The summer season is here, and I am sure many of you are looking for ways to ensure a mosquito bite free season. We all know how irritating mosquitoes can be. However, many of us are unaware of the health risk that mosquitoes pose in some parts of Australia. Every year, approximately five thousand Australians suffer from Ross River virus infection. In fact, the largest ever mosquito-borne Ross River virus outbreak was reported in 2015.
Hiding indoors is certainly not the best possible alternative to stay safe from mosquitoes. Though many different types of pesticides are available, most of these products may have a harmful impact on your family’s health. Therefore, in order to stop mosquito bites, it is always better to take adequate preventive measures and making use of some time-tested natural remedies.
Eliminate Standing Water: This is undoubtedly the most important measure to keep mosquitoes away from your backyard. Standing water provides the perfect environment for the mosquito larvae to grow. Check your garden area to make sure there is no water in the pots. Keep all your water holding containers covered, and drain them out regularly. This may include slumped tarpaulins, discarded tyres, buckets, children’s toys, and much more. Even your pet’s water bowl can be a home for the mosquitoes. Therefore, before refilling, empty the same at least once every week.
Neglected swimming pools are excellent breeding grounds for mosquitoes. It is advisable to keep your pool chlorinated, and clean it twice a month. Don’t forget to check your pool filter for clogging.
Sometimes, the source of your mosquito problem may be above the building. A blocked roof gutter with trapped water is a preferred habitat for mosquitoes. Therefore, it is important to clean out sand, soil, and other debris that may accumulate from time to time.
Marigold Plantation:
It is a great idea to plant marigold in your backyard because this flowering plant is known to have excellent mosquito repellent properties. The marigold flowers are pleasing to the eyes, and their fragrance keeps mosquitoes away. You may also consider planting catnip, basil, and lavender because all these plants come with a natural smell that are unpleasant to mosquitoes, but pleasant to us.
Natural Insecticides:
Instead of using chemical based harsh insecticides, it is always safer to rely on some natural homemade alternatives. It is possible to prepare an effective mosquito repellent at home by mixing vanilla extract with witch hazel and one tablespoon of water. This mixture can be applied on all the exposed areas of the body to keep mosquitoes away. It can also be applied on the areas of mosquito bites for quick relief.
Another good homemade mosquito repellent is the mixture of apple cider vinegar and small pieces of chopped apples. Fill up a bottle with this mixture and keep it near your garden area.
Chilli Pepper Spray:
Chilli powder contains capsaicin, the substance that makes our mouth burn. The strong odor of capsaicin makes chilli powder an excellent mosquito repellent. It is quite simple to make this spray at home by mixing chilli peppers and water and boiling the mixture for about five to ten minutes. You may also mix small amount of a mild liquid soap. Spray this mixture in your backyard and garden area for a mosquito-free summer. This spray, however, must be used with extreme caution because it may cause harm to human skin.
Diatomaceous Earth:
A naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock, diatomaceous earth has significant insecticide properties. It absorbs the lipid content from the exoskeleton of the insects, leading to their death. Available in any gardening store, it can be applied all over the garden.
Other Insecticides:
There are thousands of mosquito control products available in the market. However, while choosing a product, make sure the same is registered with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and follow the instructions meticulously. As far as the topical mosquito repellents are concerned, products containing picaridin and DEET (diethyltoluamide) provide the most long lasting protection. However, as mentioned at the very beginning, it is always better to use plant-based product such as tea tree oil.
Mosquito Traps:
We do not recommend Vectothor for mosquitoes. These are not the best available alternative to stay safe from mosquito bites because they are capable of catching only a limited number of mosquitoes while decimating many beneficial insect populations.
At Vectothor, we have a team of flying insect management experts dedicated to helping you enjoy a healthy, insect-free life. We have a comprehensive range of products tailored to meet your exact requirements. Please contact us today to find answers to all your mosquito related problems.
