Reports confirm cases of the West Nile Virus across Canada and the United States. Mosquitoes are no longer just a pesky insect to tolerate during the summer months but a serious health threat. The best defense to avoid being bitten by a mosquito is prevention.
In addition to commercial mosquito repellent you can buy at the store, there are many natural and environmentally friendly methods you can try.
Change of habit
Throughout mosquito season, minimize the amount of products you use that leave a scent on your skin. Some scents attract mosquitoes more than others do.
Limit your sugar intake if you're going to be outside during peak times. Mosquitoes are attracted to people who ingest a lot of sugar.
Stay indoors in the early morning or at dusk when mosquitoes tend to be out. If you must be outside during peak times, cover exposed skin and wear light colored clothing. Dark colored clothing tends to attract mosquitoes.
Natural skin repellents
For exposed skin areas, there are a number of natural substances you can use:
Dab lavender on your pulse points (wrists, neck temples, behind ears, knees and ankles).
Rub apple cider vinegar on exposed skin.
Remove the skin from a cucumber. Cut into pieces and mash in bowl. Collect the liquid and pour in ice cube trays and freeze. When frozen, rub the cucumber cube on your hands and face.
Make your own
You can also make your own mosquito repellant with ingredients readily available from a health food store or pharmacy. To make your own natural mosquito repellent, you will need:
20 drops Eucalyptus Oil
20 drops Cedarwood Oil
10 drops Tea Tree Oil
10 drops Geranium Oil
2 oz. Jojoba Oil
Mix all the ingredients together in 4 oz. jar and label appropriately. Let set for 1 hour. Apply sparingly to exposed skin. Avoid getting into your eyes. Reapply every 3 hours as needed. Keep out of reach of children. Always test a small area first to make sure you don't have an allergy to any of the ingredients.
Outdoor repellants
To keep mosquitoes at bay while enjoying your backyard, there are a few plants and herbs that repel mosquitoes.
Fill containers with citronella and place around your patio.
Mosquitoes don't like the aroma of basil and the herb tansy. Fill you patio containers up with these herbs and place in sunny areas. You can also utilize these herbs in the kitchen. They can be used fresh or you can dry them and store them.
Natural topical itch relief
If you get bitten despite your efforts, you can minimize the itch by:
Rubbing some Preparation H on the bite.
Applying a vinegar-soaked cotton ball to the bite.
Mixing the herb feverfew with petroleum jelly and applying to the bite.
Applying a dab of toothpaste to relieve itching.
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