Tips for Dealing with Mosquitos

Mosquitos in Thailand can be quite large and ferocious. Plus the fact their are tons of them.

Watch out when the sun starts to come out and these mosquitos will be biting you all over like vampires.

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance and a health hazard, especially in tropical climates like Thailand. Here are some effective ways to mosquito-proof your house and yard in Thailand:

Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Grounds

1. Remove stagnant water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, so it’s crucial to eliminate any standing water around your property. This includes emptying containers like buckets, flower pots, and old tires, as well as fixing any leaks or drips in gutters and pipes.
2. Keep gutters clean: Regularly clean your gutters to prevent leaves and debris from accumulating, which can create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
3. Fill in depressions: If you have any low-lying areas in your yard that tend to collect water after rain, fill them in with soil or gravel to prevent them from becoming mosquito breeding grounds.
4. Stock ponds with fish: Introducing fish like guppies or minnows to ponds or ornamental water features can help control mosquito populations, as they eat mosquito larvae.

Protect Your Home

1. Install screens: Ensure all windows and doors have tight-fitting screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
2. Use mosquito nets: When sleeping, use bed nets or mosquito nets to create a barrier between you and mosquitoes.
3. Consider using electric mosquito traps: Electric mosquito traps can be used indoors or outdoors to attract and kill mosquitoes.

Repel Mosquitoes

1. Use mosquito repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to your skin when spending time outdoors.
2. Wear long sleeves and pants: When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover exposed skin, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
3. Plant mosquito-repelling plants: Consider planting mosquito-repelling plants like citronella grass, catnip, or lemongrass around your yard to deter mosquitoes naturally.
4. Use citronella candles: Citronella candles can provide some protection against mosquitoes in outdoor spaces.
5. Use essential oils: Diffuse essential oils like lemongrass, eucalyptus, or citronella in your home or yard to repel mosquitoes.

Additional Tips

1. Time outdoor activities: Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito activity times, typically dawn and dusk.
2. Maintain your yard: Keep your lawn mowed and trim overgrown vegetation to reduce areas where mosquitoes can hide.
3. Educate your family and neighbors: Share mosquito prevention tips with your family and neighbors to help reduce the mosquito population in your area.

If you go outside unprotected, you are going to get bitten by mosquitos so always be prepared for the worst.

If you are building a house in Thailand, you may want to give some thought to one of these screen enclosures.

Then you can be outside and much as you want and have no mosquitos to bother you!

There are many effective mosquito repellents available in Thailand, but some of the most popular and well-rated include:

• OFF! Deep Woods: This repellent contains DEET, which is one of the most effective mosquito repellents available. It is available in a variety of strengths, from 20% to 100% DEET. www.amazon.com OFF! Deep Woods mosquito repellent
• Soffell: This repellent is also available in a variety of strengths, from 10% to 50% DEET. It is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. www.amazon.in Soffell mosquito repellent
• SkinGard: This repellent is a good option for those who are looking for a DEET-free repellent. It contains picaridin, which is a synthetic alternative to DEET that is just as effective. www.blibli.com SkinGard mosquito repellent
• Autan: This repellent is another popular option for those who are looking for a DEET-free repellent. It contains IR3535, which is another synthetic alternative to DEET that is effective against a variety of mosquitoes. getsomebeauty.com Autan mosquito repellent
• Insect Shield: This repellent is unique in that it is applied to clothing rather than skin. It contains permethrin, which is an insecticide that binds to fabrics and repels mosquitoes for up to six weeks. www.insectshield.com Insect Shield mosquito repellent