How to Kill Mosquitoes in Your House

Dealing with mosquitoes outdoors is annoying enough; however, the annoyance of dealing with a mosquito outside of your house does not begin to compare with the frustration of dealing with a mosquito inside of your house.

A mosquito in your house will tend to lie low when the lights are on; however, the moment the house gets dark, the mosquito will come out in search of blood. Normally, just as you are you are drifting off to sleep, the mosquito will find you and begin buzzing around your ears. We have all been there, and it is simply maddening.

Killing the mosquitoes in your house may seem impossible, but there is a solution. Mosquitoes are attracted to water. That is where those biting females lay their eggs. You can use this natural attraction to water against the mosquitoes.

Since your bathroom contains standing water in the toilets and water traps, it naturally attracts mosquitoes. Since bathrooms are normally small spaces with limited exits, they provide ideal places to corner and kill mosquitoes.

You can lure the home-invading mosquitoes into your bathroom simply by leaving the bathroom door open. Leaving the bathroom door open will be most effective when the house is dim or dark and the mosquitoes are at the peak of their activity. As the mosquitoes fly around your darkened home, many will find the standing water in your bathroom and choose to linger there.

In the morning, arm yourself with an electronic insect swatter, go into the bathroom, close the door behind you, and turn on the lights. Check for resting mosquitoes on the ceilings, water receptacles, dark surfaces, and all smooth reflective surfaces (i.e., mirrors, chrome, tiles, etc.). There is a very good chance you will find some or all of the mosquitoes that have been bothering you. Since you have the mosquitoes trapped in the tiny confines of a bathroom, you will have an easy time killing them one by one with your electronic swatter.

If you make it a practice to leave your bathroom door open when the house is dim or dark, you will create a common congregation point for your mosquitoes and make disposing of them much more effective and efficient. So, leave that bathroom door open at night, and when you wake up, start your day off right by killing a few mosquitoes.

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HIV, AIDS, and Mosquitoes

Everyone is concerned about the possibility of contracting HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) / AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). An obvious question is “If HIV can be transferred through hypodermic needles, then why can’t HIV be spread through mosquitoes?”

This is a very good question, and it has not yet been absolutely answered. However, take comfort in knowing that it is highly unlikely that mosquitoes can transfer HIV. Here are a few facts.

1. HIV, unlike malaria, does not replicate in mosquitoes.
2. The blood left on the mouthparts of a mosquito after a feeding is very small.
3. Mosquitoes inject their saliva and suck blood through different tubes. (Note: Common infections from mosquitoes normally come from the injection of mosquito saliva.)
4. Currently, no one has documented a case of an HIV transmission through a mosquito.

These facts are comforting, but common sense cannot be ignored. HIV is spread through blood, and any time blood in any quantity is being transferred from one person to another, there may be a chance for just about any disease to be transferred as well. At this point, it appears highly improbable that HIV can be spread through mosquitoes, but it would be irresponsible to say that it could never happen.

Mosquito Magnet

Have you used the Mosquito Magnet? If so, how well did it reduce your mosquito population?

Mosquito Nets

A mosquito net is a valuable item to have with you when you go camping. You can buy mosquito nets at sporting goods stores, camping supply stores, and Army-Navy surplus stores.

Some fancy mosquito nets are available for domestic use. These are the round types that hang directly from room over the bed. You see these in those movies about Africa. The good news is that they work and can be very stylish in the right room.

Mosquito Flight Range

When it comes to flight range, mosquitoes vary greatly by breed. Some breeds fly only a few hundred feet; however, most breeds fly 1-3 miles. Some breeds can fly dozens of miles.

Wear White after Labor Day and after Dusk

Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. Therefore, it is a great idea to wear light colored clothes outdoors. Avoid clothes that are black, brown, dark blue, etc.

The Bat Signal: Controlling Mosquitoes with Bats

Bats do eat mosquitoes. Unfortunately, less than 1% of a bat’s diet is composed of mosquitoes. Bats will get rid of some mosquitoes, but do not count on them to fix the problem.

Also, consider that bats generate a lot of guano, carry diseases such as rabies, and love to move into attics. Bats can decrease your mosquito population, but consider the risks before you build that bat house.

Garlic May Repel Vampires But Not Mosquitoes

Many people believe that eating garlic will protect them from mosquito bites. Research shows that there is no evidence that garlic repels mosquitoes. Garlic may keep your blood safe from vampires, but it’s probably not going to repel any mosquitoes.

Practicing Your Backhand with the Electronic Mosquito Swatter

The most fun mosquito control product ever invented is the electronic mosquito swatter. This device is basically a small electrified tennis racket. When you see a mosquito, you press down the on button to electrify the swatter’s metal mesh and swing away. As soon as the mosquito touches the wires, she will fry.

The frightening thing about this swatter is that awkens your dark side. You will realize this when you finally catch that pesky mosquito that has just tormented you in a darkened bedroom for three hours. The urge to hold down the on switch and watch the mosquito spark and sizzle is uncontrollable. When you start smelling the scent of burnt mosquito, you’ll say, “Wow, I need counseling.” But right after you say that, you will go to sleep in a nice, quiet, mosquito-free room. Trust me, after a good night’s sleep, you’ll be back to your good old self.

Sweet Breezes: Wind Makes Flight Difficult for Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes weigh only 2 to 2.5 mg. This extremely light body makes clam-air flight easy but rough-air flight nearly impossible.

A mosquito will have an incredibly difficult time landing on you if you sit near a fan or in some sort of steady air current. If you want to sit on your back porch without being harassed by mosquitoes, take a fan with you or install a ceiling fan.

Mosquito Coils

Have you used mosquito coils? If so, how what brand did you use, and how well did they work?