Mosquitoes are one of the most common insect species in homes, with over 3,500 types of this animal worldwide. They can bite and attack any individual they come across, regardless of regions or environmental conditions.
However, for most people, they tend to be highly annoying insects, not just because of their characteristic buzzing, but because many can transmit diseases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States explain that "some mosquitoes can be vectors. A vector is an animal, insect, or tick that spreads pathogens (microbes) to people and animals. The microbes (viruses and parasites) spread by mosquitoes can cause disease."
Among these conditions are Zika, Chikungunya, yellow fever or malaria, and dengue. Just the latter has all health authorities in the Americas on alert currently, due to the presence of more than 3.5 million cases and over 1,000 deaths in the region as of March 26, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
People often use different mechanisms to eradicate mosquitoes from their home. Insecticides, repellents, the well-known 'mosquito rackets', and other types of items top the shopping list for eliminating these insects.
However, there are also simpler and more natural options that can bring the same results, some even require ingredients found in the kitchen. Kóoch Green Cosmetics, a company dedicated to organic cosmetics, made some recommendations.
Lemon: As simple as placing several lemon slices on a plate and distributing them around the house can be useful.
However, for better results, cut the lemons in half and place six to seven cloves on the juicy part, then repeat the same combination for each space in the home and near windows; mosquitoes won't come close.
Oils: Options like Java citronella, blue eucalyptus, or Egyptian geranium help repel insects, for which you can drop two drops into an aroma diffuser.
The smell will be pleasant to the noses of family members and visitors but will be too much for mosquitoes.
Vinegar: Place white vinegar in various glasses and put one in each room and every window of the home. Although the smell is not very pleasant, it will work against the insects.
However, if you prefer, you can do the same exercise with a bottle and apple cider vinegar, whose sweetness will attract the mosquitoes to enter, so you can then seal the container and remove them from the dwelling.
