Keep Mosquitos Away: Bedroom Strategies To Avoid Bites

Mosquitoes are a nuisance and can also be carriers of harmful diseases such as malaria and the Zika virus. While there are several ways to trap mosquitoes, here are some strategies to lure them out of hiding and attract them indoors:

- Turn off the lights and use a flashlight to locate them.

- Lure them with your breath and body heat.

- Dim the lights and confine the space.

- Time your search for when mosquitoes are most active, such as during a full moon or after dusk.

- Use scents that mosquitoes are attracted to, such as yeast, flowers, beer, or certain perfumes.

- Eat foods that will make you more attractive to mosquitoes, such as salty snacks, soups, sweets, avocado, or banana.

- Increase your body heat by taking a hot shower, sitting by a fireplace, or exercising.

- Use electronic devices, such as a smartphone or tablet, with the screen set to bright.

Lure mosquitoes with light

Mosquitoes are attracted to light, so you can use light to lure mosquitoes out of hiding and trap them. Here are some methods to do this:

The flashlight hunting method

• Turn off all the lights in your room except for one small light source, like a lamp, your phone, or a small lamp.
• Eventually, the mosquito will make its way towards the light, hopefully landing on the wall or surface near it.
• When that happens, turn on your torch and move the beam against the wall or surface until you find the mosquito. With fewer light sources, it is easier to spot the mosquito or its shadow.

The technology trap method

• Lie in bed on your back and place your tablet or phone on your chest with the screen on and set to the highest brightness.
• If you have light-coloured or white sheets, bend your knees and poke them up so the sheet is visible when you look straight ahead. This will make the mosquito more visible.
• Take big deep breaths and exhale in the direction of the tablet or phone on your chest. The carbon dioxide from your breath, in addition to the light, will draw the mosquito in.

The light and wall method

• Use a small, bright light like a flashlight, flood lamp, or even the light from your laptop or phone screen.
• Point the light at a blank surface like a wall, poster, door, or whatever else is in your room that has no obstruction.
• Get something to smack the mosquito with and find a hiding place.
• Make sure the light is bright enough for you to read under, but focused into a small circle or square on your wall.
• Lean the light source or mount it so you don’t have to hold it.
• Turn off all the lights in your room. Shut the doors and windows and hide somewhere while still watching the bright light shining on the surface.
• Wait for a few minutes. The mosquito will eventually make its way to the light and fly around it.
• If everything goes according to plan, the mosquito will land on the wall where the light is bright, and you can kill it.
• Even if it doesn’t land, the light will cast the mosquito’s shadow onto the surface, making it easier to identify and kill.

The parallel light source technique

• Get a bright flashlight and place it parallel to a blank wall off to the right or left of the “target zone.”
• Choose a large blank area on the wall and put the light to the left or right of it, facing the blank area.
• The light should be touching the wall so that it casts a beam that covers a significant portion of the “target zone.”
• Turn off all the other lights and get something to smack the mosquito with. Then wait.
• Soon, the mosquito will come out of hiding and fly towards the bright light.
• When it hovers around the flashlight or lands on the wall, it will be easy to spot under the light or by its shadow.
• Note that when you get up to smack the mosquito, avoid walking in front of the flashlight because the sudden change in lighting will scare it away.

Use a fan

Fans are an effective way to deter mosquitoes from your bedroom. Firstly, the wind from a fan prevents mosquitoes from landing on you by quite literally blowing them away. Mosquitoes can only fly at about 1 mile per hour, so even a gentle breeze from a fan on a low setting will be enough to overpower them.

Secondly, a fan dilutes and disperses the carbon dioxide you exhale. Carbon dioxide is one of the major chemicals that attract mosquitoes, so dispersing it with a fan will make it more difficult for them to locate you.

Thirdly, the wind from a fan cools you off. Heat, sweat, and body heat attract mosquitoes, so using a fan to cool yourself down will make you less appealing to mosquitoes.

For an indoor setting, a fan on medium or high speed should be sufficient to deter mosquitoes. If you're using a ceiling fan or a pedestal fan, simply turn it on and let it run while you sleep. If you don't have a fan in your bedroom, you can purchase a small, portable tabletop fan that runs on battery power.

Natural repellents

There are several natural repellents that can help keep mosquitoes at bay. Here are some methods you can try:

Natural Repellent Sprays and Oils:

• Lemon eucalyptus oil: Mix one part lemon eucalyptus oil with ten parts sunflower oil or witch hazel. This mixture has been shown to provide more than 95% protection against mosquitoes for up to 3 hours. However, it is not recommended for children under 3 years of age.
• Lavender oil: Crush lavender flowers to produce a fragrance and oil that can repel mosquitoes. Apply the oil to bite-sensitive areas such as your ankles and arms, or rub some oil on a clean cloth and apply it to the skin.
• Cinnamon oil: Mix 1/4 teaspoon (or 24 drops) of cinnamon oil with 4 ounces of water. Spray the solution onto your skin, clothing, or around your home. Cinnamon oil can also help kill mosquito eggs. Note that concentrated cinnamon oil can irritate the skin, so always dilute it and perform a patch test before use.
• Thyme oil: Apply a mixture of 4 drops of thyme oil to a teaspoon of base oil, such as olive or jojoba oil. Alternatively, mix 5 drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water for a spray. Thyme oil is particularly effective against malarial mosquitoes.
• Greek catnip oil: Nepeta parnassica, a member of the mint family, is effective in repelling mosquitoes for 2 to 3 hours. Catnip has been found to be 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes.
• Citronella: Citronella is a common natural essential oil that works against mosquitoes and is an ingredient in many mosquito repellents. Citronella candles can provide up to 50% extra protection outdoors.
• Tea tree oil: Studies suggest that tea tree oil is an effective insect repellent against mosquitoes, bush flies, and biting midges.
• Soybean-based products: According to the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, soybean-based products like Bite Block Kids (2% soybean oil) can provide long-lasting protection from mosquitoes.

Plants:

• Catnip, marigold, and lavender: While there are mixed reviews about the effectiveness of these plants, some people have found success in planting them to repel mosquitoes.
• Citronella plants: Watering citronella plants can help release a pungent odour that repels mosquitoes.
• Basil, mint, and citronella: These plants can help deter mosquitoes.

Other Methods:

• Fans: Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so placing fans around your bedroom can create a breeze that will keep them away.
• Carbon dioxide traps: Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide. You can create a trap using a plastic bottle, water, brown sugar, and yeast. This mixture will produce carbon dioxide, attracting and trapping mosquitoes.
• Stagnant water trap: Fill a bowl or bucket with water and add a few drops of dish soap or liquid detergent. Mosquitoes will be attracted to the stagnant water, and the reduced surface tension will cause them to drown.
• Bat boxes: Installing bat boxes can help control the mosquito population, but it may take a few years for bats to start using them.

Install window screens

One of the most effective ways to keep mosquitoes out of your bedroom is to install window screens. Mosquitoes can enter your room through small openings in windows and doors, so it's important to ensure that your window screens are properly fitted and free of any tears or holes.

There are a variety of window screen materials available, each with its own advantages. Aluminum screen fabric is durable, long-lasting, and sag-resistant. It is suitable for most screen projects and tends to be less visible than other types. Fiberglass screen fabric is easier to install than aluminum, resistant to creasing, and available in gray and charcoal/black finishes. Polyester screen fabric offers even more durability and strength than fiberglass.

If you're looking for maximum visibility and airflow, lightweight screens are nearly invisible from the outside, providing a better view and allowing more natural light and breeze to enter your home. On the other hand, if you want to block heat and glare from the sun, choose screens designed for energy efficiency. These screens also provide privacy during the day while protecting your curtains and carpets from fading.

For those with pets, extra-strong screens can resist damage from claws and curious noses. And if you're concerned about tiny insects, tightly woven screens are specifically designed to keep out gnats and sand flies, ensuring that even the smallest bugs stay out of your bedroom.

When installing window screens, you have the option to use an existing frame or build a new one. If you're using an existing frame, you'll need to replace the spline—the flexible cord that holds the screen in place. Make sure to choose the right color and diameter for your groove size. You may need to stretch the spline slightly to fit, but it will return to its original shape once rolled into the channel, providing a secure hold.

If you're building a new frame, start by measuring the area and subtracting 1-1/2 inches from the height and width to allow for screen corners. Cut the frame pieces to size, then lay the frame down with the channel side up. Tape the center of each outside edge to your work surface and lay the screening over the frame, leaving an overlap of 1/2 inch on all sides. Cut the corners of the screening at a 45-degree angle to create neat overlaps at the frame corners.

Use a screen tool to roll the spline into the channel, starting at the corner and working your way around. Keep the screen material taut for a polished appearance. Finally, trim off any excess screening using a utility knife, guiding the cut with the top of the spline.

Reduce indoor humidity

Mosquitoes are attracted to damp, humid environments, so reducing indoor humidity is key to keeping them away. Here are some ways to achieve that:

Remove Standing Water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so eliminating any sources of standing water in and around your home is crucial. This includes items such as vases, flower pots, buckets, trash cans, toys, pools, birdbaths, and flowerpot saucers. Regularly empty, scrub, turn over, or cover these items to remove mosquito eggs and larvae.

Maintain Water Storage Containers

If you have water storage containers, such as buckets or cisterns, ensure they are tightly covered to prevent mosquitoes from entering and laying eggs. For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito to prevent their entry.

Address Drainage Issues

Pay attention to areas in your home with poor drainage, as these can create humid conditions that attract mosquitoes. Fix clogged or malfunctioning gutters to prevent water buildup. Also, address any low spots in your lawn or garden that collect water, and fill or drain them to reduce humidity.

Regularly Clean and Change Water

In areas where you can't eliminate water, such as birdbaths, regularly clean and change the water. This will help prevent mosquito eggs and larvae from developing. Additionally, consider introducing fish that eat mosquito larvae, such as goldfish, bluegills, or minnows, into ponds or water features.

Control Humidity in Dark Places

Mosquitoes tend to rest in dark, humid places like under sinks, in closets, under furniture, or in laundry rooms. Ensure these areas are well-ventilated and dry. Use fans or air conditioning to reduce humidity and make these spaces less appealing to mosquitoes.

By following these steps to reduce indoor humidity, you can effectively deter mosquitoes from making your bedroom their haven.

Frequently asked questions