When it comes to extermination of mosquitoes, chemical-free commercial solutions are a good choice, but home remedies have mixed success rates. While some commercial solutions contain chemical ingredients, the results of these methods are often based on personal experience. Some work better in small spaces or in certain environments, while others may work best against a particular species of mosquito. Regardless of the success rate, these home remedies are generally inexpensive, effective, and easy to use.
Insecticides
When considering which insecticide to use to get rid of mosquitoes, it’s important to consider several factors. The amount of mosquitoes present in the area, the availability of hospitable habitats, and the time of day the treatment is applied are all factors. If the area is prone to mosquitoes, it may be necessary to apply several treatments over a period of several days or weeks. Moreover, some insecticides can lose their effectiveness if it rains heavily. So, it’s best to follow the instructions on the package.
Before using insecticides, be sure to eliminate all possible breeding areas. Mosquito breeding areas include bird baths, abandoned tires, flower pots, and roof gutters. To control mosquito populations, remove stagnant water and clean out any leaf litter. Use insect growth regulators such as Alttosid or petroleum distillate oil. Insecticides for extermination of mosquitoes are also available in the form of residuals. They are safe to use and do not affect bees.
Essential oils
Many people turn to essential oils for mosquito extermination to protect their families from the summertime bugs. This natural way to kill mosquitoes is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to synthetic insecticides. But what do essential oils do? What exactly can they do to prevent mosquitoes? Let’s explore the question. What is their effectiveness? And are they safe? Here are a few examples. And how do you know which one works best.
Lavender is a natural insect repellent. Lavender oil is highly effective at repelling mosquitoes, but it must be diluted first. Lavender oil can be applied to plants, people, and pets. It is effective against all kinds of bugs, including head lice, flies, gnats, ants, bedbugs, spiders, and fruit flies. And if you’re wondering whether it works for you, try it first.
Chemical repellents
Developed 60 years ago, chemical repellents for extermination of mosquitos work by interfering with the olfactory receptors of insects. They bind to odor-binding proteins found on insect antenna, causing them to move away from the repellent. DEET, one of the most popular chemicals, dulls mosquitoes’ sense of smell. Mosquitoes have two types of odor receptors, one of which is called Orco, and the other is known as the gustatory receptor.
DEET has long been the standard chemical repellent, but alternatives are emerging. Picaridin, commonly known as Icaridin in Europe, has similar repelling properties. While picaridin doesn’t last as long as DEET, it’s much less irritating and odourless. Picaridin won’t harm fabrics or clothing, which are two things to look for in a repellent.
Growth regulators
Insect growth regulators are diverse classes of chemical compounds with high activity against insect larvae. These pesticides are relatively safe for man and domestic animals. They do not induce rapid mortality during the preimaginal stage, and have a long time to take effect before the larvae become fully adult. The most effective insect growth regulator for extermination of mosquitoes is pyriproxyfen, which mimics the juvenile hormone in adult mosquitoes. The chemical is particularly effective against larvae of the mosquito, since larvae are a primary source of food for fish.
Insect growth regulators prevent the adult mosquito from becoming fully developed. The active ingredient is Bacillus thuringiensis, which is found naturally in soil. This bacterium produces toxins that kill mosquito larvae and prevent them from becoming adult mosquitoes. Because of this, these insect growth regulators are highly effective for controlling mosquito populations. They provide up to 30 days of protection. To avoid the side effects of insecticides, use the product as directed by the manufacturer.
Coffee grounds
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly and effective mosquito repellent, you can try using coffee grounds. You can sprinkle the coffee grounds on a stagnant pool or other water source, and they will kill mosquito larva and eggs by blocking oxygen. The coffee grounds also work as an eco-friendly mosquito repellent because they’re reusable. But it’s important to remember that coffee grounds should be aged for at least 25 days.
The caffeine in coffee grounds is a natural insecticide. Researchers have found that the compound works by forcing mosquito larvae to come to the surface, where they die. Moreover, coffee grounds also have a high fertilization value, so you can add them to plants, such as Bromeliads and other garden plants. Additionally, you can sprinkle the grounds on puddles and used tires to keep mosquitoes away.