Mosquitoes are unwelcome guests in our kitchens, causing itchy skin and even transmitting diseases. So knowing how to get rid of mosquitoes that have found their way to our kitchen sinks and other warm, damp spots can make summer evenings a whole lot easier.
If you live in a mosquito-dense area near ponds, lakes, or marshes, these pests are likely to come indoors seeking food sources and standing water.
From long-term preventative measures to quick fixes, below we have gathered expert-recommended techniques to deter these buzzing insects.
It's also worth noting the colors that attract or repel mosquitoes when getting dressed in the morning.
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so address any leaky, damp areas as a priority.
Emma Grace Crumbley, an entomologist at Mosquito Squad explains that potential breeding grounds in your kitchen include standing or stagnant water areas, such as behind or under your refrigerator (if leaking), under the sink, in over-watered plants, or in pet water dishes.
'Keeping these areas clean and water-free (or, in the case of the pet bowls, changing out the water frequently) can reduce the number of mosquitoes hatching and hanging around your kitchen,' she says.
Cleaning the kitchen regularly is key when dealing with any pests, not least mosquitoes, so be sure to wipe down surfaces regularly, removing food debris and moisture as soon as possible. Try cleaning with lemon juice, too, as this will not only sanitize surfaces but also put these pests off, as citrus is one of the scents they cannot stand.
Trent Copperfield, Vice President of On Demand Pest Control, says that 'unhidden cheese can also be an attractant for mosquitoes,' so keep food covered or stored in airtight containers, at Amazon. 'Be sure to dispose of any garbage and clean your kitchen thoroughly to eliminate any potential food odors,' he adds.
As well as dealing with sitting water, consider reducing the moisture in the air. Along with bathrooms and basements, kitchens tend to be the most moisture-prone rooms in our houses. Lower the humidity levels with one of the best dehumidifiers - setting your machine on a timer so that the overall humidity is controlled is one excellent way to prevent mosquitoes from breeding indoors.
Additionally, a fan will keep the air moving and keep your home cool, and in turn, make your kitchen must less inviting to these pests; they are weak flyers and they seek out warmth.
Another way that fans keep mosquitoes away from us is by circulating the air and making it harder for them to detect the carbon dioxide we breathe. So investing in the best fan for your kitchen is a wise move.
Often, mosquitoes will enter through open doors and windows, following us inside as we come through the door. So try to keep them closed where possible, or use mosquito screens, available at Amazon to allow a breeze without the dilemma of inviting in these evening bugs. Experts also advise filling in any cracks around doors and windows where mosquitoes may be entering.
Despite everything we have just said about standing water, place a bowl of water and dish soap (enough to create plenty of bubbles) on your kitchen counter as a quick and easy way to fend them off. Pest expert Trent Copperfield agrees that this is an effective method, and will suffocate and kill mosquitoes on contact.
For a more natural option, use mosquito-repellent plants on windowsills and dining tables. Think lemongrass and marigolds, or citronella, which can also keep wasps away.
An oil burner creates a lovely fragrance as well as deterring mosquitoes, if you have the right scents. As we mentioned above, mosquitoes do not like citrus, so lemon is a good choice. Other essential oils to try are citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender (which can also help to get rid of mice).
'If you want to take a more aggressive approach, you can use alcohol, like beer or rubbing alcohol, to eliminate mosquitoes,' says pest control expert Trent Copperfield. You can either place a small glass of beer on the counter as a deterrent or pour rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and spray a mist as a quick way to kill mosquitoes.
'This method has an offensive odor on mosquitoes, which causes them to flee from it immediately, making it one of the best ways to get rid of mosquitoes in the kitchen.'
'Since the kitchen is the main part of the home where food and drink are stored, I would not recommend using a chemical-based mosquito or insect repellent in this area,' comments Emma Grace Crumbley. 'There is some risk of contaminating food and drink with these chemicals, especially when applying aerosol repellents and bug sprays.'
A reminder of the food chain may also come in handy: spiders are natural predators of mosquitoes, so depending on their size and how you feel about spiders, try to leave them and their webs alone.