Bloodthirsty mosquitoes spread disease like the West Nile
virus and cause major skin irritations, yet the most powerful insect repellents
contain the chemical DEET, which may be responsible for insomnia, mood
disturbances, epidermal reactions and impaired cognitive function. DEET melts
some plastics, so perhaps putting it on your skin is not the best idea.
Yet you don’t have to choose between malaria or toxic
chemicals. There are numerous natural bug repellents that work well and don’t
melt nail polish – in fact, many of these natural insect sprays have been
proven to work better than DEET, even in mosquito-thick regions like South East
Asia. Try the following natural mosquito repellents and enjoy a summer season
free from those pesky bug bites.
1. Garlic
It would make sense that mosquitoes are related to
vampires. The urban legends claim that all vampires hate garlic, and that is
true for mini-vampires mosquitoes. Just eat lots of garlic, which is good for
your health anyway. One clove a day probably won’t make much difference, but
increasing your garlic intake substantially when entering mosquito heavy areas
may repel the little buggers towards someone sweeter.
Definitely, there is a minor, but substantial drawback -
gnarly breath.
2. Light covering clothing
Mosquitoes also have their visual preferences – they are
attracted to dark clothing, so go light and save yourself few bites. Note that long-sleeved
shirts and long pants will help to protect you from mosquitoes when you're
outdoors. Covering your skin is a key approach to repelling mosquitoes.
3. Unscented
toiletries
Mosquitoes love flowers and fruit, so if your shampoo
smells like a mango wrapped in rose petals, you’re in trouble. Choose unscented
products, skip the perfume and watch out for hidden scents in your hair
products and laundry soap.
4. Deep relaxation
When you exercise, your body gives off carbon dioxide,
lactic acid and moisture, and mosquitoes are attracted to your effort. Avoid
exercise in mosquito-prone areas as possible, or just choose indoor activities
for your workout.
5. Citronella
candles
Made from the oil of citronella grass, the candles are characterized
with the strong lemon smell, preserving the area of mosquitoes and other flying
pests. Although citronella oil can also be used directly on the skin, the
candles work best in combination with other natural repellent methods.
Drawbacks: The candles must be stationary, and the smoke
is quite heavy.
6. Lemon
eucalyptus oil
Together these natural essential oils combine to wallop
the mosquitoes with a one-two punch. Providing natural protection from
mosquitoes and other carnivorous bugs, lemon eucalyptus oil lasts longer than
any other natural repellent (6 hours) and is tested to be better than DEET by
Consumer Reports Magazine and the New England Journal of Medicine. You can
easily purchase lemon and eucalyptus oils separately and mix them with your
favorite lotion or sunscreen for customized mosquito protection, or purchase a
pre-made mixture in a handy spray bottle like Repel.
Drawbacks: oily texture and pungent lemon smell.
7. Geranium,
soybean and coconut oil
Found in a product called Bite Blocker, this unique blend
of oils repels mosquitoes for about an hour and a half and ranked more
effective that products with DEET in a recent study by the USDA. Available as a
spray or lotion, this natural product has a sweet tropical scent and stays
effective even in the water.
Drawbacks: Hard to find, must reapply often.
8. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has numerous benefits for your skin and hair
and is a very powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal agent as well, but it is
also perfect to drive mosquitoes away. So if you want to use this remedy you
could either rub some tea tree oil on your skin or add a few drops of it to a
vaporizer. This way the scent of tea tree oil permeates the air keeping
mosquitoes at bay.
9. Listerine
This is uncommon use of the common product. Spray your
lawn and deck floor with Listerine, and the mosquitoes magically disappear. Don't
spray directly on a wood door (like your front door), but spray around the
frame.
10. Fabric softener
sheets
Rubbed onto the skin, the fabric softener sheets are
known to protect you from mosquito bites for the full evening.
Drawback: There are people who might be allergic to
rubbing these sheets onto the skin, so, use caution.
11. Parsley with
vinegar
Crushed parsley mixed into a bottle of apple cider
vinegar is also good for deterring mosquitoes. For best results, apply gentle
rubbing of the mixture onto your skin, or soak a handkerchief in it to tie
around your neck.
12. Dish of soapy
water or glass of beer
If you're having an outdoor meal, you can keep mosquitoes
away by placing a dish of water with some dish soap in a discreet place nearby.
The mosquitoes will be attracted to the water source, and they'll get trapped
in the soap bubbles and drown.
There is also alternative approach, which is quite controversial
and may not be well accepted by some readers. Surprisingly, the mosquitoes are
attracted to those who drink beer. So, placing cups filled with cheap-o lager
around the meeting area would make great bait for the pests.
Drawback: Mosquitoes will still seek you out if you're
drinking beer as well.
13. Use lighting
that doesn't attract mosquitoes
Place LED lights around doorways, windows and porches.
Mosquitoes won't hang around if the light is sourced from LED lights, yellow
bug lights or sodium lamps.
14. Keep it breezy
According to entomologists, mosquitoes aren't active when
wind gusts exceed 10 miles per hour. Create your own windstorm with a rotating
fan, which, set on “high,” should provide enough of a gust to keep bugs away.
Plus, fans help dissipate the carbon dioxide you exhale, and reduce body heat,
both of which have been found to attract mosquitoes.
Sources and
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