Posted by admin in Features Jul 12th, 2011
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With summer in full swing, mosquitoes are the last thing you want ruining all the fun. Before you run to the store and load up on expensive bug sprays that contain harsh chemicals, why not consider using a natural mosquito repellent that’s backed by science to avoid these pesky insects? Go ahead and give these 10 natural ways to avoid mosquitoes a try and see for yourself!
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: Oil of lemon eucalyptus is said to be one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents on the market and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. The active ingredient in oil of lemon eucalyptus is cineole, which has several antiseptic and insect repellent properties when applied to the skin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus also provides comparable protection to low concentrations of DEET.
Wear Light-Colored and Tightly-Woven Clothing: In the heat of summer, wearing light-colored clothing not only keeps you cooler, but it also repels mosquitoes. These bloodsucking insects are attracted to dark colors, and they can easily find you if you don’t dress accordingly. In addition to dressing lightly, be sure to pay attention to how much of your skin is exposed. If you’re going to be outdoors for a long period of time, you’ll want to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks that cover your skin. Another tip for blocking mosquitoes is to wear clothes made of tightly woven materials.
Oil of Citronella: The citronella oil that’s found in outdoor candles, torches and lanterns, and skin products provides a natural and fragrant way to keep skeeters away. Citronella oil is an essential oil that comes from citronella grass, which can be planted for extra mosquito-repelling power. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, oil of citronella poses little or no toxicity risks to humans, wildlife and the environment. However, there is a chance that citronella products can cause skin irritations in children and people with sensitive skin, especially if applied incorrectly.
Soybean Oil: Soybean oil is a vegetable oil that has been extracted from the seeds of a soybean. Although soybean oil is predominately used in cooking, it does have awesome mosquito-repelling powers. In a study conducted by The New England Journal of Medicine, soybean-oil-based repellents protected against mosquito bites for an average of 94.6 minutes, which was more than all other botanical repellents tested.
Go Fragrance-Free: Since mosquitoes are attracted to fragrances, it’s a good idea to avoid wearing perfumes and scented products while you’re outside. There’s nothing more natural than going fragrance-free and sporting your natural scent. Of course that doesn’t mean you can’t wear sunscreen, deodorant or use hair products – just make sure they are all fragrance-free. Also, be sure to watch your use of scented fabric softeners and dryer sheets, which can remain on your clothes well after laundering.
Lavender Oil: Not only does lavender oil smell simply wonderful, but this essential oil also provides effective mosquito-repelling power. Lavender oil can be found in a variety of products such as lotions, soaps, sprays and gels that are applied topically. Lavender oil can be mixed with other essential oils to boost its benefits or applied alone. After using this potent natural oil, you’ll never want to go back to the chemical stuff again.
Garlic: Garlic repels more than just vampires – it works on mosquitoes too! The pungent smell of garlic is the key to keeping mosquitoes away from you. It is believed that garlic is released through the pores and may change your scent, making it harder for mosquitoes to find you and less likely to stay on your skin if they do track you down. Test the mosquito-repelling power of mosquitoes by eating it regularly or rubbing raw garlic on your exposed skin.
Reduce Standing Water In and Around Your Home: The best way to avoid mosquitoes is not to attract them in the first place. This can be done by simply reducing the amount of standing water that they can use for breeding in and around your house. Be sure to repair failed septic systems, leaky water pipes and outside faucets, in addition to cutting your grass short and keeping drains, ditches and culverts free of debris so water can drain properly. Swimming pools should be cleaned and chlorinated regularly and change the water in bird baths, wading pools and any other water containers that might attract mosquitoes.
Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants: An easy way to repel mosquitoes and spruce up your backyard is to plant bug-repelling plants. Tansies, marigolds, catnip, Thai lemon grass, citronella grass and garlic are excellent, natural mosquito repellents. These plants give off an odor that’s unpleasant to mosquitoes and will send them flying far away.
Build a Bat House: It might seem like you’re inviting more pests to your home by building a bat house, but it’s actually quite the contrary. Bats are natural predators to mosquitoes and they can eat up to 3,000 of the pesky insects every night. Building a bat house will attract bats to your backyard and hopefully keep your mosquito population down in the process.
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