How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes In South Africa

Overview of Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are thin, long-legged, two-winged insects and are typically six to 12 millimetres in length. Both males and females have antennae and an elongated “beak” or proboscis three to four times longer than its head. These insects belong to the Diptera order, known as the true flies, in the family Culicidae.

How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes In South Africa

1. Stop mosquitoes from entering your home

If you want a mosquito-free home, you need to first make sure mosquitoes aren’t entering your home. When it is dusk and the sun is going down, tightly close all doors and windows if you don’t have nets attached to them already.

2. Stop mosquitoes from breeding inside the house

If you are wondering how to control mosquitoes at home, another thing you should check if there is anywhere inside your home where mosquitoes are breeding.

Pooled water from your AC or in the garden can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If there are placed inside the house such as storerooms or kitchen lofts where you stack old items, clean those areas from time to time as mosquitoes are likely to make a nest there.

3. Keep mosquito repellent plants

An easy way to get rid of mosquitoes inside the house is to keep indoor mosquito repellent plants. These plants can be kept inside your room or on your desks for a mosquito-free home.

4. Keep sliced lemon and cloves around the house

A tried and tested method to get a mosquito-free home is to use lemons with cloves. Mosquitoes hate the smell of cloves and anything citrusy. So slice a lemon in two, and push in cloves into both the halves.

5. Use a garlic spray to control mosquitoes

If you don’t want to use the chemical-laden mosquito sprays, a simple garlic spray would be great for a mosquito-free home.

Crush or mince a few cloves of garlic and boil it in water for some time. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray it around the house to control mosquitoes at home.

6. Keep a dish of soapy water

Did you know a dish of soapy water can act as an indoor mosquito repellent? To control mosquitoes at home, you can place a wide dish of soapy water inside your house.

Make sure the dish is soapy enough to be covered in bubbles. You can use a dishwashing soap or detergent for this.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What kills mosquitoes fast in South Africa?

Kill the mosquitoes with diluted isopropyl alcohol.

Mix an equal amount of 70% isopropyl alcohol and water into a spray bottle. Spray the solution (alcohol and water) on the screen to kill them, avoiding the central fan motor.

Can vinegar keep mosquitoes away?

Vinegar is one of the best ingredients to make a pest control spray. It is effective in repelling ants, mosquitoes, fruit flies, and many others. Creating a mix is quite simple and is considered safe for humans and pets.

How do I fight mosquitoes in my house?

Use insect sprays and repellents containing either picaridin or DEET, both inside and outside the house to kill mosquitoes. Remove stagnant water around the house so mosquitoes can not breed. Change pet drinking bowls, bird baths and vase waters at least once a week.

What attracts mosquitoes to your house?

They’re attracted to the carbon dioxide from our breath and elements of our sweat. Mosquitoes are also attracted to standing water, laying eggs in areas such as birdbaths, damp potting soil, standing water in kitchens, puddles, and more.

What is a natural mosquito repellent?

Some natural repellents you might want to consider include: Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). This is a natural, plant-based oil. It works as well at preventing mosquito bites as products that contain lower concentrations (6.65%) of DEET. PMD is a version of oil of lemon eucalyptus that is produced in a lab.

How do I stop getting bitten by mosquitoes?

7 ways to prevent mosquito bites

Dump out any standing water near your home.
Keep mosquitoes outside.
Use mosquito repellent.
Wear light-colored clothing, especially outdoors.
Stay indoors during dusk and dawn.
Make yourself less appealing.
Try a natural repellent.

How do I fight mosquitoes in my house?

What can I spray for mosquitoes?

Most residential mosquito control companies use insecticides known as pyrethrins, which are chemicals derived from chrysanthemum flowers that are toxic to insects; or more frequently, pyrethroids, which are synthetic chemicals that mimic pyrethrins.

What can I put outside to keep mosquitoes away?

Flowers like marigolds and calendula, along with herbs like rosemary, mint and lemongrass, can also keep biting insects away from the yard. Plant them near your patio or deck for the best benefit.

How do I stop getting bitten?

cover exposed skin – if you’re outside at a time of day when insects are particularly active, such as sunrise or sunset, cover your skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers. wear shoes when outdoors. apply insect repellent to exposed skin – repellents that contain 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effective.

Does lemon keep mosquitoes away?

The most effective mosquito repellents are lemon balm and lemon essential oils, but if you want to try using a concoction that you can apply to yourself or a pet, lemon juice is a useful ingredient.

Do mosquitoes hate the smell of vinegar?

Mosquitoes dislike the smell and taste of the vinegar, and will leave you alone so you can enjoy your BBQ. So if you’re interested in seeking a natural insect repellent, try out this recipe which uses apple cider vinegar as a base! Fill your spray bottle with half water, and half apple cider vinegar.

Does Vicks Vapor Rub repel mosquitoes?

have to rub it all over, just apply small dabs on your ankles, wrists, neck, inner elbows, knees and behind your ears. The smell of the menthol in it will repel the insects away. You can also rub it on any mosquito bites you may already have and it will relieve the itching