Summer is usually mosquito season because of the rain that comes with it. Mosquitos thrive in puddles of standing water, and rain is one factor that can cause that.
Of course, many chemical repellants can help you keep them away from yourself and your family this period. However, as you well know, chemical repellants also come with some risk factors, which can include allergies, skin and eye irritation, etcetera.
Not everyone prefers chemical mosquito repellant, and you may as well be one of them, which is okay. So, we’ll discuss some natural alternatives that are just as effective.
You can Use Oils
Going for any outdoor activity like hiking, strolling, or jogging around the block may increase the chances of meeting mosquitoes, especially if you live or hike around a wet vicinity. In such cases, rubbing oils made of lemon eucalyptus, citronella, peppermint, lavender, or even tea tree oil on your skin can help you repel mosquitoes.
According to the CDC, these oils can be relied upon as mosquito repellants, and they have little to no side effects that you may need to worry about.
To mix up any of these ingredients to form a mosquito-repelling solution, add 15-20 drops of your chosen ingredient oil with water, sunflower oil, or even witch hazel in a small spray can. Shake the mixture properly before each use and apply it to any part of your body that may be exposed (you can even spray on your clothing if the fragrance is something you can deal with; just make sure you’re not allergic to the ingredient you’re using).
Also, if you have a child under three, do not apply repelling mixtures like these to their skin. Studies from the University of Florida have cautioned against using repelling mixtures like these on young kids under three, as their bodies may not react to them as you may expect.
Grow Special Plants
If you’re someone who loves gardening and enjoys spending evenings on your patio or deck, it might be better to also consider planting mosquito-repelling plants like citronella grass, marigolds, or even catnip around the area.
Lemon balm and peppermint are also good choices to cultivate. But be observant of their growth, especially if you have other important plants in your garden, as they can quickly cover them if care is not taken. Better yet, just plant them in containers to keep them under control.
Sacramento Mosquito and Vector Control District, renowned for mosquito prevention services, believes that to get the most from these plants, you must place them near seating areas and entrances to your home. So keep that in mind.
Hinder their Growth
Mosquitoes thrive in certain conditions, and you can naturally prevent them by removing any factor or element that helps them thrive and produce offspring.
A common way to do this is to remove any standing water around your home or apartment. You might not be aware of any now, but taking a stroll around your yard can help you spot them.
It might not just be the gutters; something as harmless as a birdbath can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. This is why you have to inspect and empty them regularly. Also, observe any containers that might collect rainwater and empty or dispose of them completely.
The gutters are just as important. Ensure your gutters are clear and draining properly. And keep your lawn mowed and well-trimmed.
Make Use of Fans
Fans can also come in handy when dispelling mosquitoes. Though they don’t naturally prevent them, they can be just as effective in repelling them from your skin while you’re resting or sitting in your yard.
Mosquitoes are not strong flyers because their wings are not that big, so the breeze from a fan can make it difficult for them to land on you. And to add to that, fans help push off the carbon dioxide you exhale, which is one of the primary ways mosquitoes use to locate you. So it makes it hard for them to either get close up or even notice you’re there.
If it’s your deck you love spending most of your time, then setting up a few oscillating fans around your seating area might not be a bad idea.
Wear Covering Clothes
Covering up any possible spot a mosquito can perch on is another natural method of preventing them. However, when choosing clothing, always opt for bright colors, as many studies have shown mosquitoes are mostly attracted to dark colors.
Also, long sleeves (like turtlenecks) and pants are better for protecting your skin against bites. If the weather is too warm for clothes like these, focus on loose-fitting garments that can offer the same coverage. Ensure they are not too tight because mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing.
Wrapping Up
These natural methods may not be as brutal and quick as chemical repellants, but they do the job and have lesser risks of allergies and skin reactions. In any case, use what works best for you and protect yourself and your family.
