How to repel mosquitoes naturally or with a lantern

Mosquitoes can be a real buzzkill. Although there isn’t a surefire way to eliminate them completely, there are some things you can do to keep them at a distance.

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But why are these little suckers so attracted to us in the first place?

Extreme wet weather and flooding can result in a surge of mosquitoes and potentially increase the likelihood of mosquito-borne diseases like the Japanese Encephalitis virus (JE) and Ross River virus. Like most insects, mosquitoes thrive in warm wet conditions, laying eggs in and around water, meaning the more it rains, the more opportunities mosquitoes have to multiply.

“Initially, they’re attracted by the carbon dioxide we exhale,” Dr Cameron Webb, a medical entomologist from University of Sydney wrote in an article for The Conversation. “Body heat is probably important too, but once the mosquito gets closer, she will respond to the smell of a potential blood source’s skin."

Wear insect repellent

As the best form of protection against mozzies, Dr Webb says, “Wearing insect repellent like DEET or Picaridin gives the longest-lasting protecting and are the most effective.”

You can also opt for natural, plant-based repellents like citronella or tea-tree oil; though these need to be reapplied more frequently. “It’s important to remember that insect repellent needs to be applied like sunscreen — to all exposed skin. A dab here or there won’t provide enough protection," says Dr Webb.

Mint

Turns out, mosquitoes hate the smell of mint. Place mint plants around outdoor areas (or grow it yourself!) or alternatively, you can spray some mint oil on your body.

Turn the fan on

Luckily, mozzies are naturally weak fliers – so a fan on the verandah or deck is actually a great way to keep the critters at bay (and keep you cool at the same time!). The New York Times also reports that the breeze from a fan "disperses the human emanations that allow female mosquitos [the gender that bites us] to zero in on us." It’s really that simple.

Don’t wear black

It's true! Wearing darker colours like black, blue or green can actually attract mosquitos, so stick to neutrals and loose clothing, as they can bite you through tight clothes.

Keep an eye out for likely breeding grounds

Stagnant water is the perfect breeding ground for mozzies. Keep an eye out for any old pots or buckets around your home that have filled up with old water.

Aside from avoiding going outside altogether during peak mosquito times and wearing protective, long clothing, an effective way to protect yourself without any harsh chemicals.

Indoor insect control

Mosquitoes are generally associated with being an outdoor problem, but the pests always seem to find a way in somehow. An ideal solution for indoors in areas including the living room, bedroom, kitchen or study is the Gecko Bionic Insect Trapper, $49, which attracts mosquitoes using a CO2, UV light, heat and moist air – termed bionic luring. It mimics human breath by releasing Carbon Dioxide as well as moist warm air. With its clever, contemporary design, it not only looks great, but offers radius of up to 10 metres.

Outdoor protection

If you're after an easy to use, simple and effective product for outdoor protection, the Gecko 40W Insect Killer, $84, is ideal for medium-sized, suburban backyards. Covering a 30m radius of protection, this lantern is weatherproof and comes with a self-cleaning vertical grid and a catcher tray.

For something more discrete in design that coordinates with your decor, the Thermacell Mini Halo Table Top Repeller, $52.95, provides invisible, continuous protection from mosquitoes, creating a 21 metres square zone.

Camping trips

With a 98% effective rate, the Thermacell Scout Lantern, $79.95, successfully repels mosquitoes and insects by creating a 21 metres square zone of protection. Its smaller portable size, bright 220-lumen light with 40 hours runtime, hanging clip, and outdoor design make it perfect for camping, caravanning or simply when out in the backyard, or deck. This scent-free, DEET-free lantern means you can say no to messy chemical sprays and lotions, making life more comfortable and enjoyable.