Posted December 20, 2022 by Sarah Malone
Category: Advice, Mosquitoes
What does and does not work
Australians love to be outside and with the christmas period coming up many are planning an outside BBQ or a trip to the park but how to protect your family from mosquitoes can be difficult. We have also found that after all the recent rain mosquitoes are at full force. Here are a few mosquito repellent tips.
There are several methods that can be effective in repelling mosquitoes, including the following:
- Using a mosquito repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These chemicals can repel mosquitoes for several hours and are considered safe for use on the skin.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito-biting hours. Mosquitoes are less likely to bite through clothing than they are to bite exposed skin.
- Using a fan when outdoors. Mosquitoes are weak fliers and can have difficulty flying in strong winds. A fan can create a windy environment that makes it difficult for mosquitoes to land on you.
- Treating your house for spiders can also create a short term barrier.
There are also several methods that are not effective in repelling mosquitoes, including the following:
- Using mosquito repellent candles or incense. While these products may have a pleasant aroma, they do not repel mosquitoes and may even attract them.
- Using ultrasonic devices that claim to repel mosquitoes. These devices produce high-frequency sounds that are supposed to repel mosquitoes, but there is no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness.
- Using natural repellents, such as essential oils. While some essential oils, such as peppermint and lavender, may have a pleasant scent, they are not effective at repelling mosquitoes.
Overall, the best way to repel mosquitoes is to use a mosquito repellent that contains one of the active ingredients mentioned above and to take other protective measures, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing and using a fan or having the exterior of your house treated.
Please contact our office if you would like to book a spider treatment