes, the screens could be missing. If you don’t have window screens, it’s time to install one. You can build your own screen and retrofit it on any window. On the other hand, you can also purchase screens from your local hardware store. Either way, you don’t need a screen for all of your windows, just the ones you keep opening and closing.
If your windows have screens, maintenance is important. Even a small tear in your screen can give mosquitoes access to your home. Use a patch to fix your screens.
As for the doors, the same concept applies: as long as they are open, mosquitoes (and other pests) can enter your home. Install weather stripping or door strips to your home. These barriers are affordable and can keep bugs out while helping with the temperature regulation of your home.
Use Natural Indoor Solutions
Once you’ve addressed your doors and windows, it’s time to eradicate the mosquitoes inside of your home. As mentioned above, some homeowners use harmful or toxic chemicals to get rid of these unwanted pests. Fortunately, there are natural solutions available. Consider the following:
Camphor Oil
Camphor is a natural repellent. All you have to do is light camphor oil in the room and shut the windows and doors. Let the essence of the oil fill the room for 15 to 20 minutes. Afterward, your room will be mosquito-free but it might smell a bit odd.
You can also use camphor tablets. Just set them in the room and let them evaporate. It won’t take long before the evaporated essence of the tablets circulates around your room.
Dry Ice
Carbon dioxide attracts mosquitoes; unfortunately, we exhale carbon dioxide, which makes us susceptible to mosquito attacks. Instead of attracting more mosquitoes, use dry ice to repel these unwelcome guests.
Dry ice emits carbon dioxide. Just place the ice in a container and keep it away from your rooms. When you see mosquitoes hovering around the ice, close the container. It can be a time-consuming method but it is an effective one.
Dish Soap
Did you know that a tray of soapy dishwater can also repel stubborn mosquitoes inside of your home? All you have to do is pour soapy dishwater in a small container. Make sure that it’s covered in bubbles. Since mosquitoes are attracted to water, they will try to sit on the dish. But once they realize it’s soapy, it’ll be too late. They’ll be trapped in the bubbles.
Garlic
With its anti-larvae properties and strong pungent smell, garlic is one of the best natural mosquito repellents available. Just crush a few cloves and boil them in water. Once you’ve finished boiling the garlic water, pour it in a spray bottle and spray it around the room to prevent mosquitoes from coming near you.
Coffee Grounds
Put your unwanted coffee grounds to good use by sprinkling it on stagnant water. The grounds cause the mosquito eggs in the water to float, as well as deprive the eggs of oxygen, killing them before they hatch.
Use a Mosquito Zapper
Mosquito zappers are often used outdoors but you can also use them inside your home. Some people will debate that mosquito zappers aren’t natural ways to kill mosquitoes, even if you’re not using insecticides or pesticides. But if you want to get rid of mosquitoes immediately, getting a zapper will definitely solve your mosquito problem.
Every homeowner should have a mosquito prevention plan outside AND inside of their home. Make sure your home is also protected inside with the tips above.
