As the weather drops, mosquitoes are motivated to make their way into the warmth of your home – but as well as causing itchy bites, these pesky creatures can spread disease and lay eggs in food, causing harm to you and pets, which is why it's important to get rid of them.
However, using harsh chemicals to remove them can be unsafe, which is why finding natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes from your house is the best method. Natural repellents are an eco-friendly solution and are safer for people, pets, and furniture.
Our experts have explained the best four natural methods to banish mosquitoes from your house, as well as how to prevent them from coming back.
How to get rid of mosquitoes inside the house naturally
Natural repellents such as mosquito-repelling plants, DIY traps and natural mosquito repellent sprays, can be used throughout your house in key spots where mosquitoes congregate, such as next to windows and outside patios to naturally remove mosquitoes from your home, as well as eliminating breeding grounds.
1. Mosquito-repelling plants
'An effective way to get rid of mosquitoes inside your house is by using natural plants,' says David Mason, interior designer and the founder of Knobs. 'Some plants have insect-repelling properties, making them a great addition to your home decor while also keeping mosquitoes away.'
A.H. David, co-founder of Pest Control Weekly advises, 'Incorporate mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, lavender, basil, and marigolds around your home.' You can even use rosemary to repel mosquitoes.
You can find lavender at Burpee, citronella at Walmart, basil at Walmart, marigolds at Burpee, and rosemary at Walmart.
David Mason suggests, 'You can place these plants indoors near windows or doors to dissuade and natural barrier against mosquitoes. Regularly maintain and water these plants to keep them healthy and continue repelling mosquitoes. Having these plants in your home will not only help with keeping mosquitoes away but also add some greenery and freshness to your interior design.'
A.H David is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Pest Control Weekly. By hobby, he is a gardener and has experience dealing with all types of pests found in backyard gardens. His goal is to provide well-researched and authentic information about pests from his own experiences.
2. DIY traps
There are a few different DIY traps that can effectively reduce the mosquito population in your home and can be made from household ingredients.
David Mason says, 'One natural and effective way to get rid of mosquitoes inside your house is by using vinegar traps. Vinegar traps work by attracting mosquitoes with the scent of vinegar, and get trapped in the soapy solution.
'To create a vinegar trap, all you need is a shallow dish, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and some dish soap. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in the dish, add a few spoonfuls of sugar to attract the mosquitoes, and then stir in a few drops of dish soap to create surface tension. Place the trap in areas where you often see mosquitoes, such as near windows or doors.
'Change the solution every 2-3 days and watch as the vinegar traps catch these pests without any harmful chemicals or toxins.'
A.H. David also recommends another mosquito trap: 'Mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar and place the mixture in a shallow dish. The CO2 emitted when they ingest the baking soda can kill them.'
Mohammad Ahmed, founder of The Home Guidance recommends when laying these traps around your house, 'Use a stylish bowl or vase to make the trap fit your interior aesthetic.' We've listed some of our favorite decorative bowls, below.
$48.00 – $158.00
$79
$36 - $112
Mohammad Ahmed is an interior designer and home expert. He did his bachelor's degree in Interior Designing at the University of Minnesota in 2013 and since then has worked as an interior designer in various companies, designing functional and beautiful spaces for clients. In addition to his interior and exterior design skills, Mohammad is also Home expert with a talent for creating bespoke furniture and other accessories. He has been featured in popular publications such as Forbes, Yahoo, Realtor, Real Homes, Bustle, and Livingetc for his exceptional design tips.
3. Natural sprays
By combining a few drops of essential oil that have scents that deter mosquitoes with water, you can make a homemade mosquito repellent spray that you can use in mosquito-prone regions. This will infuse your home with a pleasant perfume while helping to keep mosquitoes away.
Angela Rubin at Hellamaid says, 'Essential oils such as citronella, lemon eucalyptus, and lavender can be diluted with water and used as sprays or in diffusers to repel mosquitoes indoors.'
You can use this essential oil blend, from Amazon. These scented essential oils can be used in diffusers or in candles to detract mosquitoes.
Alternatively, A.H. David from Pest Control Weekly advises, 'Create a natural insecticide spray using a mixture of water, neem oil, and a few drops of dish soap. Spray this solution in mosquito-prone areas.'
If you don't want to make your own natural sprays, Angela Rubin suggests trying commercially available natural mosquito repellent sprays that use ingredients like neem oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, and soybean oil. These can also be applied to exposed skin and clothing. The Murphy's naturals lemon eucalyptus oil insect repellent sprays from Amazon are particularly effective.
Hellamaid is an award-winning cleaning company in Canada that's been featured on multiple global media brands.
Another method suggested by Nicole Carpenter, CEO at Black Pest Prevention, is to create a mosquito repellent using lemons and garlic cloves. 'The combination of lemon and cloves creates an aroma that mosquitoes find unpleasant.'
'Cut up some lemons, and use the citrus,' advises Anthony Roebuck, founder of Watercolor Affair. 'Got some garlic? Chop it up, boil it, and once it's cooled, spray it around the house. It's a solid mosquito-be-gone spray that celebrates the beauty of simple solutions.'
Nicole Carpenter first began working at Black Pest Prevention when she was a junior in high school. While attending N.C. State University she continued to work for the company and has since worked through the organization to now becoming its CEO. Black Pest Prevention is a Charlotte pest control company that serves North and South Carolina.
4. Eliminating mosquito breeding sites
The removal of mosquito breeding grounds is another all-natural method for getting rid of mosquitoes indoors.
Nicole Carpenter says, 'Firstly, it's essential to prevent stagnant water within your home, as mosquitoes breed in such conditions and will lay their eggs in standing water. Ensure proper drainage and eliminate any standing water sources.'
Look for water-collecting objects like potted plant saucers, vases, pet water bowls, clogged drains, and leaky faucets. Clean gutters to ensure water is flowing freely without any debris in the way, too.
FAQs
How can I prevent mosquitoes entering my home?
Once you have gotten rid of mosquitoes in your home, you'll want to prevent them from entering again.
Do this by screening your windows and doors. This is a proactive way to ensure your home is a mosquito-free environment by preventing future infestations in addition to reducing the current mosquito population.
Mohammed Ahmed, founder of The Home Guidance says, 'Ensure all window screens are in good condition. An appealing screen can be both decorative and functional. Regularly check the perimeter of your home for gaps or cracks, especially after seasonal changes.'
Mohammad Ahmed leaves us with one final tip: 'Mosquitoes are weak fliers, and using fans can disrupt their flight patterns, making it challenging for them to approach you. Ceiling fans and standing fans can help create a mosquito-unfriendly environment by keeping the air circulating.'
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