Have you ever been in bed, about to nod off, when you hear the high-pitched whine that belongs to our least favourite blood-sucker: the mosquito? Worse still, you wake to an angry, itchy boil it takes every ounce of restraint not to scratch until it scabs?
The recent heatwave(s) have meant we've flung our windows wide while sleeping – unknowingly providing a portal to these irksome insects.
But you needn't let these mini-beasts bother you, here are some simple solutions to sleep soundly again...
Consider a screen
According to Mosh Latifi, co-owner of EcoCare Pest Management, one of the simplest solutions is to create a physical barrier: “A fine mesh window screen is the most effective barrier and worth the investment if open windows are a regular necessity,” he says.
Mark Sage, B&Q’s horticulture expert, agrees that screens are a useful way to keep insects outside without sacrificing fresh air.
“Screens in doorways are a great summer option to keep indoor and outdoor living feeling connected,” Mark says. “Offering a simple, physical barrier to prevent flies, mosquitoes, and other insects coming inside without compromising on fresh air, screens allow the breeze to flow freely through the home.”
vidaXL Magnetic Insect Screen For Windows
For doors that are regularly in use, he recommends choosing a design that won’t get in the way of people coming and going. “Best placed in busy doorways that lead outside, easy-to-use magnetic or sliding design options mean families and guests can move between spaces without losing that open, indoor-outdoor feel.”
Use a fan near the window
If fitting a screen isn’t practical, a small fan could also help.
“A small fan directed at the window creates airflow that mosquitoes cannot navigate, as they are weak fliers, which prevents them from entering without blocking any breeze,” Mosh explains.
Positioning a fan close to an open window can therefore provide an extra deterrent while still allowing cooler air into the room.
Try mosquito-deterring essential oils
Strongly scented essential oils are another option commonly used to discourage mosquitoes.
“For a quicker fix, a citronella or lavender essential oil diffuser running near the window creates a scent zone that mosquitoes actively avoid,” says Mosh. He also suggests using peppermint around likely entry points: “Peppermint oil diluted in water sprayed around the window frame before bed adds a further layer of deterrence.”
Benjamin Borseth, managing director at natural skincare company Aromantic, adds a number of essential oils are commonly associated with mosquito-repelling properties, including citronella, lemon eucalyptus, catnip, peppermint, lavender, geranium, lemongrass and clove.
“Strong-smelling essential oils can help mask scents that attract insects, which is why they are often used in natural summer blends,” Benjamin explains.
“For example, citronella has such a strong scent that it can temporarily disrupt a mosquito’s scent receptors, effectively masking humans. Similarly, they also hate lavender because it has a high concentration of linalool, a chemical compound that acts as a powerful sensory deterrent.”
A note on essential oils
If you choose to use essential oils, bear in mind that their scent will not last indefinitely.
“Essential oils are naturally volatile, which means their scent gradually fades, especially outdoors where wind, sunlight and temperature changes can affect how long the aroma lasts,” says Benjamin. “For the best results, they should be reapplied regularly.”
He adds that essential oils are best viewed as one part of a wider mosquito-prevention routine rather than a foolproof solution.
“When used correctly, essential oils can be a useful addition to summer night-time routines, but understanding their limitations is just as important as knowing their benefits.”
Cooling summer essentials
Comfortably Cool 1 Tog Duvet
ChillPill 3-in-1 Fan, Mist & InstaChill System
DREO 7500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
