How to get rid of Mosquitoes and keep a Mosquito-Free House?
Mosquitoes are ubiquitous, and there are many species. They are more generally known for the diseases they can transmit through their bites. However, contrary to popular belief, not all mosquitoes are dangerous to humans and other animals. In addition, not all mosquitoes spread disease by their bite since not all carry disease-causing viruses or parasites. However, it’s essential to keep a safe distance from the ones with dangerous viruses and parasites since exposure to them might have dire consequences. Taking precautions is necessary. We’ll look at how to get rid of mosquitoes in greater detail, taking into account things like:
- Types of Mosquitoes found in the US
- Dangers of having Mosquitoes in your property
- Conditions that attract mosquitoes to the home
- Home remedies for getting rid of mosquitoes
Types of Mosquitoes found in the US.
In the United States, mosquitoes come in around 200 different species. About 12 of them have potentially dangerous infectious bites. The remainder is annoying but poses little health risk from their bites. However, due to their diminutive size, it is impossible to tell whether or not a mosquito that bites you is carrying an infectious disease.
Common types of mosquitoes found in the United States include:
- Aedes aegypti mosquito
- Anopheles quadrimaculatus mosquito
- Anopheles freeborni mosquito
- Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito
- Culex tarsalis mosquito; and
- Culex species mosquito.
What are the dangers of mosquitoes in your property?
One’s risk of catching many diseases spread by mosquitoes increases when one must endure a mosquito infestation. The effects of these disorders range from relatively minor to fatal. Here is a comprehensive rundown of each of these diseases.
1.Malaria
The female anopheles mosquito is responsible for transmitting the parasites that cause malaria. About 2,000 people in the United States contract malaria every year. Flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills are present. Malaria can be either mild or severe, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Indoor residual spraying and insecticide-treated bed nets are two malaria prevention methods in the home.
2.West Nile Virus
Among mosquito-borne illnesses, this one takes the cake in the United States. The peak times for mosquitoes to spread West Nile Virus are summer and fall. However, only one in every 150 people afflicted with this disease will get ill. To stop the spread of this disease, insect repellents are essential. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are also helpful in preventing mosquito bites.
3.Zika Virus
The bite of an infected mosquito, particularly one of the Aedes species (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus), is the primary vector of this disease. A pregnant woman’s Zika infection can cause birth abnormalities in her unborn child. Zika virus causes fever, rash, red eyes, joint discomfort, headache, and musculoskeletal pain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following measures for protecting oneself against the Zika virus at home:
– Keep mosquitoes at bay by staying indoors with air conditioning and screens on the windows and doors.
– Do what you can to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in and around your house.
– Covering infants in carriers, strollers, or cribs with mosquito netting is safe for infants younger than two months old.
– If air conditioning or screened rooms are not an option, or if you must sleep outside, use a mosquito bed net.
4. Chikungunya Virus
Rash, headache, joint discomfort, and muscular soreness are all signs of this condition. Symptoms typically appear after a week, but fatalities are uncommon. Rest is an essential part of the treatment for this ailment. Over-the-counter medications are available to help with symptoms like fever, aches, and pains.
5. Dengue Fever
This mosquito-borne illness is prevalent in warm and humid climates. Dengue fever can range from mild to severe, with mild cases causing a high fever and flu-like symptoms to severe cases resulting in bleeding, rapid reductions in blood pressure, and even death. Dengvaxia, a preventative vaccine, is currently on the market. Insect repellents, sturdy footwear, and a well-maintained air conditioner are all prudent precautions.
What Conditions attract mosquitoes to the home?
One’s risk of catching many diseases spread by mosquitoes increases when one must endure a mosquito infestation. The effects of these disorders range from relatively minor to fatal. What follows is a comprehensive description of the environmental factors that invite these pests.
1. Stagnant water in your yard
Maintaining good drainage in your yard will help prevent standing water. Mosquitoes prefer standing water for breeding purposes.
2. Debris
Overgrown grass, compost piles, excess shrub, and so forth all fall into this category. Mosquitoes find these sites ideal for sheltering from the elements, as they provide shelter from wind and rain. Therefore, if you want to keep mosquitoes away, it’s essential to maintain a well-groomed yard and garden.
3. Dirty Gutters
Mosquito populations can explode when gutters become clogged with trash and water. Mosquitoes can breed in stagnant water, so keeping your gutters and drains clear is essential.
4. Plants
Some plants are notorious mosquito magnets. Water lilies, water lettuce, taro, and papyrus all fall within this category of plants.
5. Human Scent
Human sweat contains chemicals that attract insects. Uric acid, ammonia, and lactic acid are all examples of these.
If you live in an area where the environmental conditions that are beyond your control facilitates the presence of mosquitoes. You might want to hire a mosquito exterminator near you on an annual or quarterly bases to come spray your entire home.
How to rid of mosquitoes naturally?
1. a combination of lemon and cloves.
This is a quick fix for cramped quarters. To keep insects at bay, slice some lemons and scatter some cloves.
2. Drain any standing water.
As long as standing water is nearby, you will be at risk from mosquito bites. This is their nesting ground. Because of this, eliminating it will eliminate the breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
3. Garlic
To keep mosquitoes at bay, try using garlic. To keep mosquitoes away from your home, boil some crushed garlic cloves or fill a spray bottle with the solution and mist the area.
4. Mosquito nets
These are typical first-aid items. They protect you from mosquitoes and let you have a good night’s rest when properly fitted.
5. Camphor
Dried and distilled camphor tree bark and wood produce a waxy, white substance. As mosquito deterrents, they perform admirably. Leaving a few pieces in an open container and allowing them to evaporate will deter insects.