When it comes to dealing with itchy mosquito bites, chemical repellents aren’t your only option. Here are the other effective ways to control harmful mosquitoes naturally.
In warm weather, you can indulge in outdoor activities such as hiking, sunbathing and barbecues. These happy moments are often accompanied in summer by a small nuisance: mosquitoes. These pests, which thrive in hot weather, can ruin everyone’s summer fun. But there are ways to deter mosquitoes, so you can enjoy the sun.
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Here are 7 natural ways to prevent mosquito bites:
1. Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
Lemon eucalyptus is a great mosquito repellent. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil has been shown to provide 100% mosquito protection for up to 12 hours.
Bonus: lemon eucalyptus also helps relieve cold symptoms, like congestion and cough.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is a natural insecticide and mosquito repellent. You can mix this oil with other scents, like lemon, and rub them on your skin to get a minty smell. Peppermint essential oil is a “hot oil” which means it can cause a warm sensation when applied directly to your skin. To avoid this, dilute peppermint oil with a carrier oil, such as almond or coconut oil.
3. Lemongrass essential oil
According to a study published in July 2016 in the World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, citronella oil is comparable to commercial mosquito repellents. Combining lemongrass oil with another essential oil (like cinnamon bark oil) will enhance its repellent effect.
4. Use a fan
Mosquitoes are very good at bugging us in a closed room, but they actually fly very badly. So if you’re sitting outside on a summer day, bring an electric fan with you to keep mosquitoes away.
5. Eliminate standing water
Any pool or puddle around your house or garden can quickly become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Here are some tips for keeping the surroundings of your home free of these insects:
– Unclog roof gutters
– Empty children’s swimming pools
– Change the water in any birdbath weekly
– Make sure that rain does not accumulate in the lids of the bins
– Store flower pots or other unused containers upside down
