Using Kerosene Oil to Get Rid of Mosquitoes and Spiders

Posted: Jul 21, 2013
Author: Bumgarner Oil

Kerosene oil is a very useful fuel that can be used to power many heating and other devices. But it has other uses as well – for example, getting rid of pests.

Here’s how to use kerosene oil to control the population of two creatures capable of causing irritation as well as possible injury or illness.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are a nuisance with their buzzing sound and the way they always seem to land on you just as you are about to fall asleep. The itchy red bump their bite leaves is not much fun either. In some areas, certain strains of mosquito can even spread nasty diseases like malaria.

The best way to control a mosquito population is to stop them from breeding. Mosquito larvae usually hatch in stagnant, standing water. To prevent them living long enough to invade your patio or bedroom, pour kerosene oil on any standing water that does not contain fish or other aquatic life forms. About one ounce per every fifteen square feet of water surface is a good rule of thumb. Fresh kerosene oil will need to be added about once every ten days.

Spiders

Many people are afraid of spiders, and some types of spiders can actually cause serious injury (or even death in rare cases). Spiders often enter the home from outside through windows, even if they are closed – via small gaps or cracks in the window or frame.

• Wash windows on both sides with a mixture of ammonia and water
• Allow the windows to dry thoroughly
• Dip newspaper in kerosene oil and use it to rub down the window glass and frame. Most of the kerosene will evaporate and the smell will dissipate, but it will leave behind a fine film that spiders (and some other bugs) do not like.