How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

Want to learn how to get rid of mosquitoes? Well, you’re in the right place. In this post you’ll discover 25 ways to keep mosquitoes away.

There is nothing worse than heading outdoors only to be swarmed and eaten alive by mosquitoes. It leaves most people begging for an answer on how to get rid of mosquitoes.

Thankfully, there are lots of solutions that are tried and tested by many Americans. You don’t have to be a victim of these bloodsuckers any longer.

Understanding Them

The best solution to fighting any problem is to first understand what you are battling against. Then, you’ll be able to attack the issue head-on and be the victor.

What are Mosquitoes?

The term mosquito actually comes from the Spanish meaning “little fly.” Mosquitoes most often feed on plant nectar, not humans as many people assume.

Female mosquitoes suck human blood in order to develop her eggs prior to laying them. Male mosquitoes don’t have any interest in human blood at all.

The problem with mosquitoes is that they can carry many diseases. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Vector Research at the University of California Riverside, mosquitoes could be one of the most dangerous animals on earth.

Here are some of the diseases that mosquitoes can be partly to blame for:

• Malaria
• Dog Heartworm
• Dengue
• West Nile Virus
• Yellow Fever
• Chikungunya
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis
• St. Louis Encephalitis
• LaCrosse Encephalitis
• Western Equine Encephalitis
• Zika

Common Varieties of Mosquitoes

There are currently hundreds of species of mosquitoes that you might be facing. Here are a few you might encounter.

1. Anopheles

The Anopheles Mosquito has been found in every state except for Hawaii. The adult female lays her eggs in pools of water.

Each of these eggs contains a float that keeps the eggs on the surface. The Anopheles mosquito likes to bite at night, normally right after dusk or before dawn.

2. Aedes

On average, half of the mosquitos found in North America tend to be of the Aedes species. They are fond of cooler climates and their eggs will thrive even during long periods of dry or cold.

Eggs are laid individually and will be found at or above the waterline. Sometimes, they are even found on the dry ground.

Aedes mosquitoes will carry multiple diseases and can be vicious when it comes to biting. You can often find them in backyards thriving in stagnant water.

3. Culex

Culex mosquitoes tend to enjoy the tropics but there are other species inhabiting the U.S. Their eggs will be in rafts connected to one another.

Then, the eggs will float on pools of water. Typically, this includes lakes or as small as backyard buckets. There can be as many as a hundred eggs laid at a time.

4. Culiseta

You’ll find eight species of the Culiseta mosquito found in the United States. They like the cool weather and may even come out of hibernation during winter months, especially if there are warmer days.

Want to learn a few fun facts about the mosquito? Here are 5 fun facts I’ll bet you didn’t know.

1. Mosquitoes don’t have teeth.
2. Most mosquitoes live less than two months.
3. The reaction you face from the mosquito bite is actually caused by the saliva.
4. Mosquitoes hibernate.
5. Dark clothing attracts mosquitoes.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Naturally

I understand the desire to learn how to get rid of mosquitoes naturally. Many people don’t want to use harsh products and chemicals around the homes or families.

Here are some tips you can try that only require the use of natural products.

1. Camphor

This popular way to rid your home of mosquitoes is an environmentally friendly way as well. Simply close all your windows and doors.

Then, light the camphor and leave for half an hour. Once you come back, the mosquitoes should be gone.

Read more: How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

2. Garlic

We all know that garlic has a pungent odor. What you may not have known is that mosquitoes can’t stand the smell.

Crush a few cloves of garlic and boil it in water for a few minutes. You can pour the solution into a spray bottle and squirt it around the house. This will instantly kill mosquitoes.

3. Dry Ice

Dry ice is known for emitting large amounts of carbon dioxide which is a common attractant for mosquitoes.

Place some dry ice in a container and once the mosquitoes swarm, simply close the lid.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes from Your House

There are many products on the market that will teach you how to get rid of mosquitoes from your house.

1. Swatters

These tools made of thick metal or plastic are great at swatting a variety of bugs. The manual action of this method can even become a little entertaining as you “hunt” and kill your prey.

Some people choose not to invest in a dedicated swatter. Instead, they feel that any rolled up magazine or newspaper will work as well.

Have you ever tried the double-handed clap? It works well, but you might end up with some blood on your hands.

Read more: What Kills Cockroaches Instantly?

2. Trapping Systems

Installing a machine that uses carbon dioxide and heat is an extreme way of killing mosquitoes in and around the house. They easily get entrapped inside and then chemicals, nets or containers will kill them.

This can get quite expensive but tends to be effective. Some trapping systems will cater to a particular breed of mosquito so it is wise to determine what you are battling.

There are also some ways to make traps by yourself. Some people have found that using a sticky fly paper or ribbon seems to work well.

If you want to make a DIY trap, try this solution.

You will need:

• 1 c. of water
• ¼-c. of brown sugar
• 1 gram of yeast
• 1 2-liter bottle

Instructions:

1. Cut your 2-liter plastic bottle in half.
2. Mix ¼ cup of brown sugar with 1 cup of hot water. Let the solution cool. When it is cold, pour the mixture in the bottom half of the 2-liter bottle.
3. Add the gram of yeast. There is no need to mix the solution. It will create carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes.
4. Turn the funnel part upside down and place it into the other half of the bottle. Then tape them together.
5. Wrap the bottle with something black, but be sure you leave the top uncovered. Then, place it in an area that isn’t part of your normal gathering setting.

Read more: Top 5 Things You Can Use to Kill Ants Naturally

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Yard

The first logical place you want to look at fighting the mosquitoes is outside. After all, this is where they’ve come from.

If you wonder how to get rid of mosquitoes from your yard, here are some solutions that might help.

1. Bug Zappers

This effective way to kill pests uses a light to attract them in. Then, when they arrive at the zapper, they are killed instantly.

This isn’t just a way to get rid of mosquitoes, but most any flying pest. By installing this device in your yard, you are preventing a bunch of nuisance insects from bothering you.

2. Misting Systems

The heavy-duty arsenal when it comes to mosquito warfare is the misting system. These are called big bombs and tend to create a fog that kills all mosquitoes on contact.

In addition, this method seems to be effective for hours on end. Use the mister at dusk when mosquitoes are looking to eat. You might even find one that has a timer for automated work.

The machine will contain permethrin or botanical pyrethrum. These are low-toxic and safe for both animals and humans alike.

These are the same products you’ll find in your cat and dog’s tick medication.

3. Professional Pest Control

Once you’ve tried everything else and you still don’t see results, you can always call your local, professional pest control.

Not only are they trained to deal with stubborn insects, but they might also be willing to offer a free consultation.

Read more: 9 Ways to Get Rid of German Roaches Without an Exterminator

4. Using Mosquito Killers

I’ve been there; wondering “how to get rid of mosquitoes in my house?” I understand the struggle. Once you’ve determined the method you are going to try, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind.

• Always follow the directions from the manufacturer.
• When using mosquito products in the yard, it is also wise to add an extra repellent to your body. This will help keep you bite-free while you fight against the blood-sucking enemy.
• Sometimes you might notice an increase in mosquito population when you begin the fight. This is normal and caused because mosquito traps use tactics such as adhesive pads, electric grids or fans to attract mosquitoes.
• When using a fogging system, be sure you wear protective gear and keep your family away. This will help to protect you from any chemicals.
• Keep all electric devices where pets and children cannot reach them.
• Remember to treat the areas around your home with water especially careful. This tends to be a common breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Read directions to learn if a product is safe around your pets or children. Never assume that it is non-toxic.

Read more: Top 5 Products You Should Use to Kill Mosquitoes Effectively

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Backyard by Using Repellants

Properly answer the question of how to get rid of mosquitoes backyard starts by using repellents to keep them away. Yes, you can kill the mosquitoes, but you won’t rid yourself of them completely with those methods.

Try some of these tactics to keep you mosquito-free:

1. Basil

Planting some basil in your garden is a sure-fire way to repel mosquitoes. If you don’t have a garden, some potted plants placed around the home should work well too.

2. Essential Oils

Many people are learning how the use of diluted essential oils can be useful in repelling mosquitoes. Consider using some of these popular types:

• Citronella
• Lavender
• Tea Tree
• Lemongrass

3. Pinion Wood

If you burn some of this outside your home, the odor will repel mosquitoes from coming around.

Read more: 22 Simple Ways to Get Rid of Gnats

4. Plants

Using catnip or feverfew plants in your garden is also a wise way to repel mosquitoes.

5. Wear a Repellant

If you are going to be outdoors, it is always smart to use a repellant on your body. The most popular type of repellants contains 30 to 50-percent DEET.

Anybody over the age of 2 months can use these products. If you prefer to use a repellant with up to 15% picaridin instead, it will require more applications to be effective.

If you have to take children 2 months or younger out with mosquitoes, place a netting over them for protection.

Read more: Top 10 Natural Mosquito Repellents

6. Use Citronella Based Consumer Products

There are many citronella-based products sold in the store that will effectively battle against mosquitoes.

• Burn a citronella candle
• Light a citronella torch.
• Put a citronella plant in a pot on a table outside. You can even rub a twig of it around the perimeter of your porch for additional protection.
• Burn citronella incense coils

7. Use a Dish with Soapy Water

If you are trying to enjoy your meal outside, simply place a dish of soapy water somewhere else in the yard. The mosquitoes will be drawn to it and once they investigate will get trapped in the bubbles.

8. Watch What You Wear

You can repel mosquitoes by what you are wearing.

• Long-sleeve shirts paired with long pants will protect your skin while outdoors.
• Spray your clothing with repellant for additional protection.
• Don’t wear dark, heavy clothing in warm weather. Mosquitoes love warm bodies and they also appear to be attracted to red, black and blue colors.
• Don’t wear anything scented outdoors.

9. Use a Fan

By strategically positioning a fan on the deck or porch, you could be mosquito-free. These insects aren’t very good at flying and they don’t navigate through air streams well.

It would be hard to determine how large of a fan would be needed. This option would require you to experiment with your own backyard to see what works.

The truth is that once you figure it out, it is very effective!

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Inside the House with Prevention

Attempting to learn how to get rid of mosquitoes inside the house without prevention is fruitless. You must learn how to create an environment where mosquitoes don’t want to be.

Figuring out how to get rid of mosquitoes indoors starts with these simple steps:

• Use mosquito nets inside the home, especially on the bed to protect yourself.
• Use netting over pet beds and kennels to protect the animals as well.
• Repair all screens that have holes in them.
• Keep all windows and doors closed during peak mosquito times.
• Use yellow LED lights around doorways, windows and porches when you want to learn how to get rid of mosquitoes at night.
• Screen all outdoor spaces of your home.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Outside by Killing Breeding Sites

To effectively learn how to get rid of mosquitoes outside, you must understand the mosquito breeding sites. This is where you attack them at the core, just like you would go after the nest of an ant.

This topic will go hand in hand with how to get rid of mosquitoes in my yard. Your yard is where they are breeding, so let’s stop them there!

1. Get Rid of Stagnant Water

Mosquitoes love to breed anywhere they can find stagnant water. This can be happening in most any water source found in your yard.

This becomes especially true if the water is standing for long periods of time.

Look carefully in driveway puddles, clogged gutters, empty flowerpots, old tires, unfiltered fish ponds or any other item that could hold water. These are going to be ground zero for your extermination tasks.

Dump out any water that you find. If the item must have water in it, then it is time to flush it and change it. Remember to do this on a regular basis.

If you find small puddles sitting on hard surfaces, get out your push broom. This will help to distribute the water and break up the puddle.

If it is a larger sized puddle, you might want to consider using siphon pump instead.

If standing water on the street curbs or drainage ditches is affecting your life, you might need to call the public authority. Simply explain that there is standing water and you believe the area has become a mosquito breeding spot.

If you are unable to remove a water source, use some Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI) granules in the water. BTI is a bacteria that can be used as a larvicide.

It kills mosquito larvae for up to a month. It is also safe and non-toxic to both pets and children.

2. Maintain Existing Water Sources

There are some water sources you just can’t get rid of in the yard. These include swimming pools and bird baths.

Koi ponds and swimming pools that don’t get used often will become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Here are the steps to get the water sources under control:

• Keep up with regular maintenance to keep the water flowing and fresh at all times.
• Change water in birdbaths frequently. You can also regularly agitate it to keep mosquitoes from laying eggs there.
• Use the proper chemicals inside the pool. This makes the ph levels uninhabitable for mosquito babies.

If you have an ornamental pond, it might also be wise to stock it with fish that eat mosquitoes. Then, when larvae are placed inside the pond, the fish will consume them and kill them for you.

There are many fish that will work for this project. Simply speak to the people at your local fish store for more information.

3. Care for Your Landscaping

By maintaining a well-kept yard, you are winning the war against mosquitoes. Be sure you take the time to mow the grass on a regular basis.

If you don’t have the time to do it, now would be a great moment to hire that neighbor boy and help him earn a little extra money. Mosquitoes love to be around disorderly lawns.

In addition to mowing the grass, it is important that you trim the shrubs on a regular basis. This prevents any hiding grounds for mosquitoes to enjoy.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Inside with Coffee Grounds

If you come across an area of stagnant water inside the house, I have a trick for you.

Coffee grounds are an effective way on how to get rid of mosquitoes inside. This trick will work outdoors as well.

Take some coffee grounds and sprinkle them in the water. This forces the mosquito eggs that are present in the water to float up to the surface.

Once they arrive at the surface, they will be deprived of oxygen. This means that they are being killed before they ever get the chance to hatch.

You’ve effectively killed new mosquitoes before they were born.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes In Room with Tulsi Plant

If you need to know how to get rid of mosquitoes in the room that seems to attract mosquitoes, grab yourself a Tulsi plant. This plant is also referred to as Holy Basil and is quite effective at killing mosquito larvae.

In addition, the smell of the plant will keep mosquitoes away. Simply place the plant near your window for effectiveness. This will stop them from entering in through the window.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Inside House by Planting the Right Trees

Yes, I told you to cut down on shrubbery outside to prevent mosquitoes, but when you need to get rid of mosquitoes inside your house, you want to carefully select the plants you do have.

Planting shrubs and trees of the right variety can actually help to deter mosquitoes from the house. When you place these near windows, you are preventing them from entering the home.

Choose shrubs such as mint and marigold for the best effect. If you want to plant trees, try lemon or neem. You can also plant citronella grass.

All of these options are proven to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes in your yard. That, in turn, protects you from diseases.

In Conclusion

Now that you are armed with all this information, you no longer have to wonder how to get rid of mosquitoes. From natural remedies, repellants and chemical treatments, the choices available to you are endless.

Use your financial budget as a guide to determine what course of action will be best for you. Then, you can once again begin to enjoy your backyard again.

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