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7 unusual ways to keep mosquitoes away

7 unusual ways to keep mosquitoes away

Mosquitoes are carriers of dangerous diseases like dengue, malaria, and West Nile Virus, making it crucial to avoid their presence in and around the house. A Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) study found over 1,000 cases of mosquito-borne infections nationwide last year. Mosquitoes tend to be vectors of a variety of viruses. Therefore, to avoid mosquito-driven infections, here are some unconventional yet practical ways to keep them at bay.

Spreading out coffee grounds
One of the most weird ways to keep mosquitoes away is using coffee grounds. These are surprisingly efficacious in repelling mosquitoes anywhere. Mosquitoes tend to breed in stagnant pools and puddles of water. To inhibit the breeding, one can spread coffee grounds on the surface of such pools and puddles. The grounds form a barrier that prevents oxygen from entering the water surface. This results in the suffocation and elimination of mosquitoes and their larvae underneath the surface.
Apart from preventing larvae from growing into adult mosquitoes, this method is also an eco-friendly way to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Adding piñon wood to one’s wood stack
Mosquitoes find certain odors incredibly repulsive, and the scent of piñon wood is one of them. Piñon wood tends to work like incense, another common tool used to drive mosquitoes away, and gives off a strong aroma that mosquitoes cannot stand. So, the next time an individual or group is camping outdoors, they can add liberal amounts of this wood to their wood stack while lighting up their fire pit. Doing so will ensure that their conversations are not interrupted by pesky mosquitoes and their buzzing sound.

Using essential oil spray
Oil sprays come with a host of benefits. However, only some know how effective they are in keeping mosquitoes at bay. Their underrated appeal makes the usage of oil sprays one of the weirdest ways to keep mosquitoes away. Essential oil spray mixtures are easy to concoct at home. One can use oils such as lavender, thyme, or peppermint in their concoction. Once that is done, individuals can use a spray bottle to sprinkle little quantities of the concoction to keep mosquitoes away. The sweetest-smelling oils tend to repulse mosquitoes more due to the strong nature of their aroma.

Putting dryer sheets in pockets
Like many solutions listed here, dryer sheets may not be among the first things to think of when considering keeping mosquitoes away. Nevertheless, these sheets, normally used to freshen laundry, are also excellent and proven mosquito repellents. One can create fragrant barriers around them by slipping a dryer sheet into the pocket of their shirt or jacket or tying one onto their belt. Certain chemicals in dryer sheets can interfere with mosquitoes’ receptors, which they use to locate potential bite victims. As a result, using dryer sheets can prevent the pests from finding hosts to infect.

Using bug zappers
Among all the marvelous and weird tricks and tips listed here, using bug zappers may seem generic and conventional. However, their sheer effectiveness makes them a candidate on any list about keeping mosquitoes at bay. Bug zappers resemble tennis rackets, and users can simply swish their way into rooms and places with many mosquitoes. The electricity contained in these devices is small enough not to harm kids and other humans and heavy enough to incinerate mosquitoes flying in the air.

Wearing light-colored clothing
People frequently focus on using oils, traps, and other devices while strategizing about keeping mosquitoes away. However, not many may think about the clothes that they wear. Mosquitoes and other pests are attracted to specific colors of clothing, mainly the darker ones. Dark-colored clothes not only attract mosquitoes, flies, and other pests during the night but also keep them camouflaged there. Lighter-colored clothing, on the other hand, enables people to see if they have a mosquito or cockroach crawling on their apparel. Also, lighter-colored clothes have been known to drive mosquitoes away from a person.

Deploying outdoor traps
Outdoor traps emit carbon dioxide that lures mosquitoes in. Additionally, the pests are attracted to the heat and light emitted by these devices. Once mosquitoes enter the trap, they cannot fly out and, eventually, collapse and perish inside due to suffocation. This makes outdoor traps one of the most ruthlessly efficient mosquito killers.

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Top 7 indoor purifiers for improving air quality

Air quality in and around structures can be affected by pollutants like asbestos, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, radon, pesticides, indoor particulate matter, tobacco, volatile organic compounds, and wood smoke. Purifier devices are the safest and most trusted options for improving air quality. The country's air purifier market was 2.17 billion in 2020, with a growth estimation of 8.6% by 2028. Here are seven of the best indoor air purifiers to consider for your home: Blue Pure 211+ by Blueair Blueair air purifiers are reliable, and the Blue Pure 211+ can remove a wide range of pollutants and particles trapped in your home. This device has a fabric filter for dust and larger particles and a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter for smaller particles like mold and bacteria. Another filter is activated by carbon that can remove other dust and odors. Blue Pure 211+ is a compact machine that has proven effective for removing airborne pollutants across 540 sq. ft., and replacements will cost around $70. Airmega AP-1512HH by Coway Coway has been leading the air purifier market for quite some time. The Airmega AP-1512HH is effective for a 361 sq. ft room size and has four filters: HEPA, washable, odor, and bipolar ion. This air purifier is the only one with ionizing functions, along with a programmable timer, four fan speeds, and a filter indicator light. It is a compact machine and one of the market's most highly rated and reviewed air purifiers. Replacement costs are also low. The company runs out of stock frequently; if you are keen on this, track its availability. Macro Pro True HEPA Air Purifier by DREO DREO's Macro Pro is an ideal low-cost air purifier with ultra-fine, HEPA, and pelletized activated carbon filters that can remove odors caused by dogs and a lot of dust. The device has three fan speeds and three additional and separate modes for sleep, turbo, and auto. DREO is fitted with sensors that can adjust the mode and speed settings based on the current air quality in the room. The replacements cost around $30. Core 400S by Levoit Levoit's Core 400S has three filtration stages: nylon, an H13 True HEPA, and activated carbon. The maximum effective room size for this air purifier is 403 sq. ft. You may have to replace the filter every six months for one year at about $50. Levoit claims the Levoit Core 4005 can capture about 99.97% of airborne particles and close to 99.99% of viruses and bacteria. This device can also capture smoke, fumes, pet odors, and cooking smells. HM400 HealthMate® by Austin Air If you want an air purifier that works in larger room sizes and is durable, you can consider the Austin Air HM 400 Healthmate. This device can remove pet dander and chemical and gaseous pollutants for a large room size of 938 sq. ft. The Austin Air HM 400 Healthmate has already been tested and proved to remove volatile organic compounds. While this air purifier is slightly higher on the cost side, it is a durable machine. Pure Cool™ Purifying Tower Fan and TP04 Air Purifier by Dyson It is a standing purifying tower fan that detects air quality in real-time. The activated carbon filter removes odors and gases, and a Glass HEPA filter captures minute allergens and pollutants. This smart machine delivers pure air throughout the room at 77 gallons per second, and it can be operated through a voice-enabled app. Dyson's combination of purification and powerful fan speed makes this product a must-buy. You can set it to nighttime mode, which functions in quiet settings with a dimmed display. HPA300 True HEPA Allergen Remover by Honeywell Honeywell's HPA 300 can purify an area of 465 sq. ft. with a disposable pre-filter and a true HEPA filter. This portable device is easy to use, has four-speed settings, and works almost silently, even in high fan speed settings. Allergens trapped in the house are effectively removed thanks to this durable product. The Honeywell HPA has one of the highest ratings for removing dust, pollen, and smoke. However, the device may need a good amount of maintenance, and replacements are expensive. The need for air purifiers The Environmental Protection Agency says that immediate exposure to household pollutants can lead to headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat. While treatment can cure them, the symptoms may relapse when they come back home. The impact of air quality on people with allergies and sensitivities could be more than cold-like symptoms. Prolonged and continuous exposure to household pollutants can cause respiratory diseases, heart diseases, and cancer. Hence using an air purifier reduces the risk of such diseases. In addition, it can also remove microorganisms and protect you from viral and bacterial infections. Other methods to improve air quality Apart from using an air purifier to remove existing pollutants, pay attention to the household things and remove potential pollutants. Keep the house well ventilated. Check pipes, tanks, and water supply channels for any water leaks that may cause molds. Use professional cleaners to clean your home thoroughly.

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8 mistakes to avoid while moving into a new home

Moving into a new home is always a special experience. At the same time, it is also regarded as one of the most stressful times in one's life. Individuals must simultaneously pay attention to many things, from packing and cleaning to saying goodbye to their old home, which makes it a bittersweet episode. To make this transition smoother, we have discussed eight mistakes one must avoid while moving into a new home. Not verifying if the new home is ready to move into Individuals must check whether their new home is ready to move into before moving day. If the property or the space around it is undergoing renovations, it increases the risk of injuries, accidents, and allergies. Not having the utilities up and running For a hassle-free living experience, one must ensure that utilities like gas, water, electricity, and Wi-Fi are up and running. Failing to do so may cause frustration, unexpected delays, and increased expenses during the initial days in the new home. Failing to hire a mover Moving homes is a long and cumbersome process. Instead of trying to navigate the journey independently, individuals must hire a moving company. These professional services make the packing process stress-free by bringing their own resources, from boxes and protection material to moving trucks. However, one should ensure these services are booked well in advance to avoid mix-ups and last-minute delays. Individuals should research well to find the right moving company according to their needs. When shortlisting names, one should consider the cost, services offered, and professionalism. Reading online reviews is also critical as it helps people make better-informed decisions and increases the likelihood of a smooth transition into the new home. Not securing the new house well Another common mistake people make when moving to a new home is failing to secure it against invaders and outside forces. Here are a few security aspects to consider before moving in: Locks Secure the new house by changing all the locks so only current occupants can access the property. Windows and doors Check whether the windows and doors shut tight and function properly. If not, fix them. Fire extinguisher Ensure a functional fire extinguisher is placed on every floor of the house. Escape route Create an escape route in case of emergencies, and share it with every occupant. Burglar alarm Depending on the neighborhood, installing a burglar alarm may help keep the house safe. Skipping furniture measurements before the move Before moving into the new house, individuals must measure it properly to ensure their furniture fits well. One must measure the doorways and hallways besides the living room, bedrooms, and other rooms. This step is critical in ensuring the furniture moves through easily to different living spaces. Forgetting to pack a survival kit Usually, there's a lot of chaos on moving day. It is easy to get swept up in the havoc and forget basic items, such as cell phones, chargers, and wallets. To avoid rummaging through boxes later to find these things, individuals must pack them well. One must also pack a survival kit: a bag containing daily essentials like clothes, non-perishable snacks, toothbrushes, phone chargers, power banks, wallets, towels, and first aid supplies. If possible, people should create separate bags for each family member. Neglecting one's valuables During a move, it is common to misplace items. To ensure no valuables are missed or lost, one must pack them securely. Important documents and other valuables like money, passports, birth certificates, jewelry, precious gifts, and property titles must always remain with the owner, not the movers. Forgetting to change the address When moving into a new home, one must immediately have their postal address changed with the USPS (United States Postal Services). Failure to do so may result in losing mail, essential bills, and documents and lead to other unnecessary problems. One can have their address changed in four simple ways: Visit the local post office to complete the Change of Address (COA) procedure. Log into the USPS official website and file a change of address request. Call 1-800-ASK-USPS and follow the prompts to change the address. Post or mail a filled-out PS Form 3575 to the Postmaster, United States Postal Service.

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