Tips to Get Rid of Mosquitoes and Avoid Malaria

Even if mosquitoes are persistent tiny biters, you can still eradicate them. In addition to being a nuisance, mosquitoes also carry diseases like Zika, Dengue, West Nile and the most common disease-Malaria. 

There are a variety of methods you can use to get rid of mosquitoes like using organic and natural options or using insecticides. You can opt for the different methods depending on your preference and the efficacy. If you are unable to get rid of mosquitoes in your home, contact a professional pest company to get rid of them. 

Below are some tips on how to get rid of mosquitoes.

Use chemical repellents

Applying the traditional chemical mosquito repellent on your body will prevent mosquitoes from biting you. When looking for repellents, look for products with 30%-50% DEET. This is the main ingredient in mosquito repellents. 
After being applied on human skin, DEET stays for 12 hours. Adults should use repellents with a DEET of 30%-50% while for children over two months the percentage should be 10%-30%. Infants below two months should not use repellents.

Fix the gaps

Among the many ways that mosquitoes invade homes is through gaps. Patch any screens and doors that might serve as entry points for mosquitoes. It would be doing zero work if you get rid of mosquitoes yet they have an entry point. 
If look through your door at night and you can see light, there is some space and it should be patched. If patching is not convenient for you, you can get a simple door strip to serve the function.

Use mosquito net

If you prefer sleeping with the windows open, you should not lack a mosquito net. A mosquito net will give you a bite free night.

Maximize mosquito traps

Mosquito traps are available in different stores and online. If you lack one in any of these places, you can make one. To make a mosquito trap, cut a bottle and let one of the halves lie in the other upside down. Boil a cup of water and sugar and add two cups of water when the mixture has boiled. 

After allowing the mixture to cool, add a teaspoon of dry yeast to the mixture and pour it in your cut bottles. When mosquitoes pass near the trap, they will be attracted to the sugar and get stuck. After remaining there for some time, they will drown. However, for the trap to be efficient, you will have to replace it after some time.

Use oscillating fans

Mosquitoes find it hard to fly against the wind. While this might sound so simple and basic, it is highly effective. When you turn your fan on, the mosquitoes will struggle flying and eventually give up.

Use outdoor soap

There are special outdoor soaps specifically made to repel mosquitoes. The Skin Amour Deep Woods Outdoor soap for instance, repels mosquitoes. When one uses the soap to bathe, you do not smell your sweat and instead the smell repels mosquitoes.

Use essential oils

Even if they might not be effective like traditional pesticides, essential oils can also repel mosquitoes. The best type of essential oil that will repel mosquitoes is any that contains eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, tree oil, clove, peppermint or lemongrass.

Use neem oil and coconut oil

When mixed in the right proportions and well, neem oil, water, and coconut oil can repel mosquitoes for 6 hours. After mixing, spray the mixture on your skin as a repellent.

Use candles

Burning citronella, also known as lavender candles, keeps mosquitoes away because of the scent produced.

Use garlic

Just like essential oils, garlic can also be used to get rid of mosquitoes. You can prepare a garlic spray to act as a repellent. While the smell might not be nice, it’s efficiency is proven. In place of garlic, many prefer eucalyptus spray.

Use bug zappers

Bug zappers are known for killing mosquitoes immediately. However, the method becomes tiring when done repeatedly. When zapping, be keen of harmless insects and protect them.

How to prevent malaria

• Plan travels and check the risks associated with your destination.
   
• Use mosquito and insect repellents. Remember they should be applied before applying sunscreen.
   
• Use nets treated with insecticides at night. Ensure the net is not damaged and tuck it under your mattress.
   
• Avoid sleeping in areas where mosquitoes like to live like waste dumps and standing water.
   
• Wear trousers and long-sleeved shirts at night to expose a less portion of your skin. To increase protection, you can treat your clothed with permethrin.
   
• Apply insect repellent lotions and creams to the body parts that are exposed at night. Remember to check the DEET percentages before purchasing a repellent.
   
• Depending on the severity of malaria infection at your area, you can use anti-malarial tablets.