Mosquitoes and other pests aren’t only annoying and leave irritating or painful bites but also carry diseases. The recent outbreak of Zika Virus is of great concern as is Dengue Fever, West Nile Fever, Encephalitis and much more. The best way to prevent these diseases is to deter the pests from biting in the first place.
Dress Up
The hot days and warm nights of summer mean that everyone is covering up less. However, dressing up from neck to toe is a great way to avoid being bitten by insects. Loose clothing provides better protection than tight fitting clothing.
Wash
Insects are attracted to the odors humans expel, such as sweat and even the smell of our breath. Regular showers or baths and a good oral hygiene routine will help repel pests. Clothing, linen, and your home should also be clean and hygienic to provide an uninhabitable environment for bugs.
While You Are Sleeping
Mosquitoes and some other pests like bed bugs are more likely to bite after dark and while you are in your deepest sleep. A mosquito net is ideal to prevent bites. Make sure that the net is fine enough to prevent mosquitoes from entering and check for any tears regularly. Vacuum and clean the mattress and base of your bed often to prevent bed bugs.
Herbal Repellents
Herbs such as lemon grass, mint, basil and rosemary all have scents that naturally repel a variety of insects. Simply growing them around your home or in pots inside the house is a great deterrent. Alternatively, boil them up in some water and use as a natural bug spray. The spray can be used directly on the body but is more effective and long lasting when sprayed on clothing, linen, upholstery, curtains and carpets.
Aromatherapy
As you may have guessed by now, repelling insects are primarily about using scents that insects dislike and humans love. Aromatherapy or essential oils provide a wide range of concentrated fragrances made from natural plant extracts.
These oils are best used diluted and sprayed on fabric rather than the skin. Aromatherapy candles or heating oils in a diffuser are also great ways to create a fragrant environment that will keep the bugs away.
Top essential oils to repel bugs include:
- Lemon Eucalyptus
- Citronella
- Peppermint
- Cedar
- Witch Hazel
Traps
Cut a 2-liter soda bottle about two-thirds of the way up. Turn the top half upside down and place it in the bottom half of the bottle. Place the following solutions in the bottom of the bottle to trap these insects:
- Warm water, sugar and active yeast for mosquitoes
- Sugar, water, and fruit for fruit flies, bees, and other irritating flying insects
- Sugar, water or soda and vegetable oils to trap wasps
- Liquid dishwashing detergent in warm water for fleas
The idea here is to attract the insects to the trap rather than repel them and to capture them in the bottle. Most insects will drown in the liquid solution.
Smoke ’em
If you are spending time outdoors, light a fire and burn some of the herbs mentioned above. Garden torches are also great for repelling insects outdoors.
For the most effective natural mosquito and pest repellent solution, get rid of any insect attractions and use scents that repel and deter them from your environment.
Hans Seca is a successful businessman and has been factory trained with 7 years of experience in outdoor insect and pest control. To learn more about mosquito control DIY systems, visit AutomaticMosquitoControl.com today.
