They're back! Yep it is summer time and you know what that means….Mosquitoes! Mosquitoes are most commonly active at dusk and dawn. So what natural options to you have to repel these pests from getting the best of you when you are enjoying your time outdoors?
First, there are certain plants that naturally repel mosquitoes such as Citronella, Horsemint, Marigolds, Lavender, Vanilla, Ageratum & Catnip. One suggestion is planting pots of these plants around your yard, deck or patio to repel these pests without having to use chemicals. It should be noted that there are environmental variables such how the breeze is blowing that can cause the plants to be less effective. Although catnip will repel mosquitoes in close proximity to the plant, it can also cause you to have unexpected visitors in the way of stray cats visiting your yard.
Another natural way to repel mosquitoes is taking vanilla leaves or lavender flowers and rub them around your wrists, knees, and the nape of the neck. If you break open the leaves you will get more of the oil from the natural leaf allowing for more repelling aromas from the plants to get on a persons’ skin. Using pure vanilla extract can also stop mosquitoes from biting. Applying a few dabs of pure vanilla extract to one’s pulse points on the body is a great way to keep pests from biting all evening plus you will smell yummy!
You can also make homemade essential oil repellents. Take cinnamon, eucalyptus, or citronella essential oil and mix 10-25 drops of it with 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, apple cider vinegar or witch hazel. Store this mixture in a cool, dark place in a tightly closed container. Adding a few drops onto the skin or clothing will repel mosquitoes for hours. As with any type of repellent make sure to reapply once an hour during and after swimming and exercise.
Finally, did you know mosquitoes cannot stand laundry fabric dryer sheets? Taking one dryer sheet and rubbing it over exposed skin can work to control pests all evening long.
Interesting Mosquito facts: Did you know according to Smithsonian that it is not necessarily who the Mosquito encounters initially but it also has to do with a couple factors:
1. Mosquitoes twice as likely to be attracted to Type O blood than Type A.
2. If you are wearing colors that stand out Mosquitoes will be drawn to you quicker.
3. If you have high amounts of bacteria on the skin for instance from sweat after a run or exercise.
4. Pregnant women are also targets for Mosquitoes
So, now you know that without a doubt you have options to utilizing chemical based repellents from the store. Each person’s body chemistry different so if one thing does not work, try another!
