While citronella candles are generally not effective outdoors, they can be effective when used inside, in small spaces. Other candles containing essential oils may help fool mosquitoes thanks to their strong scents, though more studies are needed to determine their effectiveness. Oscillating fans can help remove the carbon dioxide breathed out by people and pets, which attracts bugs. This is another solution for small indoor spaces. Not to be confused with ultrasonic bug killers, these devices attract mosquitoes and other bugs using UV light and octenol lures.
Bugs fly directly into an electrified grid and die quickly. Electronic bug killers are designed to work in areas of up to one and a half acres and should be plugged in 25 feet away from areas of high human activity—between you and your most likely bug source. Power using an extension cord and replace UV bulbs once per year.
If you are targeting mosquitoes, be sure to use the octenol lure or you may end up killing beneficial insects instead. Bats, dragonflies, and birds like Purple martins, all do their share of the work when hunting for food. However, keep in mind that they eat a small fraction of the mosquitoes when other prey is available, so using other controls at the same time is important. For more details on how to use bats to help control mosquitoes, read our article, How to use Bats for Natural, Non-Toxic Mosquito Control.
Using a variety of proven controls, you can keep mosquitoes at bay while staying healthy and avoiding impacts to your environment. That makes it easier to sleep at night—uninterrupted. Shannon Cowan The blog editor at Eartheasy. What Keeps Mosquitoes Away? Read Article. The lights are off. The covers are snug beneath your chin.
This article has been updated from its original text. What really keeps mosquitoes away? It also worked for the same length of time as DEET products. Citriodora oil of lemon eucalyptus and the tradenames Citrosynthol, Citrepel and Citriodiol. It is also effective against ticks. Neem oil has also been proven effective by one study conducted in the tribal forested villages of Mandla, India.
When added to kerosene and oil lamps along with other fuel, neem oil is also known to reduce mosquito presence. Picaridin is another synthetic ingredient proven effective against mosquitoes. Developed in Europe in the late s, picaridin became available to American consumers in Barriers When cases of dengue fever began cropping up in Key West, Florida, local officials asked residents to protect themselves by dressing in long sleeves and long pants at dusk and dawn , when mosquitoes were more prevalent and more likely to bite.
Aerosols Recently products have entered the market that are effective at warding off mosquitoes using scents or aerosols emitted into the air. Other ways to control mosquitoes Get rid of mosquito habitat Eliminate standing water such as puddles, stagnant ponds, and uncirculated birdbaths to prevent mosquitoes from reproducing and lower mosquito populations in your neighborhood.
Research shows that burning thyme leaves offers 85 percent protection for 60 to 90 minutes. For a homemade brew, combine 4 drops of thyme oil to every teaspoon of base oil, such as olive or jojoba oil. For a spray, mix 5 drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water. Nepeta parnassica, a member of the mint family related to catnip, can ward off mosquitoes. One study found that oil from the plant could repel mosquitoes effectively for two to three hours.
According to the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory , soybean-based products like Bite Blocker for Kids 2 percent soybean oil could provide long-lasting protection from mosquitoes.
In addition to soybean oil , you can also add a little lemongrass oil to your home mixture. The combination has been tested to guard against different species of mosquitoes. Citronella is a common natural and effective essential oil that works against mosquitoes.
When outdoors, citronella candles can provide up to 50 percent extra protection. Research says that the formulation of citronella is important to how effective it is. Tea tree oil , or melaleuca oil, is a popular essential oil from Australia.
This oil is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. But recent studies also suggest that tea tree oil may be an effective insect repellent. Field testing shows that repellents containing tea tree oil are effective against mosquitoes, bush flies, and biting midges. Geraniol is a type of alcohol used as a fragrance or flavor. Keep away from your eyes and try to avoid use if you have sensitive skin.
Geraniol may cause eye and skin irritation. Although neem oil is advertised as a natural alternative, there are mixed results about its effectiveness. A recent study about the effectiveness of neem oil in Ethiopia found that it offered more than 70 percent protection for three hours.
Neem oil is not approved as a topical repellent because it can cause skin irritation. To repel mosquitoes with neem oil, dilute 50 to milliliters of neem oil in water, oil, or lotion. Essential oils should never be put on the skin directly. They are always diluted in a carrier oil such as almond oil.
The recipe is usually 3 to 5 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil. If you are going to be traveling in an area where mosquitos are known to carry diseases such as malaria, yellow fever , or the Zika virus, doctors advise a chemical mosquito repellant to reduce the odds of contracting a dangerous illness.
Before you use any new product, spot-test the product on a small section of your skin and wait an hour or two to make sure that hives or burning sensations do not occur. Even with mosquito repellent, you may get itchy, painful mosquito bites. To treat mosquito bites at home, you can try rubbing apple cider vinegar at the site of the bite. Putting a slice of raw onion or freshly cut garlic on the bite can also provide relief and guard against infection. Calamine lotion or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help as well.
If you do develop an infection or allergic reaction due to a significant amount of mosquito bites, take note of your symptoms and contact your doctor. There is significant research suggesting that natural ingredients are an effective way to repel mosquitos. Always read the label on your product and follow the directions for use exactly.
Pay particular attention to instructions about applying the repellent to your face, application for children, reapplication and first aid directions if you experience an adverse reaction. Read more about personal insect repellents and other ways to avoid mosquito bites on the Queensland Government website. Skip links and keyboard navigation Skip to content Skip to site navigation Skip to footer Use tab and cursor keys to move around the page more information. Site header. Contact us Help.
You are here: Home News and events Are you using mosquito repellent incorrectly? Are you using mosquito repellent incorrectly? Monday 27 November Did you know that mozzies can locate patches of skin that you missed when putting on repellent? You arrive at the party and duck outside with the repellent. What is mosquito repellent? How does mosquito repellent work? How to apply mosquito repellent properly The most important thing to know is that mosquito repellent will only work if you apply it to all areas of exposed skin.
To apply repellent properly: spray or roll over all areas of exposed skin make sure you apply an even coat — it might help to apply pump or roll-on formulas to your hands and then spread it on your skin reapply regularly as directed on instructions on the product packaging.
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