How to get rid of mosquitoes is not just using mosquito repellent spray or mosquito repellent lotion. There are various methods and natural ingredients that are known to be quite effective at repelling mosquitoes, while being safe and not causing health problems.
There are various ways to repel mosquitoes, ranging from using mosquito coils, mosquito sprays, to mosquito repellent lotions. The use of these chemical-based products can indeed provide quick results in preventing mosquito bites, but also risks causing side effects that endanger health.
To minimize the side effects that can appear, you can replace the use of chemical-based mosquito repellent products with natural ingredients as a way to repel mosquitoes.
In addition to using natural ingredients, there are also simple ways that can be done to repel mosquitoes.
Some Ways to Repel Mosquitoes Naturally
The following are some natural ways and ingredients that you can do and use to repel mosquitoes:
1. Spray cinnamon oil
A study shows that cinnamon oil can kill mosquito eggs and large mosquitoes. To use it, all you have to do is mix 120 ml of water with 24 drops (1/4 teaspoon) of cinnamon oil. Next, spray the liquid onto clothes, items, and plants.
Also spray this cinnamon oil liquid around the house or places that are mosquito nests. Cinnamon oil can be applied to the skin, but be careful when using it because it can cause skin irritation.
2. Applying citronella oil
Lemongrass oil which is also known as citronella, can also be used to repel mosquitoes. The effectiveness of citronella oil in preventing mosquito bites is known to be similar to that of cinnamon oil and even the DEET found in mosquito repellent lotions.
When applied to the skin, lemongrass oil can protect the skin from mosquito bites for up to 2 hours. After that, you need to reapply a few moments later if needed.
3. Apply soybean oil
Another natural way to repel mosquitoes is to apply soybean oil. Soybean oil is proven to be effective in preventing mosquito bites, especially mosquitoes Anopheles. This oil provides longer lasting protection and is safe to use for children.
You can also mix lemongrass oil into soybean oil for more effective results in repelling various types of mosquitoes.
4. Use lemon eucalyptus oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil has long been used to prevent mosquito bites and it lasts even longer in protecting the skin, which is about 3 hours.
Although natural, lemon eucalyptus oil should not be used on children under 3 years of age.
5. Wearing long clothes
Clothing that covers the whole body is known to be effective as a way to repel mosquitoes. Choose clothing materials that easily absorb sweat so that protection from mosquito bites can be felt optimally without feeling stifling. Avoid dark clothes, as they will attract mosquitoes.
6. Turn on the fan
The wind generated by the fan will make it difficult for mosquitoes to fly or move in the air. This can prevent mosquitoes from perching on the skin, so it can be used as a natural way to repel mosquitoes.
7. Mdrain the puddles
Stagnant water around the house is the best place for mosquitoes to breed. Therefore, cover all objects that have the potential to become puddles, such as ponds, unused flower pots, trash cans, and bathtubs.
In addition to the several ways to repel mosquitoes above, you can also use mosquito nets while sleeping or maintain mosquito repellent plants.
If you can't make your own at home, you can buy natural oils in packaged form that are sold in the market. However, make sure the oil you buy has been registered with BPOM to ensure its quality and safety.
How to repel mosquitoes using natural ingredients above can also be done by pregnant women. However, you should first consult with your obstetrician about whether or not the use of these natural oils is safe for you and your baby's health.
If you experience certain symptoms after using natural ingredients to repel mosquitoes, such as dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath, immediately consult a doctor for treatment. The doctor will also tell you about how to repel mosquitoes according to your health condition.