As much as we look forward to summer every year, there is one thing that can dampen our enthusiasm for the season, and that is mosquitoes. They appear in the spring and usually last throughout the season, but they are a nuisance and can be dangerous for children and those that are allergic to their bites. That is why people are constantly coming up with ideas on how to keep them at bay for as long as possible. There are many artificial ways to keep mosquitoes under control, and most of them require chemicals, but for those that prefer a more natural approach there is a new trick that requires paper and toothpaste that will help you with this problem.
While going the chemical route is not a bad thing, it is important to remember that they are toxic ingredients and that they can be dangerous for pets and small children, so if you do choose to use them, make sure that you do so in moderation and in a ventilated area to ensure that your breathing and that of your loved ones is not impacted by the fumes.
But if you are looking for a natural remedy that does not have these drawbacks, we have the perfect solution for you.
The natural solution to get rid of mosquitoes
While insects may not have olfactory senses like ours that does not mean that they cannot identify scents and choose the ones that they like and the ones that they do not. In fact, that is part of how they choose who to bite, as all creatures have a distinct odor that either attracts them or not.
This trick relies on a scent that mosquitoes do not enjoy and to make it happen you just need three basic household items toilet paper, a glass jar and toothpaste, preferably with a minty scent. To apply it, start by rolling the toilet paper into a compact strip and applying a layer of toothpaste along its surface and then position the roll inside the jar with one end slightly protruding. Light the exposed tip with care, allowing it to smolder slowly and release a steady stream of smoke that disperses through the space.
It is very simple and plays into the fact that mosquitoes particularly seem to dislike the smell of menthol, which they find quite repellent, and so the smoke from the minty toothpaste plays into that dislike and creates a very unpleasant environment for them, keeping them away from you.
Since this trick requires fire, it is very important that you still use it in a ventilated area where the smoke cannot cause damage, and that you make sure to extinguish it properly before leaving it unattended. While this trick cannot on principle harm people or pets, having a fire is never the safest thing and needs to be controlled.
While this technique may help deter mosquitoes on its own, it is best if it is used alongside other preventive measures like installing mesh screens on windows and doors, which remains one of the most reliable defenses against these nasty creatures. After all the best way to avoid being bitten is to avoid them entering our home.
Another thing that is very helpful is clearing standing water and keeping potted herbs like basil, citronella, or rosemary on patios or window sills, which can also discourage their presence naturally as their odor is also very unpleasant to them. If all else fails, maintaining proper airflow in your home is also very useful, as mosquitoes struggle to navigate in breezy conditions, so fans or air conditioning can further reduce their chances of sticking around worth the added bonus of keeping you and your home cool during the heat.