The Sunday Mail
Eliminate standing water
THIS is the first step towards eliminating the presence of mosquitoes in your home. You should know that mosquitoes lay eggs in still water.
To avoid mosquito larvae or breeding mosquitoes in your compound, get rid of all the stagnant bodies of water and also avoid them in future. If you have pets, always refresh their bowls frequently.
Mosquito trap
To kill mosquitoes, just lay a homemade trap! Cut in half a plastic bottle. Then get water, sugar and yeast. Heat a litre of water with sugar and set aside to cool. Once it is cold, sprinkle some yeast and insert the neck of the bottle upside down in the shape of a funnel.
This way, the mosquitoes will be attracted and trapped inside the bottle. The mosquito cannot escape the blocked and inverted funnel (the reason for sealing the edges with duct tape). The little biters are trapped!
Egg cartons and coffee trays
You can use cardboard egg cartons and coffee trays (the kind you get when you order more than one cup of coffee to-go). Light them on fire, then blow out the flame and let them smoulder in a fire-safe location. The burning smell they produce keeps mosquitoes away.
Camphor
Camphor can be a very effective repellent. Leave a few pieces in a container to evaporate on their own. If you are looking for an extreme measure, you can then burn some for about 20 minutes.
Stay out of the room and ensure that all doors and windows are closed. This is an effective way to kill mosquitoes and keep them at bay.
Mosquito net
This is a commonly used option. While often they are fitted in bedrooms, they can also be installed on your door or windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
Eucalyptus oil
This is the perfect alternative to garlic. If you are not too keen on the idea of spreading garlic around your house, eucalyptus oil is an excellent option.
You can spray it around your home or mix it with your shampoo or moisturiser and use it as a repellent. To make this oil at home, you can boil a few eucalyptus leaves and pour the liquid into small containers.
Garlic
Garlic sulphur repels mosquito flies, ticks and fleas. Peel and cut several cloves of garlic, place them in a bowl and add water. Leave to soak for a few hours, then use the water to spray in your home.
You can also spray it near all your outdoor light bulbs. As the bulbs heat up, they spread a faint garlic scent across your yard, which will keep mosquitoes and other bugs away.
Lemon and clove
This method is perfect for small spaces or your room. Place some split lemons with a few cloves in containers around your home or in your room. The circulating aroma will keep mosquitoes away.
Pot the right plants
Some plants repel mosquitoes because of their smell. Therefore, another option is to plant pots of basil, mint and rosemary in your compound.
In addition to keeping mosquitoes away, you can use these plants to complement your dishes and add a touch of nature to your home. You can place them near windows so that they receive enough sunlight and at the same time, deter mosquitoes.
Candles, incense and essential oils
Incense, candles and oils made from plants or essential oils are very effective against mosquitoes because they cannot stand the smell.
Citronella, lemon, lavender, laurel, rosemary or basil will lend a refreshing smell to your home. You do not have to use them
all but can choose the one you like best. — Wires.
