A clean and hygienic living space is as good as an assurance for good health for your family. At the same time, your place should be clear of bugs and insects. As mosquitoes can cause serious diseases such as dengue and Zika virus, it is vital to go the extra mile to keep them out of your home. But making your place off limits for these tiny intruders is easier said than done because they have a knack for invading even the best-kept and cleanest spaces. Still, there are some simple and cost-effective measures that you can implement for keeping your living space mosquito-free. Let us share them with you.
Start with outdoors
Even before initiating the control measures indoors, you need to start with the exterior of the house. The smartest way to handle the problem is by planting mosquito-repellent plants in your garden. Citronella, basil, rosemary, marigold, lemon balm, lavender, and catnip are the ideal picks. If you live in an apartment, creating a small balcony garden by planting these herbs and plants in small pots can help. Ensure that the gutters are clean and dry so that mosquitoes cannot breed therein.
Seal all possible entrances
Even the smallest openings in doors and windows give easy access to mosquitoes looking to enter your living space. Sealing these entrance points is the best measure you can implement to prevent the entry of these unwelcome guests. Installing door sweeps and repairing screen doors, if needed, would offer significant protection. You can also hang mosquito nets and curtains for extra safety.
Use mosquito repellents
If you are looking for quick and effective relief, using a mosquito repellent would be the best way to deal with the issue. A product based on caryophyllene is a great pick because the naturally-occurring chemical can impair the insect’s ability to see and navigate. It is best to stick to natural products because they are completely safe even for extended usage while being effective as well.
Remove standing water
Standing water serves as the breeding ground for mosquitoes, as females lay their eggs in and around moist spaces. Removing standing water is the best precaution you can take to prevent these insects from invading your place. The CDC recommends that you should empty and clean outdoor items such as vases, flowerpot saucers, buckets, pet water bowls, and trash cans weekly.
Burn citronella candles
Another natural remedy to keep mosquitoes at bay is burning citronella candles. You can use them indoors as well as outdoors to get rid of these bugs from the interiors, deck, and yard. You can easily find candles infused with mosquito-repelling essential oils such as lavender, lemongrass, and rosemary. Apart from driving away bugs, these candles will keep your home smelling fresh and aromatic.
Small steps can go a long way in keeping your home and family safe from mosquito-borne illnesses. Implementing these simple measures will have you covered to a significant extent. You can take additional precautions like wearing full-sleeved, covered clothing during the breeding season.
Photo by Kat von Wood on Unsplash
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