There are many mosquito species found in Australia. Some of these species can pose a threat to our health. It’s important to learn more about common mosquito species found in Australia that you need to watch out for.

• Anophelus farauti can often be found in Northern Australia. They have a long and thin medium-sized body, and are active at night. Their biting peak happens in the first two hours after sunset. This mosquito species is usually found near water habitats and can, unfortunately, carry diseases such as malaria.
• Aedes aegypti is small to medium-sized. They mainly live in urban environments and stay near water containers such as rainwater tanks, roof guttering, potted plant catch-plates, etc. They mostly bite humans during the day in shaded or indoor locations. This species is the only Australian mainland species that can carry dengue. This species can be found all over Australia.
• Aedes notoscriptus has a small to medium size body. They have a silver to golden pattern. They usually bite during the afternoon and around twilight. They are one of the most common mosquito species in urban areas and also considered as as one of the most dangerous. These mosquitoes can transmit arboviruses, like dog heartworm and Ross River virus.
• Aedes procax are brownish mosquitoes with a small to medium size bodies with banded legs. They usually live around freshwater and mildly brackish water. They are known for transmitting arboviruses in coastal New South Wales and Queensland.
• Aedes vigilax are medium-sized mosquitoes with dark body and banded legs. They bite during the day in shaded areas, but are also active in the mornings and evenings. They are found in coastal estuarine wetlands. Their population rises during high tides and rainy season. They are also known for transmitting arboviruses.
• Aedes camptoryhnchus are large mosquitoes that live in salty and brackish wetlands in Southern Coast of New South Wales, around Murray River in Victoria, South Australia and South-West Western Australian coasts.
• Coquillettidia linealis are dark medium-sized mosquitoes with gold scales on top of the chest. They are usually located near freshwater wetlands that have many semi-aquatic plants. They transmit arboviruses.
• Mansonia uniformis are brown mosquitoes with medium-sized body. They bite during the day. They don’t transmit arboviruses.
• Culex annulirostris are medium-sized mosquitoes that mostly bite in the first two hours after sunset. This type can be found in coastal regions and in inland Australia. They are known to transmit arboviruses.
• Culex quinquefasciatus are medium-sized mosquitoes with light brown colour. They usually bite at night.

1. Garlic

Garlic is a common ingredient in every kitchen and has long been used as a flavour booster for any dish. Garlic not only makes our meals more delicious, but it can also serve as a pest deterrent. Rodents and mice can’t stand the strong smell of garlic.

How do you use garlic to prevent a mice infestation?

You can sprinkle a dash of garlic powder around your house to prevent mice infestations. Sprinkle garlic powder in wall cracks, holes, and other hard-to-reach areas.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint is widely used for its flavour and fragrance. It’s used in common products such as toothpaste and candies. Another important peppermint that not everyone may know is that it can be used as a pest deterrent. The smell of peppermint is known to scare away mice.

How do you use peppermint to prevent mice?

Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil. Place the cotton balls in the dark, hidden areas that are susceptible to mice infestations. You may also spray a peppermint solution around your house which can deter rodents from entering or infesting your house.

3. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is often used in creams and ointments aimed at relieving muscle and joint pain. It is also used to reduce symptoms of coughs, colds, and congestion. When it comes to pest control, the minty pine scent of eucalyptus can be used to scare away mice.

How do you use eucalyptus for DIY mice control?

Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a cotton ball and place it inside the pantry, your wardrobe or even under the bed.

4. Citronella

Citronella is known as a natural insect repellent, but its benefits extend beyond that. The smell of citronella is known to be off-putting to rodents.

How do you use citronella to prevent a rodent infestation?

Citronella can act as a natural rodent deterrent. Plant citronella in your garden and use the leaves as natural pest control. Crush the leaves and leave them around your home. Alternatively, you can also spray a citronella solution around your house to scare away pests.

5. Ammonia

The smell of urine repels rats. Ammonia often gets rid of rats because it mimics the smell of urine. When rats smell this, they think a fox or a cat may be nearby.

How do you safely use ammonia to scare mice away?

Fill bottle caps with ammonia, and place them in strategic positions away from children and pets. Place ammonia in places that mice may appear, such as the basement and up in the attic.

6. Peppers

Do you know that you can use peppers to deter mice? This spice scares rats away as it could injure their lungs.

How do you use peppers to prevent a rat infestation?

Sprinkle peppers near any holes or cracks in walls and around the foundation of your house.

7. Vinegar

We already know that rats hate strong scents, but the one they absolutely hate maybe the smell of white vinegar.

How do you use vinegar to stop mice?

Use a vinegar solution to clean the area where mice often go. To make things even unbearable for these pests, leave vinegar-soaked cotton balls inside cupboards, under the sink, inside cabinets, and other infested areas.

8. The scent of household pets

Animals are divided into prey and predators. It’s only natural for mice to be scared of cats and any would-be prey. Mice have a remarkable sense of smell and can use it to detect predators. Keeping a cat or a dog as a house pet may prevent mice from multiplying in your house.

Note from pest control professionals:

These home remedies, although popular, may not fully stop a pest infestation. Rodents are stubborn pests and may find a way to continue infesting your house. The best solution to any problem will always be prevention and mice control done by professionals.