Warmer weather brings all kinds of summer fun back into our lives, from trips to the beach and outdoor entertaining to days spent lounging by the pool. But the one thing no one looks forward to during this season? Mosquitoes. These pests not only leave us with red, itchy bumps, but they are also carriers of many diseases. Controlling mosquitoes on your property reduces exposure to mosquito-borne diseases, prevents mosquitoes from laying eggs around your home, and reduces swatting and scratching of mosquitoes in the summer. Masu.
But that doesn't mean you have to rush to the store to buy mosquito repellents and repellents. You can effectively keep pests at bay by making one of these three easy DIY mosquito traps.
- Timothy WongTechnical Director, M&M Pest Control
- Ian WilliamsOrkin's BCE Technical Services Manager
How to make a DIY mosquito repellent using yeast and sugar
A combination of sugar, yeast and water is an effective way to trap mosquitoes in and around your property. “After a few hours, the yeast begins to emit a steady stream of carbon dioxide, which is very attractive to mosquitoes,” says Timothy Wong, M&M Pest Control's director of technology.
Materials needed
- empty plastic bottle
- white sugar
- yeast
- water
- black cloth or handkerchief
Instructions
- Cut the top of an empty plastic bottle from just below the neck.
- Combine the sugar and yeast solution in the bottom of the bottle (if using a 2 liter bottle, mix 1 cup of warm water, 4 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/3 teaspoon of yeast; if using a smaller bottle, use the same (adjust ratios and amounts accordingly).
- Turn the top of the bottle over, facing down, forming a funnel.
- Place it on the bottom of the bottle. Use tape or glue to secure the funnel in place, making sure to seal any gaps or openings around the edges.
- Wrap the bottle in black (leaving the top uncovered so mosquitoes can fly away) so that it is dark both inside and outside.
- Refill the trap with fresh yeast and sugar every few days.
How to make a DIY mosquito repellent using a box fan
Do you have a box fan lying around in your house? Used to catch mosquitoes. “Most species of mosquitoes are weak fliers, and strong winds can deter them from approaching,” said Ian Williams, BCE technical services manager at Orkin. “An overhead fan on a porch or a box fan placed away from the area you want to protect can help reduce mosquito bites.” When mosquitoes get behind the fan, the air sucks them in. , then captured.
Materials needed
Instructions
- Attach a mesh screen to the back of the box fan.
- When the fan blows air, it sucks in nearby mosquitoes.
- Remove and clean the mesh screen weekly to prevent trapped mosquitoes from blocking the back of the fan.
How to make a DIY mosquito repellent using stagnant water
Mosquitoes are attracted to stagnant water and can use it to their advantage if provided correctly. “Soaps and detergents are surfactants, which lower the surface tension of water,” says Wong. “When mosquitoes try to land on the surface of the water to lay their eggs, they are unable to stay afloat and eventually drown.”
Please note that this only works against certain mosquitoes. “Only female mosquitoes that have already taken a blood meal will actively seek out stagnant water to lay their eggs,” Wong says. “So if you plan on using this indoors, know that most mosquitoes will bite first before they can be caught.” Try to limit water standing around.
Materials needed
- bucket or bowl
- water
- Dishwashing detergent or liquid detergent
Instructions
- Fill a bowl or bucket with water.
- Add a few drops of soap or liquid detergent and mix gently without creating too much suds.