How to banish mosquitoes with a simple natural solution
Mosquitoes inside the home can be more than just a nuisance—not only do they leave itchy red bumps on your skin, but the pests can also carry diseases, causing possible health risks. While many people turn to chemical sprays, these can be harsh and unpleasant to use indoors.
Thankfully, a natural and effective solution may already be sitting in your kitchen cupboard. According to home experts on Martha Stewart’s lifestyle blog, this simple remedy helps repel mosquitoes without exposing you or your loved ones to toxic ingredients. Here’s how to keep your living spaces peaceful and mosquito-free with this easy method.
The experts revealed that “mosquitoes are attracted to stagnant water.” This refers to water that has been standing still for a long period of time and is no longer flowing.
The expert added: “This can be used to your advantage when presented correctly. Soaps and detergents are surfactants, which reduces the surface tension of the water.
“When mosquitoes try to land on the surface of the water to lay their eggs, they won’t be able to stay afloat and end up drowning.” Simply, fill a replaceable bowl or an unused bucket with water.
Then add a few drops of soap or liquid detergent and mix without forming bubbles – voila, your mosquito trap is ready in minutes! The expert warns to limit any stagnant water in and around your property unless you’re using it to trap mosquitoes.
However, homeowners should be aware that this only works for female mosquitoes. “Only female mosquitoes that have already fed on blood will actively look for stagnant water to lay their eggs in.
“So if you’re planning to use this indoors, know most mosquitoes will bite first before getting caught.”
Other ways to trap mosquitoes
Simply using sugar and yeast can also do the trick. The expert explained: “After a few hours, the yeast starts releasing a steady stream of carbon dioxide, which mosquitoes are highly attracted to.”
However, this is a bit more complicated to create. Here’s how to make it: Cut off the top of a plastic bottle just below the neck.
In the bottom half, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. The expert recommends one cup of water, four tablespoons of sugar, and 1/3 tsp of yeast for a two-litre bottle.
Next, flip the top piece upside down to form a funnel and insert it into the bottom. Seal the edges with tape or glue.
Wrap the bottle in black material, such as a black cloth or handkerchief, leaving the top open. Homeowners testing out this trap should replace the yeast mixture every few days.
