Who doesn’t love the smell of the summer? Fresh cut grass, suntan lotion, barbecue — you can’t beat it. But just like scent plays a role in our lives, it can also cause pests to be attracted to or repelled from our property. There are some smells that can drive problematic pests away at the first whiff. And one pest that’s highly influenced by smell happens to be the annoying and dangerous mosquito. So, what smells do mosquitoes in Anna hate?
What To Know About Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are infamously annoying pests. They are able to hone in on their victims using carbon dioxide trails wafting in the air and are even able to choose targets based on body heat and clothing color. There are several types of mosquitoes that you are likely to encounter in Anna, including:
- Southern mosquito: These common mosquitoes tend to hunt at night and are known to spread West Nile virus. They are light brown in color and usually measure less than 1 inch in length.
- Asian tiger mosquito: As their name suggests, these mosquitoes have a striped pattern in black and white. They typically measure about 1/8 inch in length.
- Yellow fever mosquito: It’s not hard to guess which disease these bugs are famous for spreading. Yellow fever mosquitoes are known vectors for yellow fever and can be recognized by their dark brown coloring with silvery-white markings. Most measure about 1/8 inch in size.
It’s estimated that nearly one million people die every year as a result of mosquito-borne illness. So, while many encounters with mosquitoes result in nothing more than an itchy bite mark, it’s incredibly important to take these pests seriously and protect yourself against the many diseases they cause.
Are Essential Oils Effective Against Mosquitoes?
If you’ve ever used over-the-counter mosquito repellents, you’ve probably experienced some success in keeping these blood-sucking critters at bay. But the harsh chemicals in mosquito repellent, especially DEET, can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Not to mention, these repellents can be hazardous for pets and children.
Americans are seeking alternatives to traditional mosquito repellents, and essential oils have become a popular option. Unlike chemical sprays, essential oils are easy on the environment and are mostly nontoxic. While not every essential oil is a worthy repellent, there are some scents that seem to be effective against mosquitoes.
What Essential Oils Do Mosquitoes Hate?
So, which essential oil odors repel mosquitoes the best? There are several options that you can choose from. Essential oil smells that mosquitoes hate the most are:
- Lemon eucalyptus – The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has studied this oil and noted it as effective against mosquitoes. And who doesn’t like the smell of lemon?
- Peppermint – Many pests like spiders and ants are repulsed by the smell of mint. Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties and is also a decent mosquito repellent.
- Lavender – Lavender is one of the most widely used essential oils and also one of the safest. Not only is lavender oil good for repelling mosquitoes, but it can also help to heal mosquito bites.
- Citronella – A tried and true mosquito repellent, citronella oil is one of the most effective mosquito repellents and is also useful in healing mosquito bites.
Before you try any essential oils as mosquito repellent, be sure to do your research! Essential oils need to be diffused or diluted before use. A neutral carrier oil or plain water is most effective. It’s also advised that you use a dark-colored glass container for your essential oils, as plastic containers can leach chemicals.
If you’ve got persistent mosquito problems on your property in Anna or the surrounding area, essential oils can only provide partial protection. For relief from dangerous mosquitoes, trust the pros at EcoArmor Pest Defense. We’ll eliminate your mosquitoes at the source and prevent future mosquitoes from inhabiting your property. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.
