How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes? How To Kill Them In The Apartment And What Are They Afraid Of? What Means Scare Them Away? How Long Do Mosquitoes Live And Where Do They Come From?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 05:33

Mosquitoes are annoying insects that cause a lot of inconvenience to humans with their buzzing and biting. From the material in this article, you will learn where they come from, how to find and catch them, and also exterminate them.

Description and path of appearance

Mosquitoes belong to the order of Diptera of the blood-sucking family. The body of an insect can be 4-14 mm in length . Its wings are completely transparent, reaching a length of 30 mm. The belly is divided into 10 segments.

The mosquito has long legs with claws at the ends . Its color is usually brownish and black. In addition, insects can be green, yellowish, orange-red. In nature, there are more than 3000 different species.

The body of females is longer, as is the length of the proboscis . A kind of antennae are equipped with olfactory organs and auditory receptors. They are a kind of thermal sensors. Thanks to them, the insect finds its prey.

Depending on the species and gender, they live up to 48 days. The average life span of males does not reach 3 weeks. The lifespan of mosquitoes is related to the ambient temperature.

Mosquitoes differ from mosquitoes in appearance, habitat, reproduction, bite . They are larger than mosquitoes, more inconspicuous, and their wings are parallel to the body. Unlike mosquitoes, they squeak during flight, which makes them more noticeable in the dark.

Common mosquitoes live everywhere except the south and north poles. They are absent only in areas with a harsh climate. They breed mainly in water, less often they lay eggs in the ground.

They appear where it is warm and humid. The city emerges from the basements of high-rise buildings . The reason for this lies in water leaks from the sewerage and plumbing. Non-drying puddles and heating pipes help them to spend the winter.

They enter apartments in different ways: with the help of open windows, elevators, stairs, ventilation ducts . Insects can live for some time in bathrooms and even under stretch ceilings. They fly into private houses from the street or from outbuildings (sheds, utility blocks), as well as cellars.

Mosquitoes fly indoors in search of a comfortable environment for themselves. Under these conditions, they breed at an extraordinary rate. The development cycle takes about 2 weeks.

How to find and catch an insect?

A mosquito is found by the characteristic squeak that it emits when moving. The louder it is, the closer the insect is. You can kill him at the moment when he sits on a horizontal or vertical surface.

You can get rid of a mosquito even when it just sat on a human body. He can be lured by a human scent and killed as soon as he finds a tidbit.

If the insect flies in the room under the ceiling and is not going to go down, you can use a vacuum cleaner . It is enough to remove the brush, quickly bring up the pipe and turn on the suction device. Remove the vacuum cleaner after use.

This method is also effective in cases where the insect is located in a hard-to-reach place. Someone can catch mosquitoes on the fly with their hands with a quick fist.

Use of special tools

You can save yourself from annoying squeaks and bites with various devices. Each line of products has its own characteristics.

Chemicals

Professional pest control helps to escape mosquitoes when traditional means are ineffective. Chemical treatment involves irrigation of insect sites. First, ditches, storm drains are sprayed, then basements.

Dichlorvos is an effective poison . Medilis Ziper is no less popular. It kills mosquitoes and other insects. In addition to these substances, smoke bombs "Avia" and "Quiet Evening" are effective in the fight against blood-sucking parasites.

Sprays

These products involve spraying the skin to repel insects. The active substances of the preparations can be natural and synthetic. Variants of the first group are essential oils (cedar, tea tree, mint, basil), the synthetic base is diethyltoluamide.

Sprays are applied to the bends of the elbows, ankles, arms, and other open parts of the body. In hot weather, repellents are applied over clothing. Aerosols do not kill insects. The best drugs: OFF, Mosquitall, Raptor, Picnic Bio Active.

They can have a different type of spray. Reapplication is suggested after a few hours.

Outdoors, they protect the human body from annoying insects for up to 3 hours. The disadvantage of some drugs is allergenicity.

Mosquito net

Mosquito nets on windows and doors are considered effective against blood-sucking insects. With standard dimensions, tiny holes and magnetic clamps, they reliably protect rooms from vermin.

In addition to windows and doors, vents and ventilation systems should be closed with nets. To do this, you can use gauze or a special anti-mosquito cloth. The openings of loggias and balconies are covered with mosquito nets.

They are comfortable to use, easy to clean and durable . They have a different type of attachment and are aesthetically pleasing. They differ in the type of opening, they are frameless and frame, roll and sliding, on hinges, pleated. Made from different materials.

Fumigators

These devices are referred to as cigarette lighters powered by an electrical network. These are small devices into which rectangular tablets-plates are inserted, impregnated with special poison, or adapters with liquid.

Once plugged in, the adapter begins to release a pyrethroid insecticide. A safer species is pralletrin, which can kill mosquitoes in half an hour. Effective means: fumigators of the brands "Clean House", "Raptor", "Reid", "Fumitoks ".

The maximum effect after using the plate lasts up to 12-15 hours when processing an area of 10-12 m2. Liquid devices have a longer duration of action. When the liquid runs out, it is replaced with eucalyptus extract.

Spirals

These funds are based on the same principle as that of fumigators. They are supplied with an insecticide, which is released into the air when the device smolders. Its active substances can be allethrin, pyrethrin, butylhydroxytoluene.

When used, they are set on fire and fixed . Mosquitoes are frightened off by the odor emitted, it is destructive for them.

Spirals are not used in closed rooms, you must not be near them during smoldering. They are harmful and can cause human poisoning.

These are devices that can be used outdoors in calm weather. If they are set on fire in tents or living rooms, ventilation is necessary after processing. Popular manufacturers:

• "Raid";
• "Gardeks";
• Moskitol;
• Fumitox.

Lighting devices

Mosquito repelling light means ultraviolet lamps that kill insects with high voltage. These funds are different, they work from a network or batteries, they look like nightlights . They are used outdoors and indoors.

They consist of a grid through which an electric current flows, as well as LEDs that attract mosquitoes. The lamps are convenient to use, safe for people and pets . They kill parasites with a current discharge. They need constant cleaning from dead insects.

Practical, environmentally friendly, economical (consume only 3 W) . They are distinguished by their small size and pleasant design.

However, with all the advantages, they are used at night or in the evening. In addition, they do not save from insects that do not fall into the lamps.

Ultrasonic scarers

This group of products includes electronic devices and installations that generate sound waves in the ultrasonic range. The devices are harmless to humans as they are not perceived by them. The principle of operation is based on scaring away: this sound annoys squeaks.

By the type of execution, the devices are stationary and portable . The former are powered by a 220 V electrical network and are used indoors. Cover an area up to 20 sq.m. Portable (rechargeable, battery) analogs are compact and operate within a radius of up to 2.5 m.

These products are simple, do not affect other electronics, are easy to transport, and have low power consumption. The best options are:

• Typhoon LS-200;
• "Tornado OK01";
• EcoSniper AR-115;
• Protektor Freetime.

Folk methods of deliverance

It is generally accepted that mosquitoes are afraid of the smell of essential oils. These funds are budgetary and reliable in repelling insects. In the fight against blood-sucking oils, oils have proven themselves well:

• aniseed;
• eucalyptus;
• clove;
• basil;
• lavender.

Tea tree, lemon and citronella oils are equally effective . To eliminate the problem, 2-3 drops of the selected product are applied to a cosmetic sponge or cotton pad. Even a couple of discs in the room will prevent mosquitoes from entering the room.

The oil can be used in a different way. It is sometimes added to a cosmetic cream and spread on the skin. In other cases, 1-2 drops drip onto a heat source (light bulb, frying pan).

One of the extraordinary folk recipes is anti-mosquito spray, which is made from water, essential and vegetable oils, as well as aloe juice . The components are combined in a proportion of 2 tbsp. l / 25 drops / 2 tbsp. l / 1 tbsp. l. After that, the composition is poured into a container with a spray and applied to the skin.

Mosquitoes don't like the scent of tomato sprouts. To drive out unexpected guests from the room, you can put a container with seedlings on the windowsill. No less unpleasant for blood-thirsty parasites are various spices (for example, cloves and basil).

According to many reviews left on the relevant thematic forums, a remedy consisting of clove seeds stuck into a cut lemon has effectively proven itself. Also, a decoction and a spray are made from two components.

Insects also do not like many pungent-smelling flowers. Tested species:

• lavender;
• geranium;
• lilac;
• bird cherry.

Common chamomile scares them well. At the same time, not only freshly picked, but also dried flowers cope effectively with the task.

Contrary to popular belief, insects are not afraid of the smell of garlic and brewer's yeast . However, mint extracts have a pronounced deterrent effect. It can be planted in a pot or used as oil by adding a couple of drops to a humidifier.

The usual crystalline vanilla powder with a characteristic bitter aftertaste did not please mosquitoes either. It is diluted with water, used as a cream or spray. The smell is so pronounced that it repels not only mosquitoes, but also pesky midges.

You can try to scare away mosquitoes with the help of plant leaves. To ensure peace for yourself for several days, it is enough to put leaves of walnut, elderberry, wormwood, eucalyptus in every room of the house.

Someone uses perfume based on essential oils as deterrents. Other folk remedies are bay leaves, ammonia, birch tar. Sometimes camphor is used to treat mosquitoes.

How to make a trap and fumigator?

To destroy annoying bloodsuckers, you can make a simple trap. It can be ordinary or outdoor, electric or made from a plastic bottle. For example, to make the simplest version, ordinary Velcro is enough . It is fixed at the window or balcony door.

When a more efficient option is needed, make a bottle trap. In addition to it, you need carbon dioxide, water or an electric lamp.

The need for carbon dioxide is explained by the fact that it is by its smell that mosquitoes find their prey.

For her, take sugar (50 g), dry yeast (5 g), water (glass). To make a trap, you will need a 1.5 liter bottle, cardboard, a stationery knife, adhesive tape, and a stapler. The trap is made according to the following scheme.

• The plastic bottle is cut into 2 unequal parts (the one with the neck should be smaller).
• Sugar is poured into the bottle, yeast is added, poured over with warm water and stirred until foamy.
• The neck piece is inserted into the bottom of the bottle, creating a funnel.
• The walls of the trap are covered with cardboard, fixing with tape or a stapler, thereby accelerating the fermentation process.
• The trap is placed in the place of accumulation of bloodsuckers or on a window, terrace. The trap can be hung up if desired.

You can fight mosquitoes with homemade sticky baits. The adhesive tapes are capable of holding even large flies. To do this, you need to make a viscous mass, apply it to paper or material.

The glue can be made from rosin (200 g), castor oil (100 ml), sweet syrup (50 ml) and turpentine (50 g) . In addition, you will need a cardboard sleeve, which can be used as a roller left over from toilet paper. You need to prepare threads and thick paper (for example, wallpaper).

The trap itself is made like this:

• long ribbons are cut from paper;
• tapes are wound on a roll of toilet paper;
• mix the components of the glue, heated in steam;
• part of the tape is greased with glue, fixed so that it does not unwind;
• the trap is suspended in places where insects accumulate;
• as the adhesive layer is filled, the tapes are unwound and again blotted with adhesive.

Making an insect fumigator is also easy. For this, an aroma lamp or a candle may be suitable, which heats a metal container fixed above it.

• When using incandescent lamps, it must be taken into account that only bulbs with a power of up to 40 W are suitable for a fumigator. So the substance will evaporate more slowly, and it will not be able to ignite.
• The location of the lamp in the socket must be vertical. If a plate is placed on it, it should be horizontal. The selection of a suitable liquid is approached with caution due to the nuances of the rod that supplies the insecticide to the heating element.
• A solution for an aroma lamp or fumigator can be made on the basis of eucalyptus extract. To do this, take a little water, dilute the oil of mint, cloves, lavender in it (just a few drops). Then a little salt is poured, everything is mixed, for uniformity, 1 tsp is added. alcohol.
• The salt in the recipe will be the binder. She will not let the factions split. If you don't like the smell of the product, you can mix other ingredients.

However, this composition cannot be poured into factory insecticide bottles.

How else to protect the house?

There are many ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Someone uses special sticks, others prefer to use plasters, stickers . A lot of different life hacks are described on the Internet portals.

Someone makes an onion-clove repeller by boiling the mixture for a few minutes and cooling it down. Ammonium is used as a component of irrigation, mixing with water . However, not everyone can withstand its smell. According to the reviews of people who have tried this method, such prevention causes a headache.

Someone resorts to non-standard solutions. An effective remedy is a couple of drops of essential oil in a locket. You can also soak napkins with oils by spreading them around the house.

Creative traps - special bracelets from bloodsuckers . Visually, they are silicone dressings with a special notch for pouring citronella oil. These systems do not cause allergies, which makes them suitable for children and pregnant women.

Another life hack is creating a solution from water and soap . It is poured into a bowl to attract mosquitoes. The principle of operation is simple: insects are attracted by dampness, and the viscosity of the soap will not allow them to fly away if they have landed on this "area".

To reduce the number of insects in the country, it is worth planting special repellent plants (mint, lavender, marigolds, lemon balm). In this case, you should pay attention to the number of plants (1 flower will not be able to scare off a colony of bloodsuckers).

It is worth taking care that insects do not create comfortable conditions for reproduction and life. To do this, they try to eliminate stagnant and swampy water from the site. Even a garden bucket with water that was not poured in time can attract insects. In a short time, a new colony can form in it.

Favorite harbor - trees, tall grass, gutters, swimming pools . Bloodsuckers live near water bodies and damp places within 30 m. Here they can hide and breed. We must not forget about the renewal of water.

A creative option for killing mosquitoes is buying an electric mosquito swatter. This racket is comfortable and highly effective against flying insects. She relieves them by means of a current discharge.

Powered by batteries or rechargeable batteries . It consists of 3 nets in a frame with a handle. It can be equipped with a flashlight, depending on the model it has from 2 to 4 batteries. To destroy it, it is enough that the mosquito hits the net, and the user presses the discharge trigger.

Stickers are round, thin sticky-backed labels. Designed to protect children, they can have a wide variety of designs. Made of polyester or microfiber with a special anti-mosquito impregnation.

The patch can also be applied to the skin . For kids, stickers are glued to clothes or where children cannot reach them. For example, on a stroller visor. The active substances of such repellents are essential oils.

When choosing one or another type of product, they pay attention to portability . Products for children, nursing and pregnant women must be non-toxic. If the slightest allergic reaction occurs, you must stop using the product.

To get rid of mosquitoes for a long time, you need to contact a specialist. In apartment buildings, this is difficult to do, since not all tenants will agree to the processing of the basements. However, these measures effectively prevent the re-emergence of mosquito colonies.