Pest Control is a method of controlling various pests such as termites, cockroaches, mosquitoes, lizards, etc. These unwanted pests, if not controlled, create a lot of nuisance in our daily lives. Starting from contaminating foodstuffs to infiltrating stored dry goods, these pests also carry diseases and can lead to economic losses.
Some of the common methods of pest control are:-
Physical Pest Control
In this method, pests such as insects and rodents are caught and killed using dogs and traps by local people or paid rat-catchers.
Poisoned bait
Setting up food-based poisoned bait is another method of pest control. A bait comprises of a base material known as a ‘carrier’ (grain or animal protein) and a toxicant (insecticides such as organophosphates or pyrethroids) and sometimes an additive (oil, sugar or water) to attract the target species and kill them.
Fumigation
In this method, the targeted area is completely filled with gaseous chemicals (fumigants) to suffocate or poison the pests within.
Sterilization
This method involves mass breeding of pests and sterilizing them by exposing them to low doses of radiation like X-rays or some other means and releasing it into the wild population.
Insulation
Insulation is a cost-effective method of getting rid of pests. Here, Boron, a chemical is infused into paper fibers of cellular insulation at certain levels to kill self-grooming insects such as ants, cockroaches, termites and etc. The addition of insulation in the attic of a house not only provides control of common pests but also other insulation benefits such as strong thermal envelope and acoustic noise controlling properties.
There are so many products that are available in the market to repel various pests. But most of these products contain strong chemicals such as DEET. DEET or diethyltoluamide is an insect repellent that is used in many products to prevent the bite from insects such as mosquitoes, biting flies and etc. However, do you all know about natural ways to get rid of these insects without using these harmful chemicals?
Top 10 Natural Ingredients to repells all types of pests
Without further ado, let us have a look at some of these ways!
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Citronella
Citronella is a well-known natural mosquito repellent that works against mosquitoes. Citronella oil is extracted through steam distillation of fresh and dried citronella grass. It can be purchased online or can be found in some stores.
However, Citronella evaporates very quickly and thus it is effective for only a short period of time. Also, high levels of citronella can cause skin irritation.
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Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon is another popular natural mosquito repellent that provides protection against mosquito bites. The oil contains a compound called para-menthane-3,8-diol(PMD) that makes it difficult for mosquitoes and other pests to recognize your skin odor. The oil can be purchased online or in health stores.
However, do not apply it directly to your skin. Mix it with some carrier oil like olive/coconut oil and then apply the mixture on your exposed body parts.
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Lavender
Crushed Lavender flowers produce a scent that can repel mosquitoes and other pests. Lavender consists of compounds like camphor, linalool, and eucalyptol which wards off mosquitoes. Other than preventing mosquito bites, lavender oil also soothes your skin. Drop some lavender oil in a clean cloth and rub it on your exposed body parts to keep mosquitoes at bay.
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Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural mosquito repellent due to its strong scent and composition. To get the desired result, mix neem oil and coconut oil in equal proportion and rub it on the exposed parts of the body.
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Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon Oil consists of components like ‘Anethole’, ‘Cinnamyl’, ‘Acetate’, ‘Cinnamaldehyde’ and ‘Eugenol’ which has the ability to kill mosquito larvae effectively. It also acts as a repellent against adult mosquitoes, most notably the Asian tiger mosquito.
High levels of Cinnamon Oil causes skin irritation. So, mix 1/4th teaspoon of oil with every 4 ounces of water and spray the fluid directly to your feet and hands before going out.
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Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is another effective mosquito repellent due to its strong aroma. Thyme essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of leaves and flower tops of the thyme plant. It is also known to provide protection against malarial mosquitoes.
In order to get the desired result, combine 4 drops of thyme oil to every teaspoon of base oil such as olive/jojoba oil and rub it onto your skin.
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Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is another way of keeping mosquitoes at bay. The energizing scent of peppermint which contains compounds like menthol and limonene is quite deterring to mosquitoes and other insects.
For more effective results, combine peppermint oil with some coconut oil and rub it onto your exposed body parts before going out.
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Basil
Basil plant is quite an effective mosquito repellent. It contains compounds like ‘estragole’ which is responsible for the typical scent basil releases when its leaves are rubbed. The scent not only keeps the mosquitoes away but provides the room with an excellent fragrance.
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Lemongrass
Lemongrass’s essential oil is the key component when it comes to deterring mosquitoes from biting. It is an herb with a subtle citrus flavor.
Creating a mixture of lemongrass oil with other natural oils can prove to be more powerful against mosquitoes. You can mix lemongrass oil with rosemary oil to create a strong scent which will be quite effective in repelling mosquitoes.
Lemongrass if not diluted, can cause skin irritation.
10. Catnip
- or ‘Nepeta Parnassica’ is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family. Catnip essential oil can be used as a natural mosquito repellent. It is quite effective in repelling yellow fever mosquitoes.
- Catnip springs produce an oily substance which when applied to the skin keeps the mosquitoes at bay.
- these are some of the natural mosquito repellents which can be quite effective in protecting oneself from mosquito bites.
- what are you waiting for? Start using these remedies and get rid of mosquitoes.