Q&A for How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

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Question

I woke up with 20 bites, but no sign of a mosquito - how do I find where it is in my house?

Community Answer

They tend to hang out in low, dark areas (especially during the day), under the bed and hideouts close to the floor are good places to start. That's why many people get bit on the ankles.

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Question

I often find mosquitoes in my car. Could this be from the nice smells hanging from the car mirrors? Do they breed in there? Or do they just fly in?

Jimmie Sober

Community Answer

Fly in is most common. Seldom do they breed in a clean vehicle. In the evening when not using the vehicle, close the windows.

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Question

Should I burn my house to kill mosquitoes?

Community Answer

No, of course not. This would be a terrible idea.

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Question

Do dryer sheets repel mosquitoes?

Community Answer

Dryer sheets (rubbed on or hanging) have been proven in multiple controlled studies to have no effect whatsoever on the number of mosquito bites received.

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Question

Does lavender repel mosquitoes?

Community Answer

Yes, mosquitoes dislike the smell.

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Question

Can I mix a few drops of lavender oil with water in a spray bottle to use in my room?

Denise Coffman

Community Answer

Yes. It is also helpful to spray on screens and around door jams. You can even spray it directly on your bed.

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Question

What time do mosquitoes come out?

Community Answer

Mosquitos are awake at any time of day, but become most active at dusk.

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Question

Why won't the mosquitoes leave me alone when I have put lemon on myself and my clothes?

Community Answer

Lemon isn't useful. It is citronella that mosquitoes don't like. They could be attracted to the sweet taste.

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Question

How do I keep mosquitoes from biting me while I'm asleep?

Community Answer

Sleep under a net. Leave a fan on, as mosquitoes don't like the moving air. Spray the room with a suitable spray. Keep screens on the windows when leaving windows open, and mend any small holes in the screens.

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Question

How do I stop mosquitoes from biting me when I sleep if I don't have a net?

Community Answer

Take a bowl and add 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 3/4 cup soapy water. Mix for fix seconds. Put this out in your room if you know there is a mosquito in it. If you know you have a mosquito in your room, never fall asleep with it. Mosquitoes spread Eastern equine encephalitis virus, Zika, West Nile virus, malaria and other diseases.

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Question

Will the net will fall off if I kick my blanket when I sleep?

Community Answer

If it does, you may feel it on your face as it falls. Immediately get up and the net up again if you need to. Try shutting your windows as well, and perhaps use some type of mosquito repellent.

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Question

This advice doesn't really work for me. We always sleep with a fan, our windows do have screens, and we also close the windows. What else can I do?

Community Answer

Taking vitamin B1 (thiamine) regularly is helpful for repelling mosquitoes. Since B vitamins are water soluble, they do not stay in your system for a long time, so you would need to take it twice daily, or look for a time-released version of the vitamin. Another option is to take it in the evening or at bedtime if you are concerned about being bitten while you sleep.

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Question

This didn't work for me. Do you have any other suggestions?

Community Answer

Eat garlic, avoid any sort of perfumes. Sometimes, unfortunately, certain people have a natural aroma that attracts more mosquitoes than the normal joe. Wear longer clothing over the trouble spots. Also, you can try to treat itchy bites by rubbing a dry bar of soap over them.

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Question

Does rubbing a lime on my skin keep mosquitoes away?

Community Answer

Do not put lime or lemon on your skin directly. They both have a pH of about 2, which is highly acidic and may lead to a chemical burn. Try rubbing the lime on your clothing instead.

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Question

What sprays could be used when getting rid of mosquitoes?

Community Answer

If it is just for you, you can use Off bug spray or Avon Skin-So-Soft as they are both very effective. If you want it for your yard, you can find repellent sprays at places like Home Depot or Lowes.

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Question

How can I keep mosquitos from being attracted to my cat?

Community Answer

Mosquitoes don't like catnip, so you could always get your cat a catnip toy to play with. They'll rub all over the toy to get the scent on themselves, so it should be enough to repel mosquitoes, especially if you have fresh catnip growing in the house.

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Question

I am getting bitten a lot and it is very irritating, in the middle of the night I would wake up to me getting bitten, how do I treat it immediately?

Community Answer

Use anti-itch cream. You can also invest in mosquito netting if this is an ongoing problem.

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Question

What would be the best option to prevent getting bitten on the ankles by mosquitoes?

Community Answer

Wear thick socks or pants or spray your ankles with bug spray.

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Question

Am I more susceptible to attracting mosquitoes during my menstrual cycle?

Community Answer

Probably. During your periods, you could secrete blood and odor, and mosquitoes are attracted to it. Depending on your blood type, it could either attract or not. People with blood type O are more likely while type A is less likely.

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Question

Do smoke pits work to get rid of mosquitoes?

Community Answer

Smoke pits smell good, and mosquitoes likes good smells. Therefore it is not likely that they will help to get rid of mosquitoes.

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Question

Does soapy water work effectively on mosquito bites?

Community Answer

The best things are natural essential oils like mint or lavender. Also try not to itch the bite as not itching will make it go away much more quickly.

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Question

Should I rub mosquito repellent on my skin to help keep the mosquitoes from biting?

Community Answer

Yes, that's generally the way mosquito repellent works.

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Question

How do I keep mosquitoes away from my pet cat?

Community Answer

There are lots of insect repellent shampoos for pets. You should be able to find a mosquito repellent for your cat at a pet store.

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Question

What can I do about mosquito larvae in the bed of my truck?

Denise Coffman

Community Answer

Larvae can only survive in standing water. If the back of your truck has standing water, you must clean it out. Spray out the bed with the hose, then dry it with a mop or a towel. Larvae will dry up and die on the ground. Car washes work great for this as well.

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Question

What can I do if my neighbor is harboring a mosquito infestation?

Community Answer

Try to talk to your neighbor first. He or she may be unaware of the problem or how to resolve it. If your neighbor is aware of the problem but refuses to do anything about it, contact your county, and see if there are control inspectors to whom you can report the problem to. They will be able to inspect the property and resolve the issue for you.

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Question

Are coffee grounds effective as an insect repellent?

Community Answer

No.

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Question

Does using a different color help keep away mosquitoes?

Community Answer

It doesn’t technically keep mosquitoes away, but lighter colors tend to be less attractive to them.

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Question

How do I obliterate all mosquitoes on the earth?

Community Answer

Mosquitoes are vital food for birds and other animals. Killing them all would not be good for them as well as not possible, there are too many. The best you can do is clear out any stagnant water in your area.

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Question

Does petroleum also repel mosquitoes?

Community Answer

Not at all.

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Question

Can lemongrass repel mosquitoes?

Community Answer

Yes, lemongrass is a great mosquito repellent.

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