Don’t worry about mosquitoes this season. Let us take care of them for you.
Finding a Houston Texas natural mosquito control can be a challenge. Everyone needs some repellent in the summertime. Primarily since mosquitoes are known as the deadliest creatures on our planet. They cause more than one million deaths each year because of diseases such as West Nile virus.
Without a doubt, you want an effective mosquito repellent. However, as a society, we’ve been steering away from chemicals and synthetic products. Some natural products are useful, while others aren’t.
You could test out each one yourself. However, to save you the trouble, we’ve compiled a list.
That way, you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor space. Here are all the least effective and most effective mosquito repellent.
Citronella
One Houston Texas natural mosquito control is a Citronella candle. This is a well-known mosquito repellent that is known to be as effective as DEET.
However, the oil evaporates quickly, so it is only useful for a short while. Also, since they emit carbon dioxide, heat, and moisture, the candle might attract mosquitoes.
Since the candle attracts the mosquitoes, they would end up leaving the party alone. Although regular candles do this as well. So instead of buying a citronella candle, an ordinary candle would also emit heat, moisture, and carbon dioxide.
There is also topical citronella available that can be effective. It has also undergone laboratory testing, which repelled mosquitoes for 120 min. The one downside is that for some citronella could cause skin irritation.
Essential Oils
The latest trend of essential oils is another natural mosquito repellent used by many. However, there’s little scientific research to back up their effectiveness.
Also, they tend to evaporate off the skin quickly. To use essential oils, they will need to be continuously reapplied throughout the event.
Some oils that have been known to have mosquito repellent properties are:
- Lemon eucalyptus (not to confuse with oil of lemon eucalyptus, which is a synthetic product.)
- Eucalyptus
- Clove
- Lemon Grass
- Peppermint
While the effectiveness is ultimately unknown by scientists. They have worked for some people and would have to be tested out to find the best one.
Keep your family safe this summer. Give us a call today for a free estimate. Our services are the best way to keep your property mosquito-free.
Sonic Devices and Apps
These devices imitate the sound of a dragonfly or the mating call of a male mosquito. Dragonflies are a primary predator of mosquitoes. So, logically the sound of a dragonfly’s wings would ward off mosquitoes.
Also, female mosquitoes are the only ones who bite. They even only eat when they are ready to lay eggs. Naturally, the sound of a male’s mating call would run off female mosquitoes. Those with fertilized eggs wouldn’t want to be around a mating male.
Although these make sense, when tested, they didn’t work. There’s no evidence that a female mosquito with fertilized eggs will leave an area despite there being dragonflies or mating males.
If you have ever sat by standing water, swatting at mosquitoes while dragonflies zip around you. You know that the sound of a dragonfly isn’t the best Houston Texas natural mosquito control.
Avon Skin So Soft
This product has been said to work great as a mosquito treatment. While some claim this to be a dependable product, tests say otherwise.
A test done in 2002 reported by The New England Journal of Medicine discovered Skin So Soft only works for 10 minutes.
This was discovered through a masochistic study where test subjects stuck their arms in cages full of mosquitoes. The other product used was Bite Blocker, which worked for 94 minutes.
Avon So Soft wasn’t intended to be a mosquito repellent. However, Avon listened to its customers and created Avon Skin So Soft Bug Gaurd Plus IR3535. This product was also tested and works for 23 minutes.
Wristbands
All wristbands are only valid at protecting your wrists. Everywhere else can quickly end up infested with mosquitoes.
So if none of these Houston Texas natural mosquito control are useful, what will work at preventing mosquitoes?
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
This is the one botanical repellent that is approved by the CDC. It is stated to be comparable to DEET. Which is the top leader in bug repellent.
Unlike essential oils, this has passed Consumer Reports’ tests, stating it repelled mosquitoes for about 7 hours. The product that was tested had 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Houston Texas natural mosquito control
Getting Rid of Standing Water
Anywhere on your property can be standing water. This is the main breeding ground for adult mosquitos and the best place to hold eggs and larvae.
Maintaining your property is a great way to reduce the potential of standing water. Some of these things can include:
- Cleaning the gutters
- Putting yard tools away
- Throwing out plant cuttings
- Fix leaky watering equipment
- Make sure your property drains properly
- Get rid of debris
- Cut tall grass and keep all plants trimmed
This is some routine maintenance that can help reduce stagnant water. The less stagnant water around the fewer mosquitoes you will have. It is the most effective preventative measure.
However, if you have adult mosquitoes populating your yard, it can be an uphill battle. Even after you have eliminated all standing water.
Houston Texas natural mosquito control solutions
As we’ve seen, most natural solutions aren’t as effective as DEET or other harmful chemicals. However, it’s not fun to smell like strong chemicals for hours on end.
Luckily there’s a solution for both. While it is still chemical-based, mosquito misting systems help deter mosquitoes without harming you. They spray the chemicals while you are indoors. Keeping you away from the chemicals and targeting infamous pests.
Texan Mosquito Systems is one of the best Houston mosquito control services in the area. Check out our services and get your questions answered. Or call us for your free estimate at (713) 344-1984. Give your family what they need. Give them a safe and effective alternative to DEET by calling us today. We’ll be your Houston Texas natural mosquito control services.
Houston Texas Fun Facts
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- In 1837-1839 Houston was the capital of Texas
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