During the monsoon season, the risk of mosquitoes and harmful bacteria increases manifold, leading to the spread of diseases like dengue and malaria. In this article, 7 most effective and modern solutions have been described to keep the house completely germ-free and safe.
It was drizzling outside the window and the whole family was sitting in the living room enjoying hot pakodas. The weather was very pleasant, but suddenly a small buzzing mosquito came out from behind the sofa and bit little Pihu directly on her cheek. For the next three days, all the happiness in the house evaporated as Pihu developed high fever and the doctor declared her dengue. This is not just the story of one house, but with the onset of rain, this terror of mosquitoes and invisible germs (bacteria) becomes a big headache for every other family. Monsoon gives us relief from the heat, but brings with it a whole host of diseases. In such a situation, it is not enough to burn just one mosquito coil, we have to provide an impenetrable protective shield to our entire house. According to Women’s Health and Environmental Hygiene Expert Dr. Neelam Kapoor, ‘If we upgrade the cleanliness and hygiene methods of our house a little, then these mosquitoes can be driven away. Let us know the important checklist to keep your home safe.
1. Elimination of mosquito eggs
Mosquitoes need only a teaspoon of stagnant clean water to breed. Dr. Neelam Kapoor says that people often think that mosquitoes lay eggs only outside the house or in drains, but dengue mosquitoes breed in clean and stagnant water.
Checklist: Change the water in the coolers of your home once a week and dry them. Immediately check the trays of pots kept in the balcony, bottles of money plant, and old pots or tires kept on the terrace. If water is accumulated anywhere, remove it immediately. If it is not possible to remove the water, then add two drops of kerosene or neem oil in it, due to which the mosquito larvae will not be able to breathe and will die there.
2. Where invisible germs hide
Mosquitoes are visible to us, but during the rainy season, due to the humidity in the air, ‘mold’ (fungus) and bacteria start growing in the walls and corners of the house. This humid environment is like heaven for germs.
Right way: Stop using plain water while mopping the house. Add neem extract, white vinegar or a good quality herbal disinfectant liquid to the water. Dry clean the back of the sofa, under the cupboard and behind the doors with a cotton cloth once a week so that moisture does not accumulate there.
3. Mosquito attack
It was exactly 6:30 in the evening. Kavita was preparing for dinner in the kitchen. There was a cold breeze outside, so she opened the main door and windows of the drawing room completely for fresh air. She was engrossed in her work, and did not even realize that within that half an hour all the mosquitoes from outside had entered the house. The whole family was troubled by the buzzing of mosquitoes while sleeping at night, and the very next day Kavitha’s son started showing symptoms of malaria.
Expert Advice: Dr. Neelam Kapoor says, ‘The mistake made by Kavita usually happens in every house. The time between 5:30 to 7:30 pm is when mosquitoes are most active and run inside the houses. During this period, keep all the windows and doors of the house completely closed. If you want fresh air, then install ‘net mesh’ (mosquito net) on the main doors and windows. It allows air to come in but keeps mosquitoes out.
4. Along with taste, health is also guaranteed
Kitchen is the place where the health of the entire family is decided, but during monsoon, this place can become the biggest center of germs. Wet sinks, dirty dishes, and dirt left on counters attract roaches and flies, which carry diseases to their feet.
Modern Habit: Don’t leave even a single utensil in the sink before sleeping at night. Wash dishes and dry the sink completely. Pour hot water mixed with baking soda and lemon juice into the sink drain pipe twice a week. This immediately cleans the bacteria and insects accumulated inside the pipe. Always keep the dustbin covered and empty it daily.
Tips : Plant basil, lemongrass, marigold and mint plants in your living room and balcony. Their natural fragrance keeps mosquitoes away from the house. Apart from this, add camphor, two cloves and a little neem oil to an earthen lamp and light it in the evening. Its natural smoke will drive out mosquitoes from every corner of the house without any side effects.
5. Drive away mosquitoes without chemicals
The smoke released from liquid vaporizers and coils available in the market can cause respiratory diseases and allergies, especially for small children and the elderly. Instead we should adopt the safe paths of nature.
6. Keep the bathroom dry
The bathroom is the part of the house that remains the wettest, and the moisture here does not dry up easily during monsoon. Dirty toilet commodes and wet floors spread the germs of UTI and stomach infections very quickly.
Daily Routine: After using the bathroom, dry the floor by running the wiper. Leave the exhaust fan running for at least 15 minutes so that the humidity inside can come out. Clean the toilet seat and flush button daily with sanitizer spray or disinfectant. Dry wet towels and mats in the sun instead of leaving them inside the bathroom.
7. Make yourself safe
Along with keeping the house clean, personal safety of family members is also equally important. In the evening, when children go to play in the park or you go out for a walk, keep your body completely safe.
Smart Choice: During monsoon days, wear light-coloured, loose-fitting and full-sleeved cotton clothes in the evening. Mosquitoes are more attracted towards dark colors. While going out, apply mosquito patches made of natural fabric on children’s clothes or apply a mixture of eucalyptus and coconut oil on the skin, which works as an excellent natural mosquito repellent.
Friends, a healthy family starts with a germ-free and safe home. Instead of visiting the doctor after illness, it is better to make these easy and practical habits a part of our daily checklist. Try these best tips from Dr. Neelam Kapoor today, eliminate mosquitoes and germs from your home, and enjoy this beautiful monsoon season without any fear.
FAQ
What is the most effective way to protect yourself from dengue mosquitoes during the rainy season?
Do not allow water to accumulate anywhere in and around the house (coolers, pots, money plants), keep windows closed in the evening and wear light colored clothes with full sleeves in the evening.
What is the best home remedy to get rid of mosquitoes from home without chemicals?
By adding camphor, 2 cloves and neem oil to an earthen lamp and lighting it, the natural smoke emanating from it drives out the mosquitoes immediately without any respiratory allergy.
Why does mold appear on walls and corners during monsoon and how to remove it?
Fungus grows due to excessive moisture in the air. To remove it, add vinegar or neem extract to the mop water and keep the corners clean with a dry cloth.
How to prevent insects and cockroaches from coming into the kitchen sink?
Don’t leave dishes in the sink overnight, keep the sink dry and pour hot water mixed with baking soda and lemon juice down the drain pipe twice a week.
Why is it important to keep windows closed between 5:30 and 7:30 pm?
This is the time when mosquitoes are most active when they enter inside houses in search of food and darkness.