Natural ways to repel mosquitoes
Every summer, mosquitoes drive me inside more than anything else. Even if I’ve been having a great time outside all day long, as soon as the mosquitoes start to bite, I know it’s time to head for home. I could easily spray on a chemical-based repellent, but I can’t stand wearing something so fumey. Besides – I’d rather not expose myself or my loved ones to DEET, especially since it’s toxic and easily absorbed by the skin.
The great news is there are many natural repellents for mosquitoes. Since all of these are natural – and actually pretty healthy remedies – pick one to try before you head outside again:
Basil
You might want to consider planting herb gardens by the doors of your house (container gardening would work well) because many herbs ward off mosquitoes. Basil is one of the herbs that acts as a natural mosquito repellent.
Bats
Even if you’re not too keen on the idea of bats flying around your yard every night, one bat eats hundreds of mosquitoes each night. Consider investing in a bat house to hang from a tree and see if the small addition makes a dent in your mosquito problem.
Catnip
Catnip is an especially handy mosquito deterrent – it’s about ten times more effective than DEET. Mosquitoes can’t stand nepetalactone, the essential oil found in catnip. By planting catnip around your patio and yard, you’ll keep mosquitoes away – then dry the catnip and entertain your favorite cat.
Citronella
There’s a reason citronella candles are popular mosquito repellents – mosquitoes hate citronella. Instead of the candles, though, you can try rubbing citronella oil on exposed area (make sure you’re not allergic to the oil, first) or grow your own citronella plants.
Garlic
One effective natural repellent that deserves to be tried is garlic. Depending on how much you enjoy garlic, you can take a garlic supplement (no-odor varieties are available), eat lots of foods with garlic (I’m thinking of a big loaf of fresh garlic bread along with a spaghetti dinner – including sauce made with basil and garlic). You can even rub a cut clove of garlic over your exposed skin – you should be able to ward off both mosquitoes and Dracula.
Lemongrass
If you’re looking for another anti-mosquito plant to try, you should invest in lemongrass. Simply break off a stalk, peel off the outer leaves and rub the juicy pulp over your exposed skin. (Personally, I think it’s more pleasant smelling than raw garlic.) You’ll also be able to use the lemongrass when you cook.
Marigolds and mums
You don’t have to stick to planting herbs when you’re avoiding mosquitoes. Try planting marigolds. They have a scent that repels most bugs, including pesky skeeters.
While not all insects are repelled by the scent of mums, mosquitoes are. Plant a bunch and reap mosquito-free living.
Rosemary
Grow rosemary in your garden this summer (like all of these plants, it’s another plant perfect for container gardening) to keep the mosquitoes away. You can cook with rosemary, and if you’re looking for a way to repel mosquitoes while you’re grilling, throw a few sprigs on your charcoal. It should do the trick.
Tea tree oil
If you don’t mind the scent, apply tea tree oil to your skin. Mosquitoes will mind the smell and stay away.
Vitamin B-1
Take one vitamin B-1 tablet a day to repel mosquitoes, as well as flies and gnats.
Make-your-own sprays
If you’d rather repel the bugs by wearing a spray, here are several recipes to choose from:
– Cut the leaves and stems of catmint and rosemary, then place in a container and cover with a cup of boiling water. Steep for an hour, cool and use the herbal tea as a repellent spray.
– Mix ten drops of eucalyptus oil, ten drops of cedarwood oil, five drops of tea tree oil, five drops of geranium oil and one ounce of jojoba oil. Apply to your skin (be sure to test a small area, first). Avoid your eyes, and keep out of the reach of children.
– Crush parsley and mix with apple cider vinegar. Rub the mixture on your skin.
– If you’re feeling confident and experimental, try creating your own combinations out of these naturally repelling oils: castor oil, cedar oil, cinnamon oil, citronella oil, clove oil, geranium oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil and rosemary oil.
Prevention techniques
It also helps to prevent mosquitoes. Make sure you:
– Eliminate standing water. Check your bird baths, buckets, gutters, kids’ toys, old tires, pet bowls, planter saucers, recycling bins, swimming pool covers, tarps, and wheelbarrows.
– Whack your weeds and keep your grass trimmed.
– Wear light-colored clothing; mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
– Avoid incandescent lights and candlelight – both attract mosquitoes.
– Try to stay in a breeze or close to a fan, if possible.
– Try to be as artificially unscented as possible – mosquitoes are attracted to the scent of perfume, sunscreens and fabric softener.
Finally, mosquitoes will be attracted to you if you’re hot and sweaty – kind of a natural occurrence during the summer, huh? They like you because:
– They’re attracted to carbon dioxide and you produce more carbon dioxide when you’re hot or when you’re exercising.
– They’re attracted to lactic acid and you release more lactic acid when you exercise.
-They’re attracted to the chemicals in your perspiration.
Category: Wellness and Complementary Therapies
