While there are over eighty-five different species of mosquitoes in Texas, you’re only likely to encounter four types in the North Dallas area: the yellow fever mosquito, the Asian Tiger mosquito, the house mosquito, and the southern mosquito.
These pests may be obnoxious, but they’re also potentially dangerous – these mosquitoes can be carriers of the Zika virus, West Nile virus, Dengue fever, and yellow fever. Keeping mosquitoes away from your property (and skin) is crucial, and here’s what smells may keep North Dallas mosquitoes away.
Are Essential Oils Effective At Repelling Mosquitoes In North Dallas?
Mosquitoes may potentially transmit dangerous diseases, but some OTC mosquito repellent sprays are not completely harmless either. Some mosquito repellent sprays may be toxic or aggressive, and so damaging that you must wash them off your skin the minute you walk back inside.
Instead of opting for toxic formulas, some North Dallas residents prefer to use essential oils or natural scents to ward off these pesky insects. While there’s some debate over how effective these scents may be for repelling mosquitoes, certain essential oils have proven to be better than others.
Which Scents Repel Mosquitoes In North Dallas?
Even if essential oils may not have the same reputation as traditional insect repellents, here are some scents that are known to ward off mosquitoes:
- Citronella
- Cedarwood
- Eucalyptus
- Clove
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Lemongrass
- Peppermint
- Geraniol
There’s also some argument that eating garlic cloves may drive mosquitoes away and extracting oil from your basil plants may also be a deterrent.
Whether you opt for peppermint or citronella, it’s important to understand how essential oils work and how to use them safely and effectively. For instance, essential oils can be used topically on your skin, but you’ll still need to steer clear of sensitive areas like your eyes.
When you do use essential oils topically, you shouldn’t just rub the oil into your skin – these scents usually need to be diluted with water or another type of neutralizing agent. Neutralizing agents may include carrier oils like vegetable oil or coconut oil. Essential oils may be natural, but they can also be potent, and many people use a diffuser for the essential oil of their choice.
Keep in mind that if you’ve never used essential oils before (or been exposed to the scent you’re trying), you should be careful about applying them topically.
Before spraying on large portions of your skin, it’s a good idea to use a little bit of the oil on your wrist or hand to see how your skin reacts. If you notice a rash or another type of reaction to the oil, you shouldn’t continue using it.
Don’t forget to make sure the essential oil you’ve chosen won’t attract other bugs – some scents, like lemon balm, are known to ward off mosquitoes but lure in nearby butterflies and bees.
The Most Effective Way To Control Mosquitoes In North Dallas
Mosquitoes may feel like a natural part of summertime for North Dallas residents, but if you’re noticing an unusual amount of mosquitoes (or mosquito bites) around your property, it may be time to turn to the professionals.
At DANCAN The Pest Control Expert, our experienced professionals understand what attracts mosquitoes to your property, and will implement measures that help permanently repel them. If your North Dallas home feels like a breeding ground for mosquitoes, call us at DANCAN The Pest Control Expert today for more information about what we can do to help.