You may have discarded these items without knowing they can effectively and safely repel mosquitoes.
Extremely Simple Ways to Repel Mosquitoes
People often use sprays to repel mosquitoes. However, this method can cause unpleasant odors and may adversely affect human health.
Below are 7 natural methods to help you get rid of mosquito bites.
1. Coffee Grounds Smoke to Repel Mosquitoes
Many people utilize coffee grounds because when burned, they emit a scent that mosquitoes dislike. Moreover, they do not contain harmful substances that affect human health.
Pour coffee grounds into aluminum foil or an empty soda can, then burn it and place it in corners of the house, under the bed, etc. If you have a large area, you can use 3-4 cups of coffee grounds to burn. Make sure to open windows for ventilation during burning. You can also place a cup of coffee grounds outside in the garden to burn.
Burning coffee grounds effectively repels mosquitoes. (Photo: aboluowang).
Note: Burning coffee grounds does not create flames, so please exercise caution to avoid accidents or fires.
2. Make Mosquito Incense from Pomelo Peels
Dry pomelo peels can be used to create natural mosquito incense.
How to Make: Cut the pomelo peels into spirals and place them in the oven to dry. Bake them 4-5 times for two minutes each time until completely dry. Alternatively, you can sun-dry the peels, but this process will take longer.
Tie a string to one end of the dried pomelo peel and hang it up, then light the other end. Place the burning pomelo peel at doorways, windows, or other ventilation holes. Be careful not to place them in enclosed spaces to avoid suffocation.
3. Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants
In summer, you can plant some mosquito-repelling plants in your yard, balcony, or windowsill to enjoy the fragrance of flowers while preventing mosquito intrusion.
Plants that repel mosquitoes include: mint, rosemary, lavender, cilantro, lemongrass, and sunflowers…
4. Use Essential Oils to Repel Mosquitoes
Some essential oils are very effective in repelling mosquitoes, such as lemon eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and lemongrass oil.
Except for lavender oil, which should not be applied directly to the skin and must be diluted first, other essential oils can be applied to the skin, used in diffusers, or diffusers to fragrance the home, purify the air, and repel mosquitoes.
How to Make a Natural Mosquito Spray from Essential Oils: 6 drops of lemongrass oil, 3 drops of sunflower oil, 3 drops of lavender oil, 5 ml of alcohol, 45 ml of distilled water, and a spray bottle. Add the prepared essential oils to the spray bottle, then pour in the alcohol and finally add distilled water. This solution can be sprayed directly on the skin or clothing before going outside for maximum mosquito-repelling effectiveness.
5. Herbal Sachets to Repel Mosquitoes
You can also make your own mosquito-repelling sachets to carry with you, consisting of the following ingredients: cloves, mugwort, angelica, mint, sweet flag, cilantro, and honeysuckle, each 10 grams. Crush the mixture and place it in a small cloth bag.
These herbs not only repel mosquitoes but also keep the user alert. Note that pregnant women and those allergic to any of these ingredients should not use them.
6. DIY Mosquito Traps
The mosquito trap works on the principle: Yeast (or baking soda) mixed with sugar water produces CO2 gas. Mosquitoes locate their hosts by the amount of CO2 emitted by humans or animals. Therefore, mosquitoes will be attracted to the trap due to the CO2 it produces, then get stuck in the trap and cannot escape.
To make this trap, you will need: a 1.5-liter plastic bottle; 50 grams of brown sugar; 5 grams of yeast (or baking soda); warm water; and newspaper.
Mosquito Trap.
Cut off the top third of the bottle, add 200 ml of warm water and 50 grams of sugar, and stir well. Next, let the mixture cool, then add 5 grams of yeast or baking soda, and invert the top part of the bottle and tape it down. Finally, wrap the bottle in newspaper and place it in a dark corner to lure mosquitoes.
7. Repel Mosquitoes with Menthol Oil
- Method 1: Apply the oil directly to your skin; the scent of menthol oil will make mosquitoes avoid you.
- Method 2: If you don’t want to apply it directly to your skin, open the cap and place the bottle of menthol oil in a well-ventilated corner. The scent will spread and keep mosquitoes away.
- Method 3: Apply a little menthol oil to the fan blades. The fan will help spread the scent throughout the house.
Additionally, there are other ways to repel mosquitoes using electric swatters, mosquito-repellent fans, or by using nets.
