Mosquitoes are a huge nuisance for most households during the summer, as this is their peak breeding season. Beyond the annoying bites that cause itching, their buzzing can be frustrating and disruptive to our sleep.
I don’t know about you, but I find that just as I’m about to fall asleep, the buzzing sound of a mosquito seems to get louder. Frustratingly, when I turn on the lights to find and swat it, the mosquito seems to disappear into thin air.
Why can we hear mosquitoes buzzing in the dark but can’t seem to find them when we turn on the lights?
According to research, mosquitoes locate humans by detecting body heat. When the lights are on, the heat emitted by the bulbs interferes with the mosquitoes’ heat sensors. As a result, they fly around erratically, creating less noticeable noise.
Additionally, mosquitoes also rely on the carbon dioxide we exhale to find us. So, when we’re sleeping at night, they tend to hover around our heads, making their buzzing sound more noticeable.
Safe and Effective Mosquito Repellents
To keep mosquitoes at bay, many people resort to burning mosquito-repellent essential oils or incense. However, these may contain chemicals that are harmful to our health. If you’re concerned about this, try these natural and safe alternatives instead:
– Eucalyptus Oil and Garlic
Mosquitoes detest the smell of eucalyptus oil and garlic. So, when they detect these odors, they’ll steer clear. Slice a few cloves of garlic and place them in a small bag or disposable face mask. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, tie the bag shut, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a mosquito repellent. Place it by your bedside or hang it on a door handle, and it’ll do the trick.
– Cardamom and Fennel
Mosquitoes also detest the smell of cardamom and fennel. Soak a mixture of these spices in warm water, strain the solution, and pour it into a spray bottle. Spritz it under your bed or in room corners. You can also add this mixture to your cleaning water when mopping the floor to keep mosquitoes away.
– Burned Citrus Peels
Try drying and burning citrus peels, such as orange or grapefruit, to keep mosquitoes at bay. Place the burning peels near doors, windows, or vents. Not only will this repel mosquitoes, but it will also leave a pleasant, fresh scent in the air. Just remember not to burn citrus peels in enclosed spaces.
Source: The Messenger
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