World Mosquito Day 2024: Home remedies and tips to avoid mosquito bites

Home remedies to prevent mosquitoes: Growing mosquito-repellent plants such as basil and mint can help keep mosquitoes away. Basil contains eugenol, which repels mosquitoes, while mint has menthol, known for its insect-repelling effects (Image: Canva)

Monsoon season is a prime time for mosquito breeding. The heavy rains create pools of stagnant water where mosquitoes lay their eggs. These water-filled areas provide the perfect environment for mosquito larvae to thrive, leading to a surge in mosquito populations during and after the monsoon.

Mosquitoes can carry serious diseases that pose significant health risks. When a mosquito bites, its proboscis pierces the skin to draw blood. During this feeding process, mosquitoes can transmit pathogens that cause various illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquitoes can transmit harmful pathogens through their bites. Diseases such as West Nile virus, dengue fever, and malaria are all linked to mosquito bites, making effective prevention and treatment vital.

Mosquitoes live both indoors and outdoors and are active at all times of the day. Their lifespan ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, varying by species and environmental conditions. Female mosquitoes are the ones that bite, requiring blood to develop their eggs. When mosquitoes bite infected hosts, they acquire and can spread viruses and parasites, leading to potential outbreaks in communities.

Here are some effective home remedies to prevent mosquitoes:

Repellents: Using natural repellents like citronella, eucalyptus, or neem oil can keep mosquitoes away. Citronella masks scents that attract mosquitoes, making you less likely to get bitten. Eucalyptus oil repels mosquitoes and can reduce itching due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Neem oil repels both adult mosquitoes and their larvae, helping to prevent mosquito bites.

Mosquito net: Placing mosquito nets over beds or sleeping areas prevents bites while you sleep. Nets treated with insecticides like permethrin offer strong protection by creating a barrier that repels and kills mosquitoes, significantly reducing the risk of diseases such as malaria.

Proper clothing: Wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks covers your skin, and minimise exposed areas where mosquitoes can bite. Clothing treated with insect repellents or permethrin adds extra protection by repelling mosquitoes and lowering the risk of bites.

Remove standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so emptying containers like birdbaths and flowerpots helps reduce their numbers. By removing these water sources, you prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and West Nile virus.

Tulsi and mint plants: Growing mosquito-repellent plants such as basil and mint can help keep mosquitoes away. Basil contains eugenol, which repels mosquitoes, while mint has menthol, known for its insect-repelling effects. These plants not only enhance your home’s appearance but also help deter mosquitoes with their scents.

Cold compress: Applying a cold compress or ice pack to a mosquito bite can reduce swelling and numb the itch. The cold constricts blood vessels and decreases inflammation, helping to relieve itching and prevent excessive swelling by slowing down the release of histamines, which cause the inflammatory response.