Getting rid of mosquitoes can be challenging, but there are several natural and effective home remedies you can use. Based on popular home and natural solutions, here are five remedies that can help repel or eliminate mosquitoes:

5 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

1. Camphor

Camphor is a natural home remedy that can repel mosquitoes due to its strong, distinct aroma.

• How to use it: Place a few tablets of camphor in a small bowl of water and keep it in the room. The strong scent will spread and can help keep mosquitoes away. For a quick elimination method, some people close all doors and windows, light a piece of camphor, and leave it to burn for about 15-20 minutes.

2. Lemon and Cloves

The combination of citrus and the strong scent of cloves is highly disliked by mosquitoes.

• How to use it: Cut a lemon in half and insert cloves (the spice) liberally into the cut flesh of the lemon. Place these clove-studded lemon halves in different corners of a room or near entry points like windows and doors.

3. Essential Oils (Lavender, Eucalyptus, Citronella)

Many essential oils have properties that naturally repel mosquitoes and can be used on your skin, in a diffuser, or as a room spray. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil is even recommended by the CDC as an effective repellent.

• How to use it:
  • Topical Repellent: Mix about 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus) with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply it to exposed skin. Always do a small patch test first.
  • Room Spray: Mix about 10-20 drops of essential oil (like citronella or peppermint) with water and a bit of witch hazel or alcohol in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray around your home.

4. Garlic Spray

Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is an effective mosquito repellent. The strong smell helps keep them away.

• How to use it: Crush a few garlic cloves and boil them in a cup of water. Strain the solution once it cools, and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray this pungent liquid around your rooms, near windows, and in areas where mosquitoes are a problem. The smell may be strong to you, but it should dissipate quicker than it does for the mosquitoes.

5. Soapy Water Traps

This method works as a trap to capture and kill adult mosquitoes as they seek a water source.

• How to use it: Take a shallow dish or bowl and fill it with water and a few drops of liquid dish soap. The soap lowers the surface tension of the water. Mosquitoes are attracted to the water but get trapped and drown when they land on the surface film. Place these traps near windows or in dark corners.

Pro-Tip: Eliminate Breeding Grounds

The most important step in mosquito control is eliminating standing water, as this is where mosquitoes breed.

• Check and empty water from flower pot trays, old tires, buckets, and any containers both inside and outside your home at least once a week.
• Cover water storage containers, and make sure that drains and gutters are clean and not blocked, preventing water collection.

Which of these remedies are you planning to try first?