In May, mosquitoes start to gather, and in June, they become more aggressive. So how can we get rid of these aggressive mosquitoes? Well, the editor has also been busy and has looked into some popular mosquito prevention tips circulating online.
Popular mosquito prevention tips: Are they reliable?
1. Mentholatum
Mentholatum and cooling oil have anti-inflammatory and itch-relief effects on mosquito bites, but they do not have any repellent effect on mosquitoes and cannot be used to prevent mosquito bites.
2. Soapy water
Mosquitoes are quite picky, and soapy water is alkaline. Mosquitoes generally do not lay eggs there unless they can't find any other place.
3. Apply sesame oil
Mosquitoes may be afraid of getting their feet stuck in oil and not being able to fly. However, this method is not effective for a long time, and you may need to reapply every ten minutes or so. How many people would be willing to do this?
4. Consume vitamin B1
Currently, there is not enough data to prove the safety and effectiveness of this method.
Home mosquito prevention guide
The first step in mosquito prevention at home is to eliminate stagnant water. Mosquitoes cannot reproduce without water, and they are particularly fond of water-based plants and pools in the house.
1. Mosquito repellent lamp
This type of lamp emits a soft blue light that attracts mosquitoes. Once the mosquitoes get close to the lamp and touch the electric grid inside, they will be immediately electrocuted.
2. Electric mosquito swatter
If you can see the mosquitoes, simply wave the electric mosquito swatter a few times to quickly kill them. However, be careful not to spray insecticides while using the electric mosquito swatter, as the flammable components in the insecticides may cause a fire when in contact with sparks.
3. Artemisia
There are various methods to fill the room with the scent of Artemisia to repel mosquitoes. You can burn Artemisia or Artemisia sticks in an iron basin to drive away mosquitoes, soak Artemisia in water and use it to mop the floor, or boil Artemisia sticks in water and apply a suitable amount to the body.
4. Mosquito coils
Both traditional and modern mosquito coils contain a chemical substance called "pyrethroids," which can disrupt the nervous system of mosquitoes. When mosquitoes come into contact with this chemical, they will collapse and become unable to move.
5. Window screens and mosquito nets
Mosquito nets and fine-mesh window screens can effectively prevent mosquitoes from entering the house, and this method is environmentally friendly and healthy. However, as you may have noticed, few people nowadays use safe, practical, and effective mosquito nets, which is a pity.
Outdoor mosquito prevention guide
1. Mosquito repellent bracelets and patches
Mosquito repellent bracelets and patches rely on essential oils from plants like lemongrass and lavender to repel mosquitoes. However, these plant extracts have volatile chemical properties, so their mosquito-repelling effect is limited.
2. Mosquito repellent sprays
Different mosquito repellent sprays may contain different mosquito-repelling substances. The most common ones in supermarkets are DEET and picaridin.
Itching relief tips
After being bitten by mosquitoes, you can rinse the bitten area with clean water or soapy water, or apply cooling oil or other medicinal oils to relieve itching and discomfort.
