It’s that time of year again! The sun is back out and it’s finally safe to dust off the grill. Nothing can stop your weekend plans for a backyard barbecue with family and friends, except for one buggy pest – the mosquito. Like clockwork, mosquito season returns to White House and surrounding areas in full force, and the bloodsucking insects make their triumphant return as summer really gets into full swing.
Mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance pest that leaves behind itchy, red bites. They’ve been dubbed the deadliest animal in the world by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) because of their ability to spread lethal diseases at alarmingly fast rates. Mosquitoes have been responsible for outbreaks of the West Nile virus, malaria, Zika virus, and many others.
For homeowners interested in a safe and effective method for battling these dangerous foes, look no further than Smash Pest Control. We use quality products to keep mosquitoes in check so that you can enjoy the great outdoors with ease – even in the heart of mosquito season. Call us to set up an appointment today or request an appointment online.
Are There Home Remedies for Mosquito Repellents?
Many effective natural mosquito repellents contain oils or extracts from plants that have a long history of being used to keep bugs away. Here are a few of the most common options.
- Lemon eucalyptus oil. This is one of the most effective natural repellents and is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s also recognized by the CDC as a viable alternative to DEET, one of the most popular chemical repellents on the market.
- Citronella oil. This oil is extracted from lemongrass plants, and it works by masking scents that have proven to attract mosquitoes. Although citronella oil does repel mosquitoes, it is not as effective as lemon eucalyptus oil and doesn’t last as long.
- Lavender oil. One of the most popular essential oils, lavender oil is known for its soothing effect. While some studies have shown that lavender oil can repel mosquitoes, the evidence is not as strong as it is for lemon eucalyptus oil or citronella oil
- Peppermint oil. This oil is often cited as a repellent for many pests including mosquitoes and house mice. Although people associate peppermint with sweetness, its strong scent deters pests.
- Soybean oil. Soybean oil is a common base ingredient in many natural mosquito repellents. It does not repel mosquitoes on its own, but it can help to extend the effectiveness of other repellent ingredients.
Can Homemade Mosquito Repellents Be Effective?
Homemade mosquito repellents can show some effectiveness, but they generally don’t work as well as commercial repellents that have been registered with the EPA. This is due to inconsistency in the recipe, concentration of ingredients, and how well you mix it. You’ll likely need to reapply homemade repellents more frequently – which means less time to relax and enjoy the weather.
In addition, although many common homemade repellent ingredients like citronella oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil are safe for most people when used properly and diluted with a carrier oil, some can irritate the skin. This problem can be exacerbated for young children or people with sensitive skin.
When in Doubt, Trust Smash Pest Control
Keeping your outdoor spaces free of mosquitos is an ongoing battle, but it doesn’t have to be a losing one. By working with the team at Smash Pest Control, you can take control of your environment and enjoy the summer without worrying about your loved ones being exposed to potentially dangerous mosquito-borne illnesses. Schedule an appointment with Mosquito Solutions now by calling us now. You can also request an estimate today.
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