As summer rolls in around the corner, another set of species is as excited as us when it comes to beaches and barbecues – mosquitos. Mosquitos are not only irritating but also cause diseases like malaria, dengue, and Japanese encephalitis. To make matters worse, your store mosquito repellant might also carry with them harsh or dangerous chemicals. The bad news is, mosquitoes are here to stay. The good news is, we have home remedies for mosquito bites and recipes for repellants that will make summers much more enjoyable.
Tea Tree Oil is one of the Home Remedies for Mosquito
Field research has shown tea tree oil is an effective deterrent against biting midges and bush flies. So does tea tree oil repel mosquitoes?
Tea tree oil not only helps prevent bugs and mosquito bites, but it can treat them as well. Mix a few drops of the oil into your face wash to prevent bug bites, or apply directly to affected areas to treat bug bites.
Citronella Oil
Citronella oil is composed of different types of lemongrass.
You can use citronella essential oil to repel mosquitoes if you’re on the go. However, its efficacy can only last around 20 minutes.
For long-lasting protection, you can use citronella candles since they can provide up to 50 percent extra protection for as long as they burn.
Neem Is One of the Essential Oils to Repel Mosquito
Neem is another essential oil that repels mosquitoes.
Recent studies have shown that neem oil can reduce the chance of a mosquito bite by 70 percent for three to four hours. Neem oil mixed with coconut oil was shown to reduce the risk of a mosquito bite by 100 percent over the same period of time.
Lavender Oil
Do mosquitos like lavender? Based on their reactions, not so much. Massage lavender oil into areas of your body that are prone to be bitten, such as ankles and wrists.
The smell of the lavender oil drives insects (especially mosquitoes) away. Even more potent than the oil of lavender are the fresh flowers themselves. Crush the petals, and apply the paste to exposed skin.
Thyme for Mosquitoes
Mix four or five drops of thyme oil with a tablespoon of vegetable oil, and apply to bite-sensitive areas of exposed skin for a 91% reduced risk of mosquito bites.
If you are camping, burning thyme leaves will also drive mosquitoes away from the campfire.
Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is like Kryptonite to mosquitoes.
It repels adult insects while killing the eggs and larvae. Studies have shown cinnamon is better at repelling mosquitoes than DEET.
It is also a much safer and healthier alternative.
Catnip
Research conducted at Iowa State University showed that catnip oil is 10 times more effective than DEET at fighting off mosquitoes.
Catnip oil’s protective powers last for two to three hours after application. It’s one of the great home remedies for mosquito.
Takeaway
Ready for your “no mosquito” summer? Try out these home remedies to keep mosquitoes away so you can enjoy the outdoors with your partner, friends, and family. Not only are these ingredients natural, but they are also effective and easy to create.
[Source: Daily Herald, Good Housekeeping, Healthline, Time, WebMD, TrendHunter]