Your home is normally the best place to relax and unwind. But recently, just when you were decompressing after a long day, you heard it. That ominous buzzing in your ear that tells you that there’s a mosquito nearby.
Nothing interrupts your moment of Zen quite like hunting down one of these bloodsucking pests so that you can avoid getting bitten. Naturally, after one of these experiences, you’re left wondering how to get rid of mosquitoes in the house. In this blog post, we will explore why mosquitoes may decide your humble abode is a perfect place to stick around, and provide you with tips on how to keep these pesky pests in their natural environment.
Steps You Can Take To Reduce Your Indoor Mosquito Population
Do you constantly feel like you are swatting away mosquitoes, even when you are inside? When trying to control an indoor mosquito problem, the following do-it-yourself methods can temporarily keep these annoying biting insects away:
Remove Water Sources
Stagnant water is a mosquito nursery, so you’ll want to remove anything in which water can collect. Pet bowls, vases, you name it! If you have pets, consider draining their bowls and adding new water daily to prevent mosquito larvae from having the chance to develop. Be careful about overwatering your plants, by the same token, so that water doesn’t drain in your pot and collect in saucers.
Mosquitoes can breed in even the smallest collections of water—all these irritating insects need is a bottle cap’s worth to lay hundreds of eggs. Depending on the environmental conditions, mosquito eggs can hatch in anywhere from a few days to a month’s time.
If your problem is severe, you can try cleaning your drains, as well, so water won’t collect in them. Fix all leaking taps and check bathrooms you might not use often, since these common problem areas can make you more vulnerable to a growing mosquito population.
Use Air Conditioning And Fans
Here’s something you’d probably like permission to do anyways in the summer months when mosquitoes are most active: blast your AC and turn your fans on high. Mosquitoes aren’t particularly strong flyers. Therefore, a stream of air from a fan or your air conditioner will likely knock them off course.
Keep Mosquitoes From Coming In
Mosquitoes often enter your home through open doors and holes in window and door screens. To keep them out of your living spaces, be vigilant about keeping your doors closed as much as possible when mosquitoes are active. If you have a screen door or screened-in porch, repair any holes and check your window screens for signs of damage.
The larger your outdoor population, the more likely it is that mosquitoes will invade your home. For that reason, you’ll want to watch for standing water in your yard, keep your yard from becoming overgrown and have routine treatment to address common problem areas where mosquitoes are known to rest and breed.
Use Insect Repellents
If you’re really desperate, consider DEET-based repellents that have proven to be effective at keeping mosquitoes from biting.
If you feel like none of these methods are working, it may be time to take a different approach and call in a pest control professional to pinpoint the source of your infestation. You may want a few other of your questions answered first, however.
Why Are Mosquitoes In My Home?
As we’d already alluded to, if you leave your door wide open—especially at certain times of the day—you’re bound to get a number of insect visitors. However, there are several other specific reasons why mosquitoes might try to get into your house as opposed to your next door neighbor’s.
The first thing to consider is a mosquito’s life cycle. Female mosquitoes need to feed on blood in order to become mature enough to lay eggs. This means that they are most likely the ones venturing indoors to bite you.
How do they know to come inside? There are a number of different theories out there trying to explain exactly how mosquitoes find their hosts.
The most universally recognized one suggests that the carbon dioxide we produce when we breathe guides mosquitoes to us. According to this theory, mosquitoes can sense carbon dioxide and are drawn to it from up to 38 yards away.
In other words, if they’re near your house at all, they can sense you in there.
As for actually getting in, it’s pretty simple. Over time, the mosquito species that bite humans have become quite adept at entering houses via any available entry point. They could, for example, sneak in through a broken window screen, as we’ve already said, or by sneaking in through your bathroom exhaust vents or even your attic soffits.
Other things that don’t help:
- Dense vegetation in your yard (or in your neighborhood) where mosquitoes can hide and breed.
- Dirty gutters (out of sight, out of mind, right?) or drains.
- Having standing water outside, such as in bird baths, children’s toys, buckets and other containers.
Mosquitoes In House At Night: What To Do?
Different types of mosquitoes will bite and attack humans at different times of the day. That being said, almost all mosquito species are most active at dusk and dawn.
Daytime biters include two species of mosquitoes in Texas, that also commonly found in other Southern states: Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti. These species can spread Chikungunya, dengue fever and the Zika virus, so it’s wise to minimize your exposure to these insects. Keep in mind, also, that even though these types of mosquitoes prefer daytime, they have no problem coming out at night for a meal.
Mosquitoes that predominantly bite at night include the Culex species, which is known for transmitting West Nile virus.
If mosquitoes in your house are keeping you up at night, there are several things that you can do to get rid of them and get a better night’s sleep. Many we already mentioned above, but you can try the following tips:
Install Window And Door Screens
This step is more effective to prevent mosquitoes from entering in the first place, but it’s a good idea if you don’t have screens already to keep the problem from getting worse. Check and replace any broken, ripped or non-fitting screens.
Take A Shower Before Bed
One of the things experts believe mosquitoes may be attracted to is the lactic acid in our sweat. Therefore, getting yourself clean and dry before going to sleep may make you less attractive to them.
Wear Long Pajamas
But can mosquitoes bite through clothes? Clothes do offer you some protection, and can make it a little harder for a mosquito to bite you. Some clothes are better at protecting you than others—particularly, loose-fitting clothes—and if you have an infestation on your hands, it’s good information to know.
Put Up A Mosquito Net
If you are covered in bites, you may decide it’s time to get a mosquito net. While you still have to stop these pests from getting in your home, taking this step can minimize your chances of getting bitten while sleeping.
How To Lure A Mosquito Out Of Hiding
Mosquitoes like hiding in dark, humid places. These bothersome creatures can commonly be found hiding in closets, under sinks or beneath furniture—not exactly easy places to look once the sun has gone down.
So, how can you flush the pesky bloodsucker from its hiding place?
- First, turn off all the lights in the room and, if possible, the entire house.
- Next, turn on a single source of light—a phone, lamp or even a candle are good options.
- After a while, the mosquito will fly towards the source of light and land on a nearby surface.
- Once you see the mosquito fly by or hear it buzzing near you, use a flashlight to locate its exact position.
If this sounds like finding a needle in a haystack, well, you are right. In many cases, you’ll have better luck waiting it out than trying to launch a full-scale reconnaissance mission to vanquish one mosquito.
Other ways of luring mosquitoes from their hiding places include using mosquito traps and bug zappers. These solutions are a double-edged sword, however, because they contain elements that “seduce” bugs—meaning you might end up inadvertently attracting more flying annoyances into your home.
If you do corner a mosquito, be cautious about which sprays you use to vanquish your prey, if you choose this method instead of trusting your swatting abilities. Some insecticides contain chemicals with health and environmental risks. You may be better off getting professional advice from a pest control technician on which mosquito abatement methods are the lowest impact to use indoors.
How Long Do Mosquitoes Live In The House?
How long do mosquitoes live indoors? The answer depends on the species, and to some extent, the gender of that mosquito. For example, female mosquitoes generally tend to outlive their male counterparts.
The average lifespan of an adult female mosquito is two to three weeks. Some mosquito species may, however, have prolonged lifespans. A mosquito that spends their winter someplace warm, such as a garage, attic or culvert could, for instance, live for up to six months.
Even with their short lifespans, mosquitoes can quickly become a problem, because of their rapid reproduction cycle and the fact that a single female can lay as many as 300 eggs at once. This is why when talking about mosquito control, emphasis is placed on eliminating the breeding places of these irritating pests.
ABC Can Help You Stop The Swatting
Some homeowners try their best to use the methods discussed above, but it can feel like you’re working tirelessly to barely keep the pests at bay. Also, different treatment methods are needed for different cycles in a mosquitoes life and it’s hard to become an expert on mosquito behavior in your spare time. The professionals at ABC Home & Commercial Services can help you with anything from preventative mosquito control to a full-blown infestation. We even offer free inspections and estimates, so that you can get a better understanding of what exactly is going on in your yard. Our mosquito control program works by neutralizing mosquito breeding grounds, attacking resting areas and ongoing treatment plans to prevent future infestations.When you’re ready to throw in the towel with do-it-yourself mosquito killers, call ABC.
FAQs
Why am I getting so many mosquitoes in my house? ›
Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid places like under sinks, in showers, in closets, under furniture, or in the laundry room. Mosquitoes entering your house from outdoors can start laying eggs indoors.
What smell do mosquitoes hate? ›Certain Natural Scents
Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents: cinnamon, peppermint, cedar, citronella, lemongrass, patchouli, catnip, lavender, and more. Find a favorite, and use it when you want to spend time outside.
After the female mosquitoes are done with their blood-sucking rampage, they can live indoors for quite a long time. While the average mosquito lifespan is from four days to a month, or two months under ideal conditions, most female mosquitoes that feed daily can survive for around two or three weeks inside the house.
How do you lure mosquitoes out of hiding? ›All you do is add some bait (honey, fruit, juice, sugar water, or some nectar-containing flowers) and place in a dark corner of the room. It works because mosquitoes seek out sugar, which they require to fuel themselves.
Where do mosquitoes lay eggs in house? ›Bathrooms and toilets: You may not realise it, but your bathroom and toilet can contribute to the breeding of mosquitoes if you are not careful. These areas are damp, usually filled with moisture, and can hold water, which can create the perfect environment for mosquitoes to reproduce.
Can mosquitoes come through AC? ›Your air conditioner can offer easy access to the inside of your home. The bugs most commonly found in your AC system are flies, cockroaches, mosquitoes, ants, and spiders.
Do dryer sheets repel mosquitoes? ›Dryer sheets are designed to provide a pleasant scent to laundry, not to repel insects, so any insect-repellent properties may wear off quickly. In summary, while some people claim that dryer sheets can repel mosquitoes, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim.
Do mosquitoes hate vinegar? ›Mosquitoes dislike the smell and taste of the vinegar, and will leave you alone so you can enjoy your BBQ. So if you're interested in seeking a natural insect repellent, try out this recipe which uses apple cider vinegar as a base! Fill your spray bottle with half water, and half apple cider vinegar.
Does Pine Sol repel mosquitoes? ›Fortunately, I have learned two things that keep these critters away and you only need 4 simple items: 2 Spray Bottles, a bottle of Listerine Mint Mouthwash, and bottle of Pine-sol (or eucalyptus oil for a more natural spray). For starters, mosquitoes HATE mint! Pour the Listerine into a spray bottle and spray away!
What temperature kills mosquitoes? ›But at what temperature do mosquitoes die? According to WebMD, the magic number seems to be around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Or, that's the temperature at which mosquitoes can no longer function.
What to do if there is a mosquito in your room at night? ›
Grab a torch and turn off all of the lights in your room except for one small light source, like your phone or a small lamp. Eventually, the mosquito will make its way to the light, hopefully landing on the wall or surface near it.
Can mosquitoes be in your bed? ›Bad news for deep sleepers: Mosquitoes are more likely to bite you at night. Nearly 80 percent of bites by the mosquitoes that carry malaria occur during the time when people are in bed, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA.
How many times can a mosquito bite you in one night? ›There is no limit to the number of mosquito bites one of the insects can inflict. A female mosquito will continue to bite and feed on blood until she is full. After they have consumed enough blood, the mosquito will rest for a couple of days (usually between two to three days) before laying her eggs.
How do I make myself less attractive to mosquitoes? ›Basically, to avoid being a mosquito-target you should stay as scent-free as possible, wear light clothes, avoid bogs and use an effective repellent (such as those containing DEET or icaridin).
What is proven to keep mosquitoes away? ›Lemon eucalyptus oil
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved eucalyptus oil as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent. A 2014 study showed that a mixture of 32 percent lemon eucalyptus oil provided more than 95 percent protection against mosquitoes for 3 hours.
- Standing Water. Mosquitos need a few simple things to survive, and they tend to build their nests in locations that offer nearby access to all of these resources. ...
- Shaded Areas. Mosquitos need protection from sunlight. ...
- Protection from Predators. ...
- Available Food Sources.
State and local agencies commonly use the organophosphate insecticides malathion and naled and the synthetic pyrethroid insecticides prallethrin, etofenprox, pyrethrins, permethrin, resmethrin and sumithrin for adult mosquito control. Mosquito adulticides are applied as ultra-low volume (ULV) sprays.
Can mosquitoes breed in a washing machine? ›Home electronic equipment like air coolers, air conditioners, washing machines are also major breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The densely-packed space makes it an ideal environment for them to multiply and breed.
Can I spray bug spray in air vents? ›Note that you should never attempt spraying pesticides into the AC vents. It's unlikely to kill the bugs since most of them hide deep down the unit, and the spray will only cover a small distance.
Can mosquitoes enter house through vents? ›Anything small enough that can squeeze through the vents and/or cracks will want to get inside. The worst offenders are mosquitos, flies, cockroaches, and spiders, but that will depend entirely upon the size of the voids.
Do mosquitoes hide in vents? ›
Mosquitoes will breed in any untreated water. Leaky faucets provide water in which mosquitoes can breed. Crawl spaces, attic vents and broken screens allow mosquitoes to enter your home.
What is the thing mosquitoes hate the most? ›Mosquitoes hate peppermint much like wasps and other common pests. Lavender – Lavender is not only an effective mosquito repellent, it's also touted as a powerful ointment to relieve itchy mosquito bites. This oil has a pleasant floral scent and is the safest choice for children.
Is Vicks good for mosquito repellent? ›have to rub it all over, just apply small dabs on your ankles, wrists, neck, inner elbows, knees and behind your ears. The smell of the menthol in it will repel the insects away. You can also rub it on any mosquito bites you may already have and it will relieve the itching.
Does spray deodorant keep mosquitoes away? ›The good news is deodorant spray or stick can act as a mosquito repellent if applied on to exposed body parts. In case of being bit, swipe onto a mosquito bite to reduce itching. The aluminum salts in the deodorant help stop pain and swelling.
What is the best homemade mosquito spray? ›You'll need half a cup of distilled water, half a cup of witch hazel, rubbing alcohol, or vinegar, and 30 to 40 drops of essential oil of your choice. (Rubbing alcohol may be irritating if sprayed on the skin, and witch hazel is the gentlest option for sprays.)
Does hydrogen peroxide keep mosquitoes away? ›Another quick and affordable hack is to use hydrogen peroxide as a bug repellent. Spraying your patio furniture and outdoor plants with hydrogen peroxide keeps adult bugs away and can also eliminate any insect eggs before they hatch.
Do mosquitoes like Windex? ›Does Windex repel mosquitoes? Because Windex doesn't work as a repellent, it's no more effective at getting rid of the occasional bug than using a broom to shoo the critter outdoors or a paper towel to squish it. You're better off saving the cleaning solution for its rightful use.
What kind of vinegar repels mosquitoes? ›Apple cider vinegar: It's a truly multipurpose remedy that can help with so many things, including mosquitoes. Add equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use it on areas where mosquitoes tend to hang out. You can even spray it on yourself to keep them away.
What month do mosquitoes go away? ›As discussed earlier, mosquitoes require a temperature between 50 to 80-degree Fahrenheit to survive. That's why they come out in the summer season from March to early November.
What time do mosquitoes stop biting? ›These mosquitoes come out in the morning during the twilight before sunrise and disappear once the sun is high in the sky. They'll come out again to feed once more in the evening around sunset.
What time are mosquitoes the worst? ›
Try to avoid being outside during peak mosquito hours – Mosquitoes tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, although specific hours may vary by species. Minimize your risk of being bitten by wearing long sleeves and pants if you're outside during these times.
How do I avoid getting bitten by a mosquito while sleeping? ›Sleep under a mosquito net
Choose a mosquito net that is compact, white, rectangular, with 156 holes per square inch, and long enough to tuck under the mattress. Permethrin-treated mosquito nets provide more protection than untreated nets. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills mosquitoes and other insects.
You can also leave a single small light source on like a lamp and wait for the mosquito to approach it. It should land on the wall near the light source, where you can find it with your flashlight and kill it. If you cannot find the mosquito use a flashlight or a cloth to disrupt its hiding areas.
What is biting me in my bed but I can't see anything? ›These bites may be from small biting midges, often called “no-see-ums”. They are also known as punkies or sand flies.
What is biting me at night not bed bugs? ›Besides bedbugs, numerous insects bite at night. These night biters can be mites, fleas, mosquitoes, lice, spiders, and ticks.
What time do mosquitoes come out at night? ›Most mosquitoes remain active during the night. Their day tends to start at dawn and they tend to head for shelter late morning until late afternoon. They are most active at dusk, and can remain active throughout the night.
Why do mosquito bite ankles? ›The short answer as to why mosquitoes go after feet and ankles is that our feet often carry a strong odor. Yes, stinky feet attract mosquitoes.
How long does a mosquito live after biting someone? ›In fact, they'll keep biting until they've ingested enough blood to keep them full, which can be up to four times their body weight. Male mosquitoes don't bite because they don't need the blood for reproductive purposes. Female mosquitoes, after they bite, can live up to a month or two.
What happens if you get too many mosquito bites? ›If a mosquito bites you and you then develop large areas of swelling eight to 10 hours later, you may have skeeter syndrome. Other symptoms include itching, fever and possibly blisters.
Where do mosquitoes hide in the house during the day? ›Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid places like under sinks, in showers, in closets, under furniture, or in the laundry room. Mosquitoes entering your house from outdoors can start laying eggs indoors.
How do I stop getting bitten at night? ›
- Use insect repellent. To protect against mosquitoes, ticks and other bugs, use insect repellent that contains 20 to 30 percent DEET on exposed skin and clothing. ...
- Wear appropriate clothing. ...
- Use bed nets. ...
- Pay attention to outbreaks.
So, if you're looking to avoid the itchy bites, researchers at the University of Washington say to avoid colors like cyan, orange, red and black. Instead, you should focus on wearing colors mosquitoes ignore like white, blue, green and purple.
What do mosquitoes hate? ›Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents: cinnamon, peppermint, cedar, citronella, lemongrass, patchouli, catnip, lavender, and more. Find a favorite, and use it when you want to spend time outside.
Does anything work against mosquitoes? ›Yes: DEET. A repellent with DEET tells mosquitos to buzz off loud and clear. You'll need one with at least 20% DEET to protect your skin for several hours at a time, although more than 50% doesn't work any better (kids should use 10%-30%).
How do you stop mosquitoes from biting me so much? ›Basically, to avoid being a mosquito-target you should stay as scent-free as possible, wear light clothes, avoid bogs and use an effective repellent (such as those containing DEET or icaridin).
Where do mosquitoes hide during the day? ›During the day, they prefer to lie low away from the sun's dehydrating rays. Mosquitoes like to find sheltered places, ideally ones that are humid or have water sources nearby. Tall grasses, thick brush, shallow holes in the ground, hollow logs and trees, and rock shelters are all viable outdoor mosquito campsites.
Will a mosquito bite me in my sleep? ›Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, but they can also bite at night. In fact, mosquitoes are more likely to bite you when you are asleep. The reason for this is that mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale.
At what temperature do mosquitoes go away? ›Mosquitoes function best at 80 degrees F, become lethargic at 60 degrees F, and cannot function below 50 degrees F. In tropical areas, mosquitoes are active year round.
Does Vicks Vaporub keep mosquitoes away? ›The smell of the menthol in it will repel the insects away. You can also rub it on any mosquito bites you may already have and it will relieve the itching.
Do mosquitoes bite when lights are off? ›Many flying pests, including mosquitoes, can rely on light to navigate when they search for food. As a result, these insects may swarm porch lights and bright areas around homes. Bites usually occur in the evening and at night when many mosquitoes species are active.