In the context of the dengue fever outbreak showing signs of spreading, it is extremely necessary for every household to take measures to prevent or repel mosquitoes.
Recently, the dengue fever outbreak has been spreading across many provinces and cities nationwide. According to information from the Hanoi Department of Health, the number of dengue fever cases has rapidly increased in the city over the past four weeks.
Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, similar to severe flu, and can sometimes cause dangerous complications, especially for those with weakened immune systems or children. Therefore, during this tense outbreak period, household mosquito prevention measures are crucial and are considered a key issue in the fight against dengue fever.
Preventing mosquitoes is considered a key issue in the fight against dengue fever. (Illustrative image).
In addition to measures such as spraying insecticide, using mosquito lamps, and mosquito nets, there are several simple tips for making homemade mosquito repellents that families can easily implement at home on a daily basis. This will strengthen the “mosquito barrier” in their homes and maximize protection for family members against dengue fever.
The ingredients used are very “ordinary”, inexpensive items found in daily family life, such as orange peels, grapefruit peels, lemongrass, or medicinal oils…
1. Using Grapefruit and Orange Peels
Common fruits such as oranges, tangerines, or grapefruits should not be discarded after peeling. The peels of these fruits contain certain essential oils that can repel insects, specifically mosquitoes. For example, grapefruit essential oil contains pectin, naringin, and other substances that have antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and deodorizing properties…
Therefore, using orange, tangerine, or grapefruit peels as mosquito repellents at home is an effective, easy-to-implement, and cost-effective solution.
Orange, tangerine, or grapefruit peels can be used to repel mosquitoes. (Illustrative image).
The simple method is as follows: Dry the peels of the fruits, then place them in a bowl or container and burn them to release a light fragrance. They can be placed in various areas around the house, such as corners, doorways, or under furniture.
However, this method only lasts for about 2-3 hours. Users can repeat it 2-3 times a day to ensure effectiveness. When burning, be careful with surrounding materials and avoid placing them near flammable objects.
2. Using Medicinal Oil
Medicinal oil primarily consists of peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil, both of which are highly effective mosquito repellents. Specifically, the compound nepetalactone present in peppermint oil can “stun” mosquitoes, leading to their demise when they inhale it.
The method of repelling mosquitoes using medicinal oil involves opening the bottle and placing it in a corner of the room. The scent of the oil will spread throughout the area, causing mosquitoes to avoid those areas. Another quicker method is to apply the oil to a fan and turn it on.
Due to its effective mosquito-repelling properties, medicinal oil has also been traditionally applied to human skin, especially on children’s skin, to keep these harmful insects at bay. (Illustrative image).
3. Using Dish Soap
With its alkaline nature and certain detergents in its composition, dish soap can also effectively kill insects and repel mosquitoes. Specifically, dish soap inhibits their growth and reproduction.
The method for using dish soap is to mix about 2 tablespoons of dish soap with a certain amount of water, thoroughly combining the solution. Then, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it in areas where mosquitoes and insects are typically found.
Using dish soap to repel and kill mosquitoes is considered more effective than the previous two methods, while also being safer and more environmentally friendly than chemical sprays.
Dish soap is also effective in killing insects and repelling mosquitoes. (Illustrative image).
The three methods using different types of ingredients are just examples of many ways users can easily implement to repel mosquitoes at home. Additionally, users can explore methods using garlic, basil, or various plants and flowers.
To effectively prevent mosquitoes and the dengue fever outbreak, users should maintain a clean and well-ventilated living space. Cleanpedia, a Unilever guide, suggests that homes and household items should be cleaned regularly with specialized cleaning products.
Homes should be cleaned and well-ventilated regularly to thoroughly prevent mosquitoes. (Illustrative image).
Furthermore, users should pay special attention to areas that can become ideal mosquito habitats, such as corners, dark spaces in the house, and stagnant water areas. Some items that users can equip in their homes to prevent mosquitoes include mosquito nets and insect repellents…
