At your wits end wondering how to get rid of mosquitoes in the house or apartment?
Anyone who lives in an area where mosquitoes are prevalent understands the constant struggle of keeping them under control. These insects can cause numerous fatal diseases, such as malaria, dengue and yellow fever, but, fortunately, most people just suffer the typical symptoms, which are itchy mosquito bites. These are both annoying and irritating, but pretty low-risk.
For most people, mosquito bites are just a nuisance. However, there are some mosquitoes that spread viruses that result in disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus is the most common virus spread by mosquitoes in the continental United States. Therefore, it's important to get rid of mosquitoes to reduce the chances of contracting any virus that could lead to illness.
The biggest draw for mosquitoes is still and stagnant water, so if you have water sitting in a sink or pet bowls, collecting around plants or standing in a tub, these could attract mosquitoes. If you don't remove stagnant bodies of water, the more likely you'll have indoor mosquitoes. Therefore, the first step in how to get rid of mosquitoes in the house is to make sure you have no still or stagnant water in the house.
It's easy to learn how to get rid of mosquitoes in the house. Mosquito traps and chemical mosquito repellent products can help reduce your chances of getting bit. However, those chemicals aren't good for you or the environment. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy, natural repellents to turn to instead of using chemicals to repel mosquitoes.
Try using these natural mosquito repellent options next time the little buggers start sniffing around your space. Then, sit back and cackle maniacally as they start dropping like flies. No one will judge. In fact, we'll cheer you on.
You probably know camphor better as a salve that people rub on their chests when sick with a cold. This pungent substance helps to open up the nasal passages to allow for easier breathing. The same quality makes it helpful in keeping mosquitoes at bay because they're easily overwhelmed by the scent.
Camphor comes in a few forms that are effective at eliminating mosquitoes. If you choose the version that burns, all you have to do is close all of the doors and then, light the camphor. After about 30 minutes, you'll notice that you won't find any mosquitoes.
The easier way to do it, however, is probably to buy camphor tablets. Place it in a bowl of water (out of reach of pets and children because it's toxic when ingested) and then, replace it every few days. The scent should drive them away and keep them that way!
Garlic has several properties that help keep mosquitoes away. They don't like the sulfur in garlic, so mosquitoes try to get away from it. Also, garlic juice is deadly to mosquitoes, so if they get a hold of that, it's the end of the road. To test this method out, you can crush a few cloves of garlic and boil them in water. Then, pour the solution in a spray bottle and spray it around your room, garage, etc.
This solution made up of garlic should kill mosquitoes instantly. And, the scent will dissipate to your nose within minutes, so no need to worry about your home reeking of the stuff. Don't have time for all that? Eat some garlic, and the scent on your breath will keep mosquitoes at bay in the short term.
You won't have to look too far to find this mosquito-repelling ingredient! Almost everyone has coffee grounds in their apartment, and it's one of the best natural ways in how to get rid of mosquitoes in the house.
Coffee grounds are a great option if your home has a problem with standing water. This is because stagnant water increases the number of mosquitoes around, so all you need to do is pour coffee grounds into it. Mosquito eggs will come up to the surface and die due to not having any oxygen. Coffee grounds also repel existing mosquitoes and many other types of pesky bugs!
Next on our list of how to get rid of mosquitoes is a popular essential oil. A far more pleasing scent (for humans, anyway) is that of lavender oil, another effective natural mosquito repellant. Mosquitoes hate the scent of lavender oil, so use this to your advantage!
Keep mosquitoes away by spraying lavender oil around your home and surrounding areas. Fun fact: You can also put some on your body to repel mosquitoes and avoid getting bit! A few drops of lavender oil also go a long way toward soothing an existing bite, too.
Similar to lavender oil, mosquitoes also hate the smell of mint. Once again, use this Achilles heel to your advantage. Take fresh mint leaves or mint oil and place it strategically around the home. Bonus points if you create a homemade sachet or two! You can also consider growing mint shrubs in pots on the patio to keep them away for good.
This is a more time-consuming mosquito repellent method, but it works exceptionally well. Simply place dry ice inside a container or trap, and, eventually, it will attract mosquitoes due to its carbon dioxide emissions. They'll get trapped and die inside of it.
Note: Wear gloves or an oven mitt when handling dry ice. It's extremely cold and can freeze your skin if touched for too long. Definitely take steps to keep it out of reach of pets, children and adults, who really should know better.
One of the rock stars of essential oils, tea tree oil contains numerous anti-bacterial properties that are beneficial in treating different injuries and illnesses. Plus, it's nice and smelly (in a good way for humans), so a little bit is all it takes to keep mosquitoes from being a nuisance.
It's easy enough to concoct a homemade tea tree oil spray. Just mix a few drops of tea tree oil in some water and add it to a spray bottle. Spritz the solution around your home and it'll quickly become mosquito-free!
Basil isn't just a savory herb, it's also a great ingredient in how to get rid of mosquitos in the house. The leaves of this plant actually are toxic to mosquitoes and other bugs, so when mosquito larvae chow down, they quickly die! You can simply plant a basil plant or two at the entry points of your home to effectively reduce the number of mosquitoes that make it to maturity. Bonus — snap off some basil leaves and concoct your own fragrant, mosquito-repellent spray!
If you're one of those renters who's blessed with an outdoor fire pit or fireplace space at your property, consider stocking up on pinion wood before the next evening out. Mosquitoes can't handle the smell of this particular wood and will die pretty quickly. Just be sure to purchase authentic pinion wood to get the job done because some brands will label it as such, but it's really just pine wood.
Citronella is a popular ingredient in all sorts of mosquito-repellent products, and many people keep them on hand in candle form. However, citronella is also one of many mosquito-repellent plants. To increase the mosquito-fighting oomph of your space, pick up a citronella plant or two, and keep them near mosquito-prone areas. They should go a long way in the fight to get rid of mosquitoes.
Apple cider vinegar is one of a few natural ingredients that, when mixed together with other specific ingredients, creates a shockingly effective mosquito repellant spray. Simply combine one-quarter of a cup of apple cider vinegar with one-quarter cup of witch hazel. Then, add some essential oils for scent. Ideally, use one with anti-mosquito properties, like eucalyptus or citronella. Once mixed, put the concoction in a spray bottle. Be sure to shake it up before every spritz. Spray where needed to stop mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes also detest the scent of burning rosemary and sage, making it a great addition in how to get rid of mosquitos in the house. If the community grill area has a problem with the insects, just place a sprig or two on the coals and enjoy a mosquito-free cooking experience.
Birds love to nosh on mosquitoes, so attract feathery friends to keep bugs at bay. Simply add a bird feeder or two to the porch or balcony. This will bring them to the area, where they will hopefully pick up a few mosquitos as an appetizer.
If mosquitoes make it hard to enjoy the apartment balcony, pick up a fan! The aggravating insects are not strong fliers and will do whatever they can to stay away from a serious breeze. As an added bonus, you'll stay nice and cool during those hot and humid mosquito-riddled months.
Here's one all-natural way to get rid of mosquitoes that don't require any sort of purchase. Everyone knows that mosquitoes love standing water, and adult mosquitoes lay their eggs there. Stop them in their tracks by cutting them off at the source. Eliminate any standing water in and around your property.
For example, old potted plants without proper drainage on the balcony tend to collect rainwater that serves as an excellent breeding ground for mosquitoes. Also, notify the property manager if there are any drainage issues on the ground outside. Be sure to submit the maintenance request in writing.
Treating mosquito bites is quick and easy. Follow these steps to alleviate mosquito bites.
Sure, mosquitoes are an essential part of the world's ecosystem, but that doesn't mean we have to keep 'em fed. So, try a few of these proven, natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes. What have you got to lose?
An experienced freelance writer, Karon Warren has covered home and real estate topics for more than 20 years for such outlets as Curbed Atlanta, Apartment Therapy, RealTrends and HotPads.com. She is a member of the American Society of Journalists & Authors.