Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by Barry Gray
I don’t think there is anything as annoying as a mosquito buzzing around your head on a hot summer night. No wait – there is—the itching and scratching for days afterward after they’ve feasted on your blood. Of course, you can spray yourself with mosquito repellant or use a plugin repellant. But what about a ceiling fan as a non-chemical solution? Will it work to ward off mosquitoes at night?
Ceiling fans work to keep mosquitoes away for a variety of reasons. For one, the breeze generated by ceiling fans can stop the mosquitoes from landing on you. Furthermore, mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, and ceiling fans work to disperse the carbon dioxide you exhale.
These aren’t the only reasons why ceiling fans help you stay bite-free during mosquito season. Let’s look at the rest of the reasons why ceiling fans help keep the mosquitoes at bay, as well as a few other tips to keep you bite-free.
How Do Ceiling Fans Keep Mosquitoes Away?
I’ve already mentioned that the movement of air created by a ceiling fan will stop the mosquitoes from spending the night circling and landing on you. Mosquitoes aren’t the strongest fliers, so the good news is that the fan doesn’t even need to be revolving very fast to divert the mosquitoes’ flight path.
And then, I also mentioned that mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, and that ceiling fans help to dilute and disperse the carbon dioxide that you breathe out. But there is another reason related to the chemicals your body releases.
Mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and lactic acid. So, if you are cooler at night, you won’t sweat or emit lactic acid to the same extent as when you are very warm. Plus, when you’re cool at night, you generally have a better night’s sleep.
Another factor is that a ceiling fan tends to keep your environment dry. Because mosquitoes are more prevalent in moist, humid areas, they’re not going to be as keen to hang out in your cool, dry rooms if you have a ceiling fan whirring above you.
Other Ways To Ward Off Mosquitoes
We now know that a ceiling fan is an effective solution. But what else can you use to prevent those pesky bites from these bloodthirst beasties?
Standing Or Table Fans Also Work
Yes, based on the reasons mentioned above, it’s logical that standing or table fans will also do the trick. Even air-conditioners can help, but they are possibly not as effective as fans for keeping mosquitoes away.
Get rid of any standing water
Mosquitoes use water to lay eggs and grow their little mosquito babies, so make sure that you don’t have any standing water surrounding your home. Remove or change the water regularly in the following spaces:
- Puddles
- Buckets
- Stagnant water features
- Stagnant pools
- Gutters filled with debris
- Birdbaths
- Pet bowls
Expose Less Skin
You will experience fewer bites if less of your skin is exposed. This can be difficult in hot weather, but think light, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and legs to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
Avoid Dark Clothing
It is thought that mosquitoes might see dark colors better than light colors, so light-colored clothing is preferable.
Use A Mosquito Repellant On Your Skin
Of course, you can’t cover everything, so for exposed skin, especially when you’re out and about, consider using a repellant on exposed skin.
Mosquito repellants come in all sorts of formulations. There are chemical types that contain DEET, but you should be aware that these come with their own set of risks. Be sure to read instructions and don’t apply these repellants to broken skin or open wounds. Also, avoid use near your mouth and eyes.
With spray-type products, it’s a good idea to spray the repellant on your hands. You can then use your hands to rub it into your skin to avoid breathing it in when spraying.
Research has shown that more natural solutions can also be effective. Look out for products that contain ingredients such as:
- Citronella
- Lemon eucalyptus oil.
- Lavender
- Cinnamon oil
- Thyme oil
- Greek catmint oil
- Soybean oil
- Tea tree oil
- Geraniol
- Neem oil
You can create a DIY repellant with any of these ingredients or a combination of them. But even essential oils need to be used with care. Always buy reputable brands. If you are applying it to your skin, don’t apply the essential oil directly – instead, dilute it with a carrier oil.
Top tip: in addition to using essential oils, think of planting a bed of lavender outside your home, especially your bedroom window!
In areas where you may be at risk of malaria or Zika virus, doctors recommend chemical options as the more reliable method of repelling mosquitoes.
Mosquito repellants need to be reapplied often, especially after swimming, exercising, or if you are sweating at a hot temperature.
Screens And Mosquito Nets
If the nets or screens are in good condition, without holes that would allow the bugs to fly through, these can be an excellent way to keep the mosquitoes away.
And What If You Are Bitten?
Sometimes, no matter what you use, you might still land up with annoying, itchy mosquito bites. Here are a few things to relieve the itching if the bloodthirsty bugs get you:
- Apply apple cider vinegar to the bite
- Raw onion and fresh garlic can also give some relief
- Antihistamine creams
- Hydrocortisone creams
- Calamine lotion
If the bites become infected or you have any flu-like symptoms after spending time in a malaria area, see a doctor.
Conclusion
If you’re one of the unlucky that people mosquitoes love to nibble, ceiling fans are an excellent way to prevent being bitten and enjoy a good night’s rest. But they are just one method to ward off mosquitoes. There are so many other ways to reduce the chance of being bitten, and it is worth trying a few to find the most effective method for you.
