Mosquitoes are one of the major transmitters of infectious diseases. We must know how to get rid of mosquitoes indoors as there are many harmful Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, chicken guinea, etc. But even though, we think a lot about ways to kill mosquitoes, we cannot eliminate them since there can be disastrous consequences of the same. Adult mosquitoes serve as food to many other insects, bats, and birds. So, eradicating mosquitoes will mess up the biological food chain leading to drastic effects on the environment. Hence, the best option would be to repel them. These are the best ways on how to get rid of mosquitoes indoors.
1. Use Chemical Repellents
Using traditional chemical repellents is one of the best ways to prevent mosquito bites. Research has shown that products that contain 30-50% of DEET are the gold standard for repelling mosquitoes. Initially, people were concerned that DEET was unsafe on human skin. Later on, studies showed that it still meets the required safety standards. However, one must never spray it on infants. The effects of this compound last for up to 12 hours.
2. Fill All Gaps
Another way of how to get rid of mosquitoes indoors is by using door strips to cover all the gaps in your windows and doors. This prevents mosquitoes from entering your home. Hence, make sure that even the tiniest of spaces are closed off.
3. Use Mosquito Nets
If you are the kind of person who loves to sleep with their windows open at night, mosquito nets are best suited for you to have a mosquito bite-free night.
4. Use Mosquito Repellent Soaps
There are many soaps specially designed to keep mosquitoes away. Thus, one can bathe in these mosquito repellent soaps to prevent mosquito bites.
5. Eliminate Stagnant Water
Adult mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. So, check and replace any standing water in your buckets, pools, ditches, or pet bowls. Moreover, make sure that your potted plants have good drainage. (See What Attracts Mosquitoes to Humans?)
6. Treat Pools and Ponds
Pools and ponds contain stagnant water that you cannot clear off. It is best if one treats them with larvicides, either liquid or dunk, and filters them regularly. This process will kill all the mosquito larvae and prevent them from breeding. This is how to get rid of mosquitoes indoors & in outdoor pools.
7. Burn Citronella Candles
Candles that contain citronella are one of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away. Lighting them indoors and around you will surely keep the mosquitoes from biting you. (See How Do You Get Chiggers Out of Your Yard?)
8. Plant Natural Deterrents
Various plants act as natural repellents to mosquitoes. These plants include tulsi, sage, marigold, lemongrass, citronella, basil, rosemary, lemon balm, catnip, geraniums, and garlic. These plants will not only keep mosquitoes away but also spruce up your yard.
9. Use Cedar Mulch
Cedar mulch is a common substance used to keep mosquitoes away. When one adds cedar mulch to the soil, it absorbs the excess moisture and keeps it within the soil, thereby acting as a repellent to mosquitoes. (See Why flies are so annoying?)
10. Use Yellow LEDs
According to studies, mosquitoes are less attracted to yellow LED lighting than white bulbs. Therefore, another way of how to get rid of mosquitoes indoors is by using yellow light, instead of white.
11. Set Thermacells
These devices are handy and spray-free. They come in compact containers and are easy to use and refill. Thermacells provide up to 15 feet of protection. If none of the methods of how to get rid of mosquitoes indoors worked for you, then you can follow the solutions listed below.
12. Use Electric Fly Swatter
Physical methods include the simple technique of swatting them with your hand or using a fly swatter or an electric swatter. However, this method can work only if there are a few mosquitoes around you. It is not feasible when you are swarmed by mosquitoes. (See Why do flies sit on humans?)
13. Use Bug Zappers
One of the ways to kill mosquitoes is by using bug zappers. They can be used indoors but you will need to bait the mosquitoes to attract them. Also, bug zappers are not recommended outdoors as they can also kill harmless and beneficial insects.
14. Use Fan & Fabric Combo
Mosquitoes aren’t fast fliers and hence it is easy to trap them with a fan. Mosquitoes caught using a fan die out of dehydration. Additionally, you can catch mosquitoes by attaching a window screen fabric onto the back of a fan.
15. Set Mosquito Traps with Chemical Attractants
Many mosquito traps are available online or at your local hardware stores. You can even prepare them at your home. These traps are made in such a way that the mosquitoes get attracted to them, get stuck, and drown. Although, one must replace these mosquito traps periodically. Using chemical attractants to lure the mosquitoes into their traps would get better results. Use any of these with caution:
- Mosquitoes are attracted to sugary scents, lactic acid, carbon dioxide, heat, and octenal.
- Another chemical method is to use an insect growth regulator such as Methoprene that inhibits larval development. However; this chemical might be mildly toxic to other animals.
- One can also add a layer of kerosene onto the water. But it will destroy the aquatic system and make the water unfit for consumption.
