Image source: Diario Gaucho

With the onset of rainy season, mosquitos have come out in full force. The female mosquitos have mouth parts that are specialized to pierce your skin and consume blood, which in reality is quite harmless. But in exchange, the saliva of the mosquito often gives itching rashes to the host. And needless to say, transmit diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and most recently, Zika virus,as the mosquitos take the role of vectors of these deadly diseases. Getting rid of mosquitos is vital for your family and you, more so, in a healthy and nontoxic way. While choosing mosquito repellants it is imperative to know of its quality and toxic nature. Herbal repellents which are free of pesticides are the best for your home. A good herbal repellant will drive the maddening mosquitos away as well as keep you and your dear ones in a healthy and stress-free home.

• Identify and clean breeding sources

With the advent of rainy seasons, the mosquitos are out, hunting in full force. This is in no way a coincidence. All insects need a source or medium to breed. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. It is, therefore, important to keep your surroundings clean. Empty or cover all potential water collecting sources from around your house. Flower-pot bases, coconut shells, overloaded waste bins and even bottle caps are potential breeding sources for mosquitos. Cleanliness is the primary rule for keeping your home free of mosquitos.

• Mosquito repellent patches

These bandage like patches help repel mosquitos by simply sticking to your body. While these are commonly available in the market, care should be taken while choosing the right product for you and your family. Patches with natural and herbal ingredients must be picked up.

• Mosquito repellent liquid

Repellent liquids mostly come with a machine, which when plugged in electrically; emanate the odor that wards away mosquitoes. Make sure to use repellents that are safe to use around children and are non-toxic.

• Mosquito nets

Mosquito nets can be installed on windows and other openings in your home to keep away mosquitos and at the same time to let in fresh air.

• Mosquito repellent candles and coils

These repellent candles and coils have to be lit for 4 to 5 hours. They can keep away not just mosquitos but also other insects with the aroma they emit.

• Mosquito repellent creams and lotions

Mosquito repellent creams and lotions can readily be applied to thebody at night before sleep or anytime of the day. Now you can whole-heartedly send your kids out to play, without having the fear of mosquitos bothering them. Quality repellent products which are free from harmful pesticides like DEET should be used. Choose mosquito repellents that stay on for at least six hours at a stretch and make sure to apply them at regular intervals during outdoor activities like fishing, camping, hiking, etc.

• Electronic mosquito repeller (on your smartphone)

There are very convenient applications, available in stores that claim to repel mosquitos by emitting high-pitched sounds that are almost inaudible to the human ear. Most of these apps can be downloaded for free into your smartphone. They do not consume much your phone memory and are also very effective.

• Mosquito traps

1. Beer and sugar syrup trap

Mosquitos are attracted to sugar syrups and beer. These traps can be made at your home, using beer or sugar syrup in a glass with a cone pointed towards the liquid. Be sure to replace the liquid every once in a while.

2. Mosquito traps with ear wax cleaner

These traps that are available in some stores are capable of luring mosquitos into them by releasing carbon dioxide and temperature that an actual person might release, thus fooling them. Once inside, the mosquitos get sucked into a lower compartment, which is covered by a net that cannot be penetrated, and thus they die inside, from dehydration and suffocation.

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