Review of the best mosquito traps: choose the best


Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying enemies of humanity. No wonder there are so many insecticides available in stores. Manufacturers compete in ingenuity and come up with more and more new types of mosquito traps. Today we will talk about them.
We have thoroughly studied all types of traps that are on the market today and will help you choose the most effective ones. Let’s talk about the most famous manufacturers and their best products, and most importantly, find out what experienced users think about all this.
Among the trusted manufacturers of electric traps, I will highlight: Tefal Mosquito Protect, Flowtron, Mosquito Magnet®.
Content:
• What are mosquito traps?
• Best mosquito traps for home
• The best water traps for mosquitoes
• The best CO2 mosquito traps
• The best heat traps for mosquitoes
• Best propane mosquito traps
• The best homemade and natural mosquito traps
As a rule, all mosquito killers operate on the same principle. The device lures the mosquito into a trap space from which it can no longer escape – and inside the insect dies from poison or dehydration. Mosquitoes love human smell, heat, and water. It is on this that the principle of operation of all traps is built. In different traps, one or several “mosquito weaknesses” may turn out to be the bait. All this is associated in the mosquito with food and reproduction – and he flies in the direction of the trap without looking back.
Well, then the differences begin. By type, electric traps are divided into CO2- (carbon dioxide that a person releases when breathing), and propane traps. In some models, heat and even light can be found as bait.
Electric CO2 traps mimic human breathing. Insects feel the gas released into the atmosphere for tens of meters and perceive it as a trace of human life.
Propane mosquito killers work on a similar principle, like the Mosquito Magnet®, the most powerful, expensive and effective mosquito trap. True, they can only be used on the street! We devoted a whole section to this type of traps at the very end of the material. The trick to propane is that when oxidized, this gas forms moisture and CO2. Both attract mosquitoes! And at the same time – and some other winged insects.
Separately, we single out indoor traps, since most of us still live in apartments and we need safe and non-toxic traps. Electric traps are equally effective outdoors and at home: after all, in this case, carbon dioxide acts as both a bait and a destructive environment. They are bought much more often than propane counterparts. Largely due to a more affordable price and good performance.
With heat and light, everything is clear: light attracts and hypnotizes almost all winged insects at night, and, again, they perceive heat as a factor in reproduction and food.
What are mosquito traps?
But the differences between specific types of traps do not end there. Designers and inventors came up with a lot of tricks that made their product unique. We have selected 6 of the most common types of mosquito traps for this review. These are heat and water traps, CO2 and UV traps, homemade traps and propane traps – there are a lot of options! But what are their fundamental differences?

  1. Heat traps (as the name implies, they attract insects with heat). As a rule, these are massive units that can be used on the street or in a large house.
  2. Water traps – quite effective on the street and at home. The main trend in this direction is the combination of the possibilities of “water hunting” and CO2. All such traps are equipped with a special tray for water and make it easy to dispose of the destroyed mosquitoes. They cost an order of magnitude cheaper than heat traps.
  3. CO2 traps. But carbon dioxide is not used in these traps alone. As a bonus, it is also installed on their developments by manufacturers of other “anti-mosquito devices”. The simplest carbon dioxide traps are inexpensive. The most inconvenient thing about working with them is buying gas cylinders!
  4. UV traps for the home – these traps will protect your family from unpleasant gases and odors. They destroy insects with light. And the “light traps” cost quite a bit. Make sure that replacement bulbs are available in the shops of your city or immediately buy a few lamps in reserve – these components will definitely come in handy for you.
  5. Propane traps, like the Mosquito Magnet® mosquito killer. This is definitely not a cheap solution for the street. It is time-tested and enjoys constant popularity with the consumer.
  6. Natural and homemade traps. Homemade traps are extremely affordable, but not as effective as we would like. However, if you are a fan of ecology and budget solutions, then why not try it? The best electric CO2 mosquito traps
    We have already written that such traps imitate human breathing by releasing carbon dioxide. Well, then they suck the flying insects either into the net or into the receiving container. But where does the gas come from in these devices? There are two options. The most common involves the supply of CO2 from a special cylinder. As a rule, these are exclusively traps for the street. When choosing a trap with a balloon, remember that the gas should automatically close when the power is turned off.
    • Tefal Mosquito Protect MN4015F1
    • Flowtron Insect Killer BK15ER
    Best outdoor mosquito traps
    Propane traps are considered the most effective. Propane entering the catalytic burner releases carbon dioxide and moisture. Everything is formed naturally, literally before your eyes. It remains to add bait – and mosquitoes will not fly past. It is recommended to install such traps between the house and the place where insects live permanently. The distance from the house must be at least 4 meters.
    How do outdoor propane mosquito traps work?
    First, let’s figure out how we attract the attention of mosquitoes:
  7. CO2: Humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, which is the strongest natural attractant for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes smell it at a distance of 20 m and rush to their source. As a result, we have bites, itching and ruined weekends.
  8. Heat and smell of the human body. It is known that thermoregulation of the body is a constant process that leads to sweating and heat removal from the surface of the skin. Sweat is excreted by the sweat glands located throughout the body. We may not notice it, but mosquitoes feel everything and fly to the smell.
    Thus, the main task of propane traps is to divert the attention of mosquitoes from humans and attract them to the trap. How is this possible? By emitting CO2 and using special baits to trap. Mosquitoes die quickly without water, so they won’t live long in a trap!
    It is recommended to install the unit between the house and places such as a lake, a pond, a swamp, etc. Remember the distance to the house is at least 4 m! Provided the device is properly positioned, it will serve as a barrier between insects and humans.
    Remember! The most important thing is to start the propane trap at the right time! Turn them on at the very beginning of the mosquito season and you will have a better chance of interrupting the reproductive cycle of mosquitoes and reducing their numbers in your area.
    Advantages of propane traps:
    • In addition to mosquitoes, they catch midges and other biting insects.
    • Many models perform a number of tasks: emit CO2, radiate heat, ie mimic the life processes of the human body and thus attract more mosquitoes.
    • You can choose wired or wireless model.
    • The propane trap is easy to set up and use.
    Cons of propane traps:
    • Propane is a rather expensive consumable (one bottle will last only 3-4 weeks).
    • Propane is not included and must be purchased separately.
    When choosing a propane trap, be guided by its capacity / coverage area, price and method of feeding. However, you don’t have to worry too much about searching. We studied traps from different manufacturers, market reviews and sales statistics and selected the best ones for you.
  9. Also, as a bait for traps of this type, the bait OCTENOL is needed. This is an important part of the effective operation of the trap. Octenol is found in the air exhaled by animals and this component is important for finding mosquito traps. This lure can be purchased from this link. //octenol.shop/

  10. Mosquito Magnet® Pioneer mosquito killer The Executive is the most powerful and expensive model in the Magnet family. Other models – Independence, Patriot, Defender and LIberty are much cheaper.
    Users note a significant reduction in the number of mosquitoes. For people with allergies, this trap may be the only possible way to eliminate mosquitoes. It is also important that this wireless device is powered by rechargeable batteries.
    Other than that, it’s a typical high-end trap. What are the downsides of users? First, it requires a lot of maintenance (like any other trap): replacing propane tanks, cleaning the tank, and regularly changing the bait.
  1. Electric trap Flowtron Mosquito PowerTrap MT Flowtron is also a very famous American trap manufacturer. Users compare this model with traps from other manufacturers and noticed that Flowtron is safe, reliable and performs better than other devices. In addition, this model uses all sorts of baits to attract mosquitoes: CO2, chemicals, sticky strips, heat generation, flashing lights, suction –> more chances of a big catch!
    We found only one minus. Some users are annoyed by the flashing lights of the trap. The best mosquito traps for the home
    Formally, a variety of types of squeaker traps are suitable for home use. Even some chemical devices can be installed in apartments and rooms. But buyers have already formed a logical connection between the concept of “home trap” and light / heat traps for mosquitoes.
    These traps need to be connected to the mains at all times, but they won’t add much to your electricity bill. They use UV light, but they will not interfere with the sleep of even the most capricious children. The advantages of such devices are their high environmental friendliness and compactness. And also – in the ability to kill a variety of flying reptiles. The disadvantages include the relatively high noise level from the fan and the constant dependence on electricity. When the electricity is turned off from some models, insects can easily fly out …

  1. Mosquito trap at home Tefal Mosquito Protect This gadget is very environmentally friendly. To kill mosquitoes, its developers used a small UV lamp that emits white light. The product card states that the light bulb can be easily replaced with a new one as soon as its life expires. The retractable “mosquito trap” from which you will shake out dehydrated mosquitoes is easy to clean and simplifies the procedure for updating the trap.
    Experienced users of the device specify that it needs to be cleaned once a month. The only trouble is that at this point some mosquitoes may still move in mosquito agony. However, the device has other disadvantages. People complain about the loud fan sound and the lack of a timer in the model. Reports on its effectiveness also vary. Someone writes about hundreds of caught creatures, but someone was unlucky – a few units from the mosquito family fell into the trap. Large powerful outdoor mosquito killers
    Flowtron Mosquito PowerTrap MT-275 The most effective and versatile trap! This trap does not need an outlet: it runs on propane and a small AA battery.
    “The SkeeterVac SV5100 has definitely helped reduce the mosquito population, but that doesn’t eliminate them all. I have found this to be an effective mosquito control tool, especially when used in conjunction with other methods. For example, in addition to SkeeterVac 24/7, I have eliminated all sources of standing water in the yard – since the beginning of April, just in case,” = users say. Also, you should keep in mind that a propane tank lasts about 3 weeks , and the bait – for a month.
    Tips from users:
  2. Clean your trap regularly. The more careful you are with the device, the longer the device lasts (on average from 3 to 5 years).
  3. Never set up a SkeeterVac trap near where you are, otherwise you will only attract insects to you. The best place to trap is near a source of running water.
  4. When you open the mosquito box to check how many insects have been caught, cover it with a transparent cover, otherwise live insects will fly out.
  5. If a trap does not work, it does not mean that it is not effective. Maybe it’s the type of mosquito – change the bait.
    The best water traps for mosquitoes
    Most users note the superiority of such devices over light traps. H20 traps are distinguished by the obligatory presence of an open tray with water. Recall that mosquitoes lay their eggs in the aquatic environment, but very quickly drown in any liquid. So the H20 can be both a bait and a killer at the same time. Although most often such traps combine light / water technologies.
    Their plus is that for such models you do not need to buy additional “components”: gas cylinders, attractants, poisons … Well, they are cheaper than propane counterparts! True, you still need to take care of water traps: for example, add and replace water. And also – to remove the victims caught during the shift. And this “mosquito soup” can scare some with its unpleasant appearance …
    Dyntrap Insect Trap, 1/2 Acre Pole Mount With Water Tray Let’s analyze the advantages and disadvantages of such traps using the example of the sales leader – Dyntrap Insect Trap, 1/2 Acre Pole Mount With Water Tray. In addition, this is not the smallest sample – it weighs about 8 kg. But Dyntrap looks quite stylish – the design of the device resembles some kind of futuristic lamp. According to the developers, one such “flashlight” can protect an area of ​​half an acre from insects. It should work in all weather and not be broken by collisions with pets or strong winds. It is important that this trap works “quietly”: it does not buzz or creak, unlike the samples from the previous section.
    Dyntrap Insect trap uses 4 levels of protection at once. The trap attracts mosquitoes to the warm UV light from the fluorescent lamp and emits CO2. Water attracts females thinking about breeding, and a fan draws insects into a cage that is already familiar to us. You need to change its contents somewhere every 5-6 weeks.
    Users call it a nice detail that with the help of the original stand, the trap can be placed almost anywhere.
    What exactly are the downsides? Besides a decent price and size, of course? The device also depends on electricity, but consumes very little. He is criticized for not the most convenient “mosquito collector” and the rapid evaporation of water at hot temperatures (if it rains, the problem goes away). Nature lovers are also annoyed by the fact that the trap can catch beneficial insects: butterflies, bees and beetles.
    But, as it seemed to us, many negative reviews were written by people who came to a picnic and decided to free their site from mosquitoes in half an hour. And it’s still a contraption for constant work. And in a week or two, it really can give a result. The best heat traps for mosquitoes
    Heat traps are very complex and expensive. They imitate a variety of signs of human life. The main bait in this case is the pulsating heat emanating from the device. The infrared “heat gun” hits at a distance of 20 to 50 meters. Hence the record coverage of the area (up to 1.5-2 acres in ideal weather conditions). Many manufacturers add “wandering” LED lights to the heat gun, which also attract insects, and products that mimic the smell of the human body.
    The best homemade and natural mosquito traps
    Of course, you can rely on your own strength and try to make a trap for nosed insects yourself. You don’t need to buy expensive chemicals or motion sensors to do this. Really manage … at least a 2-liter bottle.
    How to make a mosquito trap? Here is a popular recipe from our grandmothers. Cut the bottle in half and insert the top into the bottom, neck to the bottom. Then prepare a simple bait. Boil water and add brown sugar to it. Pour the resulting mixture into the edge of the bottle and throw the yeast there. It is they who will begin to emit carbon dioxide, luring mosquitoes. As an upgrade, you can wrap the container with a black cloth that attracts insects. That’s all! The trap is ready. Place it in a corner near a door or window and change the contents of the bottle once a week.
    However, the effectiveness of this development is questionable. We managed to find a lot of negative reviews about it from various handmakers. Like, the device stinks throughout the apartment, and it catches insects badly.
    Maybe the next version of “homemade” will be cooler? For it, you will need a lamp, gauze, a mini-fan and a mount. Everyone knows that insects are attracted to light. In this case, a gauze bag and a small cooler (for example, taken out of a computer) are attached to the lamp in a compact case in a special way.
    The light source can be quite tiny, and an empty juice box will fit into the case. It turns out that the fan will “suck” the mosquitoes that come into the light into the bag. The main thing is to place the gauze from below, and provide air draft in this direction. The distributors of the technique recommend hanging the resulting device by a window or balcony door. So, like, you will provide the house with light, and you will exterminate the insects.
    True, this construction seems to us too complicated. And we could not find any special evidence of its effectiveness on the Internet!
    Another version of the handmade trap may be useful to residents of the southern regions. We spied him in Africa, where malarial mosquitoes fly in huge hordes and spread a terrible infection. There, insects often enter houses through ventilation. So the Africans came up with the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bpulling gauze smeared with adhesives and insecticides over ventilation shafts. The main thing in this situation is not to poison yourself with the resulting mixture … After all, you breathe the same air with mosquitoes!
    Among the recipes for natural mosquito traps, you will not find any mention of insecticides. For them, you will not need to cut plastic bottles and take out old computer coolers from the pantry. But you will have to feel like an alchemist and remember about the skill of potions.
    We are talking about creating a natural homemade adhesive tape for flies and mosquitoes. It can be made by soaking paper or cardboard with a mixture of rosin, linseed oil and a few drops of honey. Someone, however, replaces them with pine resin, sugar syrup and wax. Here are two popular chemical-free mosquito trap recipes:
    • 300 g of rosin, 200 g of linseed oil, 60 g of honey;
    • 300 g of pine resin, 150 g of linseed oil, 10 g of wax, 50 g of honey or sugar syrup.
    And try not to fall for homemade bait yourself. As a rule, it stains clothes very well and is difficult to wash off your hands! Another “minus” of such Velcro is its fragility: natural ingredients do not serve as well as good old chemistry.
    Tips from users:
  6. This recommendation applies to the use of any propane traps, turn on the appliance before you see mosquitoes. This will be your first step towards getting rid of mosquitoes. The sooner you turn it on, the less mosquitoes you will see later.
  7. Mosquito control will be more successful if you join forces with your neighbors.
  8. Don’t let the trap run dry without propane, replace the tanks on time.
    Conclusion:
    In principle, the price and type of mosquito trap affects the quality of its work. One way or another, in the house and beyond, it is better to trust a professional tool, and not make traps with your own hands.

How to protect yourself from mosquito?


The summer season is associated not only with warmth and long-awaited vacation, but also with the exhausting fight against mosquitoes. Annoying insects are not so harmless: their bites can cause allergic reactions and even dangerous diseases. At the same time, aggressive repellents adversely affect health and can lead to insomnia, mood swings and impaired cognitive function. But there are many alternative ways to stop using hazardous chemicals.

  1. Choose the right clothes
    To prevent mosquitoes from spoiling a pleasant summer evening, pay attention to what you wear. It is better to give preference to outfits of light shades (especially shiny like nylon or satin) without extra cuts, bright floral prints are also acceptable.

But dark fabrics (black, blue) are not suitable for evening walks: such clothes emit more thermal energy, due to which it attracts insects.

2
Some plants have the beneficial property of deterring insects, including mosquitoes. Plant in the garden or even on the windowsill lemongrass, lavender, marigolds, lemon balm, catnip, peppermint, basil or citronella.

From these plants, you can also collect bouquets and put them overnight in the bedroom. Smells will repel mosquitoes no less effectively than special plates.

  1. Use essential oils
    Essential oils are a great helper in the fight against insects. They can be poured into a diffuser, which will gently spray the product around the room. In the form of microparticles, the oil remains in the air for a long time. Pleasant aromas and the destruction of pathogens will be pleasant bonuses.

If you are opposed to using a diffuser, take a bath with essential oils. But do not forget that they must first be dissolved in base oil or in a pinch of salt. Otherwise, skin burns may occur.

Some of the most effective mosquito control oils are lemongrass, basil, geranium, cloves, tea tree, thyme, rosemary, citronella and eucalyptus.

  1. Make a fire
    This method is one of the most effective and reliable for outdoor recreation, especially in the evening.

Mosquitoes and other insects avoid smoke: like all living things, they need oxygen to breathe, and therefore they shy away from smoke sources. In addition, the smell of burning wood interrupts the body aroma, which is so attractive to mosquitoes.

For maximum protection, it is recommended to use natural materials containing essential oils as a smoldering base. It can be dry herbs. Bonfire should be smoky. To do this, you must first build a strong fire, and then throw it with a base that will smolder for a long time.

  1. Find the reason
    If lately there are more mosquitoes than usual, think about what could have caused the invasion of insects. Have you cleaned a fountain, a pool or a pond in a front garden for a long time? Was the vase of flowers stagnating in the room, or was the wet bottom in a bucket on the balcony?

Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in water or moist soil. Therefore, in the summer it is worth covering the trash containers, timely cleaning of children’s pools and emptying the containers for liquids.
 6. Install grids on windows
Mosquito nets on windows are inexpensive, easy to install, quickly cleaned and do not spoil the interior. And most importantly – they help protect households from mosquitoes without resorting to chemicals.

For 15 years (2000–2015), mosquito nets prevented nearly 451 million cases of malaria.

For more reliable protection, choose designs with the smallest mesh size. It can be the Anti-Dust, Anti-Pollen nets.

Bonus: what to do if mosquitoes still bite

If you still can’t protect yourself from mosquito bites, use one of the proven recommendations:

apply a little table vinegar to the wound;
attach ice;
lubricate the bite with saline;
grind a tablet of aspirin, mix the resulting powder with water, apply to the affected area;
squeeze a small amount of toothpaste into the bite;
the main thing is not to comb the wound.
What mosquito repellents do you most often use?

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How to protect yourself from mosquit at nature?

How to protect yourself from mosquitoes?
All mosquito repellents have long been known. This is primarily repellents – various sprays, lotions, ointments, spirals that repel insects.

But do not forget that such remedies can be hazardous to health. For example, as Life previously told, in some popular repellents, the main component is diethyltoluamide. This chemical substance when applied excessively (and repellents are usually sprayed throughout the body in abundant quantities) has a neurotoxic effect (that is, it affects the nervous system – for example, cramps, headache, fainting).

– This component of repellents is toxic, therefore unsafe in terms of application. In addition to possible allergic reactions, it can irritate the nervous system. If it gets inside the body or on the mucous membranes, poisoning is possible until death, ”explained chemist Anastasia Naumova.

According to the expert, you need to carefully read what is written on the package and pay attention to whether the repellent has passed all the verification procedures (is there GOST, a positive review by the Ministry of Health).

– Of course, a significant part of repellents is harmless. But if you choose non-toxic and apply them correctly (spray without getting on the mucous membranes and without swallowing the contents of the spray can), then there will be no problems, ”added Anastasia Naumova.

According to entomologist Marina Krivosheina, repellents have established themselves as effective insect repellents. But there are other ways to protect.

– If you are going to relax in the forest, you should put on light clothes and put a mosquito net on your face. At home, it is also advisable to install such a grid on the windows. It is necessary to protect animals as well – they also have repellents, ”she said.

In general, the expert summarizes, the most effective and safe way to fight mosquitoes is to use mosquito traps based on octenol mosquito attractant, as well as a number of measures aimed at preventing mosquito reproduction in your territory. First of all, control over possible places of their reproduction, such as small ponds, pools, as well as places with high humidity.

Top 15 ways to protect yourself from mosquito

15 plants that drive mosquitoes from the garden
Even the most sincere warm evening in the country can be spoiled by annoying mosquitoes – the constant companions of summer suburban life. The chemical industry has come up with hundreds of mosquito repellent drugs. In one way or another, they are all effective, but have significant drawbacks – they are toxic to varying degrees, cause allergies, and in most cases are contraindicated in small children.

However, nature itself, having created mosquitoes (they are an important part of the food chain), made sure that they did not interfere with our lives. To do this, in her arsenal there are many plants that repel insects with their smell. In this publication we will talk about the 15 most effective plants – “mosquito repellents”, which can be successfully grown even in the middle band.

1. Ageratum

Ageratum
A lot of commercial mosquito repellents use coumarin, a substance that secrets the annual plant Ageratum. Delicate decorative bushes of small sizes will decorate your flower beds (today varieties not only with blue, but also with pink, white and lilac flowers have already been bred) and will become reliable protection against annoying insects. However, do not rub the skin with leaves and flowers of the ageratum. It may cause an allergy. Just plant a flower (or better – not one) in the sun or in partial shade. Ageratum is not a finicky plant, it is also content with poor soils.

2. Lavender narrow-leaved


Lavender.
A very beautiful perennial plant with needle-like leaves and delicate white, pink, blue or purple flowers. The narrow-leaved lavender winters well in the midland, is unpretentious in care, grows on poor soils and does not require watering. Lavender bushes are ideal in group plantings, it can also be grown in containers. A person can feel the pleasant smell of this plant only by touching it or cutting branches. But mosquitoes are more sensitive to its aroma and consider it disgusting for themselves. It is noticed that mosquitoes do not fly in the immediate vicinity of lavender plantations (meter and a half).

3. Peppermint

Peppermint.
Well-known peppermint – fragrant perennial up to 80 cm high – one of the most popular medicinal plants grown in our gardens. It is also widely used in cooking and cosmetology. Since ancient times, our ancestors planted peppermint near the windows and entrance doors to the house, in particular, due to the fact that this plant repels mosquitoes well. Peppermint, which grows on the loose fertile soils of the sunny corners of the garden, gives the strongest menthol aroma. But it can grow in the shade, however, it will smell weaker, and, accordingly, it will be weaker than mosquitoes.

4. Melissa officinalis (lemon mint)

Melissa officinalis (lemon mint).
Outwardly, lemon balm is not very different from peppermint – it has a branched stem and grows in height a little higher. But its main difference is the smell. Melissa officinalis has a strong spicy aroma with light notes of lemon. But, like the menthol smell of peppermint, it perfectly repels mosquitoes. Melissa is perfect for the sunny places on your property. It can grow in partial shade.

5. Catnip catnip, or catnip

Catnip cat, or catnip.
One of the benefits of this peppermint is that it grows like a weed by itself. That is, it does not require any care. However, many gardeners consider catnip as a cat weed. But we must pay tribute to him: he copes with the task of repelling mosquitoes. If, for reliability, you decide to rub your skin with the leaves or flowers of this plant, be careful – all the cats in the area will pay special attention to you, because they simply adore catnip! The reason is the substance Nepalactone, which this plant is rich in. It is also the source of the lemon flavor characteristic of this variety of mint.

6. Monarda lemon

Monarda lemon.
Monarda lemon belongs to the same family as peppermint. But, unlike her, this is an annual plant. By the way, the only flyer in the monard family. Its leaves and flowers contain essential oils that repel insects, including mosquitoes. And the lemon monard can be easily attributed to the annual giants. After all, in just one season, it reaches 120 cm in height. He likes well-lit areas with loose fertile soil.

7. Mint, or Ombalo


Swamp mint or ombalo
Mint, or Ombalo.
A perennial plant of the Mint genus, reaching a height of 20-40 cm. In appearance, it is easy to distinguish it from other types of mint by its compact size and creeping shape. It does not possess winter hardiness characteristic of most relatives, therefore, in central Russia, flea mint (another name for the plant) is grown as an annual. An invariable ingredient in Georgian tkemali sauce and a good natural insect repellent. Not only mosquitoes, but also flies, fleas and moths.

8. Sage

Salvia officinalis.
Hippocrates called this plant “sacred grass.” Its use in medicine today is so wide that it seems that there are far fewer diseases that it does not cure than those that cure. Hippocrates did not write anything about the properties of sage to repel mosquitoes (at least we don’t know about this), but in gardening it was noticed long ago that mosquitoes did not favor planting sage. More precisely – its tart aroma does not allow insects to determine the smell of a person who is next to a plant. Salvia officinalis is a perennial plant. In one place, it has been growing without transplant for 8 years. Loves soil of neutral acidity and good light.

9. Citronella Ceylon, or Lemon Grass

Citronella Ceylon, or lemon grass.
Very often, Ceylon citronella oils are used to create mosquito repellents. The plant has a very strong lemon smell, which also not only repels mosquitoes, but rather does not allow these insects to smell the smell of a person nearby. Lemon grass is a perennial cereal with a low level of winter hardiness. That is, in a temperate climate, it can only be grown as a tub culture, bringing the pot into a house or greenhouse along with the first significant cooling.

10. Sweet Basil, or Camphor Basil

Sweet Basil, or Camphor Basil.
An annual herb that almost all the inhabitants of the earth know as a kitchen spice. But few people know that the essential oil of this plant has been used in medicine for many years. For example, it is part of the well-known “Broncholitin” (it is prescribed for coughing). The name itself, “camphor basil,” speaks of the substance rich in this herb. Camphor repels ants, moths and mosquitoes.

11. Lemon Verbena

Verbena lemon.
Evergreen shrub with a large crown. It is popularly considered a magical plant that can protect against evil eye and damage. But today, of course, it is used more in culinary, cosmetology and medicine than in rites of white magic. It has a pleasant smell with which mosquitoes do not want to be friends. It also scares off other insects – a dried twig of verbena is often put in a closet as a preventive measure against moths.

12. Marigolds


Marigold.
Bright and colorful marigolds are traditionally used on our flower beds. Very often they can be seen on the beds. Adherents of organic farming argue that these year-olds effectively protect cultivated plants from many harmful insects and other pests. Their smell is so rich and specific that it repels not only mosquitoes, but also some people who simply can not tolerate it. But in vain, because these are surprisingly decorative and unpretentious flowers.

13. Wormwood

Wormwood.
Another grass with a very persistent specific odor that mosquitoes do not like. Wormwood is a perennial herbaceous plant of silver color, reaching up to 1.5 meters in height. One of the oldest medicinal plants known to mankind. It grows freely on forest edges, along roads, in neglected areas. Cultivated on an industrial scale for the sake of essential oil. In the garden, it is often found as a weed. However, many gardeners today, in order not to go after it into the forest, grow wormwood specially in their area. In addition to its medicinal properties, it protects cultural species from many pests and diseases.

14. Wormwood Pontic

Wormwood Pontic.
Unlike wormwood, this plant is very decorative. Therefore, it can often be found in gardens as an element of various landscape compositions. It is also commonly used in medicine and as a natural mosquito repellent.

15. Tansy

Tansy is ordinary.
Perennial herb of the forest and forest-steppe zone. It quickly clogs cultural meadows and pastures, therefore, tansy should be grown in the garden very carefully. This poisonous plant is often used in folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of various ailments. It has a characteristic pungent odor that repels mosquitoes.

So far, we have everything about plants – “mosquito repellents”. If you know others, write about them in the comments or on our Forum. We will be very grateful!

Top 15 ways to protect yourself from mosquito Octenol mosquito attractant

Top 15 ways to protect yourself from mosquito Octenol mosquito attractant

Top 15 ways to protect yourself from mosquito Octenol mosquito attractant

mosquito attractant

attractant for mosquitoes NONANAL

Scientists at the University of California have finally managed to isolate the dominant odor that is produced by humans and birds and attracts blood-feeding mosquitoes from the Culicidae family that carry West Nile fever virus and other life-threatening illnesses. Recently, the results of a study were published, which explained why mosquitoes drinking the blood of birds, reoriented to people.
Entomology professor Walter Liel and researcher Zayn Siid found that nonanal is a powerful seven-chemical substance that attracts the smell of mosquitoes, directing them to food – blood. A seven-chemical substance is a substance or mixture that carries a specific message. Mosquitoes are able to detect odors due to olfactory receptor neurons on their antennae.

So, birds, the main food item for mosquitoes, serve as a repository for West Nile fever virus, says Liel. When infected mosquitoes drink blood, they transmit the virus to birds, people, horses, dogs, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels, and domestic rabbits. Since 1999, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recorded 29.397 human cases and 1.147 fatal cases in the United States alone.

Researchers at the University of California have tested hundreds of naturally occurring mixtures produced by humans and birds. Scientists have collected chemical odors from 16 adults. The group of volunteers included people of different races and ethnic groups. Then, the specificity and susceptibility of olfactory receptor neurons with respect to isolated mixtures on antennae of mosquitoes were determined.

Thus, the nonanal acts mutually reinforcing with carbon dioxide, which, as you know, attracts mosquitoes. Nonanal, along with carbon dioxide, increased the attractiveness of traps by 50 percent compared to traps in which only carbon dioxide served as bait.

OCTENOL  (1-octen-3-ol)

Scientists: mosquitoes find a victim by a loop of carbon dioxide and other substances released by breathing. In particular, OCTENOL. (1-octen-3-ol)

The smell coming from the body may be the reason that some people are more attracted to mosquitoes than others.
American scientists have found that mosquitoes track down their prey, given three factors: smell, visual image, and temperature. Biologists recorded the movement of hungry mosquitoes in a wind tunnel.

Insects were constantly attracted by a train of carbon dioxide, reminiscent of the air that a person exhales. “Sniffing” carbon dioxide, mosquitoes try to sit on a dark spot.

At short distances, insects can feel heat and rush to its source. Research published in Current Biology is based on earlier research that odor is a critical factor for mosquitoes in determining their next prey.

The smell emanating from the body can cause some people to be more attracted to mosquitoes than others.

But the main thing that mosquitoes are guided by is carbon dioxide, which is exhaled by animals, whose blood and mosquitoes feed on, in particular, humans. Mosquitoes can catch a source of carbon dioxide at a distance of up to 50 meters. The content of octenol in the air also significantly increases the attractiveness for mosquitoes, since octenol is released during breathing.

Earlier work suggested that bloodsucking attracted heat and being in sight. However, the new study is the first to examine in detail the influence of all three factors.

“We were able to build a working theory about how all the sensory organs of a mosquito interact to find a person,” says Floris van Bregel, the author of a study at the California Institute of Technology.

Interaction of factors
Scientists have tried to replicate a mosquito behavior strategy when searching for a victim
The most important was to separate the visual, temperature and olfactory pathogens during the experiment. For this, a carbon dioxide jet, a dark spot on the wall of the wind tunnel and a heated glass tile, which was almost invisible to mosquitoes, were used.

“We could see how mosquitoes reacted to each of these pathogens and their interactions,” BBC Van Bregel explained.

For example, if insects were launched into a pipe where there was a dark spot on one of the walls, but there was nothing else, mosquitoes flew by. But if there was a trail of carbon dioxide near the spot, the insects “smell” this gas and then go towards the visual pathogen.

“Mosquitoes pay attention to visual stimuli only after they” hear “a smell that indicates that the object is somewhere nearby,” says scientist Michael Dickinson.

“This helps mosquitoes not waste energy on false targets such as stones or plants,” he continues.

As a result, scientists described a three-stage strategy for mosquitoes to search for victims.

Mosquitoes try to smell – especially a carbon dioxide plume – within a radius of 10-50 meters. Then they approach the source of the smell and try to see the object from a distance of five to fifteen meters. When mosquitoes find themselves at a distance of a meter from a potential victim, they begin to focus on heat.

“The larger the person, the more they emit carbon dioxide,” says Dr. Joe Conlon of the American Mosquito Control Association. That is why, for example, mosquitoes are more attracted to pregnant women who breathe with the fetus.

“Scientists say that the more you” knock “mosquitoes out of the way, masking your smell and your presence, the more likely they will bite someone else and not you. The sad conclusion of this study is that it’s very difficult to hide from mosquitoes.” “says van Bregel.

“As an option, you can take a friend with you and ask him to wear a bright T-shirt,” the researcher jokes.


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