Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so eliminate any standing water in and around your house. Look for water accumulating in places like empty planters, flower pots, fridge trays, storage or garbage bins, cans or any empty container.
Even birdbaths and water bowls for pets that become stagnant can attract mosquitoes. These areas should be checked and emptied or changed regularly.
If not needed, discard items that collect rain or run-off water, especially old tires. Also, unclog roof gutters and watch out for bromeliad plants as the funnel-shaped leaves often hold water.
Use Good Mosquito Repellents
To get rid of mosquitoes around your house and keep them away from you, use mosquito repellents.
Apply a good mosquito repellent on any exposed skin. This is especially important at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Use repellents with caution on infants and babies, and do not use them on infants younger than 2 months old. You can also make an organic insect repellent at home using ingredients like witch hazel, vanilla extract and essential oils like lemon, lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus and citronella oil.
You can use high-tech gadgets, such as anultrasonic mosquito repellant, or plug-in devices containing liquid insecticide in your home and office
Stay in Air-Conditioned or Well-Screened Housing
To reduce the risk of contracting dengue fever, make sure your housing is well-screened to keep mosquitoes out. Attach screens to all windows and doors where mosquitoes can enter. Always keep them closed and repair any holes in the screens.
If possible, opt for air-conditioning. Mosquitoes cannot survive in a cool atmosphere.
If your room is not screened or air conditioned, use a mosquito net around your bed.
Wear Protective Clothing
Something as simple as clothing can protect you from being bitten by a mosquito that may be carrying the dengue virus.
Cover as much of your skin as possible by wearing loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. You can also spray your clothing with mosquito repellent.
Wear light-colored clothing, as dark colors like black and blue attract mosquitoes (insects and bugs can see dark objects more easily). Avoid wearing short-sleeved shirts or shorts, as mosquitoes can easily bite through thin clothes.
Instead of wearing sandals or open shoes, wear shoes with socks to protect your feet.