Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying and dangerous insects in the world. They are carriers of various types of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus, and can cause serious harm to young children.
Keeping your children safe from mosquito bites and diseases is important, and there are many methods to keep mosquitoes away naturally. In this article, we’ll discuss some effective natural ways to keep mosquitoes away from your children.
1. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used for many years to repel mosquitoes. Some of the most effective essential oils are citronella, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and lemon.
You can mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil, and apply it on your children’s skin. You can also diffuse these oils in a diffuser or add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and use it as a room spray.
2. Use Mosquito-Repellent Plants
Another natural and effective way to keep mosquitoes away is by planting mosquito-repellent plants around your house. These plants include citronella, marigold, lemongrass, peppermint, basil, and lavender.
These plants produce a strong aroma that keeps mosquitoes away. You can also crush the leaves and rub them on your children’s skin for extra protection.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, can help prevent mosquito bites. You can also use mosquito nets over your children’s beds to keep them safe while they sleep.
Choose light-colored clothing because mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
4. Use Fans
Mosquitoes are not strong fliers and can be easily blown away by fans. Using fans in your children’s bedrooms, playrooms, and outdoor areas can help keep mosquitoes away.
You can also use portable fans or ceiling fans to create a cool breeze in your home and prevent mosquitoes from biting.
5. Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so eliminate any stagnant water around your house. Clean out gutters, empty bird baths and kiddie pools when not in use, and fix any leaky faucets or pipes.
You should also regularly clean and change the water in pet bowls and flower vases.
6. Use Natural Mosquito Traps
You can also use natural mosquito traps to lure and trap mosquitoes. One effective method is using a mixture of sugar, yeast, and water. Mix the sugar and yeast in warm water, and place the mixture in a bottle.
The carbon dioxide produced by the yeast will attract the mosquitoes, and they will be trapped in the bottle. Another natural mosquito trap is to place a dish of soapy water outside your home. The mosquitoes will be attracted to the water, but they will be trapped and suffocated by the soapy water.
7. Clean Your Home
Keeping your home clean and free of clutter can also help prevent mosquito infestations. Mosquitoes love to hide in dark corners and piles of clutter, so clean and declutter your home regularly.
Vacuum your home regularly and dispose of any debris and standing water around your house.
8. Use Garlic
Garlic is a natural mosquito repellent that is safe for children. You can crush a few cloves of garlic and boil them in water. Let the mixture cool and strain it. Spray the mixture around your home to repel mosquitoes.
You can also add crushed garlic to your child’s food to help keep mosquitoes away.
9. Use Neem Oil
Neem oil is another natural mosquito repellent that is safe for children. You can mix neem oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it on your children’s skin. You can also use neem oil as a room spray to keep mosquitoes away.
10. Use Baking soda and Vinegar
You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to repel mosquitoes. Mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar and place the mixture in a shallow dish. Set the dish in a room, and mosquitoes will be repelled by the smell.
These natural ways to keep mosquitoes away from children are effective and safe. Using these methods, you can protect your children from mosquito bites and dangerous diseases.