Spring is almost over, and the warmth (more like the unbearable heat) of summer is approaching.
While the weather is irritating, this is offset by the thought of endless rivers of delicious mangoes. But there’s one bothersome aspect of summer that’ll leave you tearing out your hair in frustration.
Mosquitoes.
These pesky critters are going to whisper sweet nothings in your ears. Until you manage to make them go splat, that is.
The problems they pose go beyond just irritation. In 2015, a total of 99,913 cases of dengue were reported. This number has increased by approximately 44% from 2010
Luckily, it’s not all gloom and doom. If mosquito nets, sprays, coils, and creams simply don’t seem to make a difference, these tips are for you.
1. Batman To The Rescue
The caped crusader is busy doing more important things and can’t help you deal with your mosquito problem right now. But! You can get something that comes a close second.
Bats.
These incredible (and sometimes, terrifying) flying mammals eat all sort of insects. In fact, one bat can eat up to a thousand mosquitoes over the course of a night. Use this to your advantage. Invite a couple of bats over for dinner and hopefully, they’ll bring their friends along for the all-night, all-you-can-eat mosquito buffet around your home.
OR, simply call a pest control service provider, and they’ll be able to sort you out. Easier than inviting bats over for dinner, don’t you think?
2. Low-Tech Force Fields
Caging yourself into a mosquito net is the old-school (but effective) answer to these infuriating intruders. But if sleeping in this enclosure is stifling, take it one step further and cover your windows and doors with netting.
This way, you’ll be able to throw open your doors and windows in the hope of attracting a stray summer breeze while keeping mosquitoes at bay.
3. Potted Pest Repellent
When you’re choosing plants, whether they’re indoor or for your garden, go for shrubs and trees like rosemary or marigold, that have anti-mosquito properties.
So many benefits tucked into one neat, green package—they look great, help keep your home cool in the oppressive heat, and even ward off pesky bloodsuckers!
4. Your Grandmother Was Right
Our ancestors knew what was up. After they discovered the neem tree, they simply couldn’t get enough of it. They used the bark, leaves, seeds, flowers, fruits, and the roots of this versatile plant for a whole host of purposes.
One of these purposes was driving away the flying vermin we know as mosquitoes. Turns out, mosquitoes hate neem. Who would’ve thunk?!
You can put neem leaves near openings like doors and windows, or sprinkle neem oil around your home. But it doesn’t end here.
Nature, it seems, has got your back.
5. Do You Live In A Swamp?
Probably not, so why pretend like you do? We’re talking about pooled and stagnant water.
Where do you think all those lonely male mosquitoes go to find a nice girl to take out to dinner and a movie? They head out to their version of nightclubs; stagnant pools of water.
The end result – more mosquitoes for you to deal with. Maybe that mosquito buzzing around your head right now is related to the one that was buzzing around your head yesterday!
If there are pools of stagnant water in or around your home, get rid of them. Ensure that your swimming pool is well-maintained and cover any open drains around your house to keep dengue-causing mosquitoes from breeding.
After you do all this, if you still hear the annoying buzzing noise, you might actually live in a swamp. In which case, move!
Enjoy your mosquito-free summer.