Nobody likes having mosquitos around.
There aren't too many drawbacks to nice weather, but mosquitoes are definitely one of them. These annoying little biters aren't just a nuisance; they can spread pathogens and leave behind a nasty itch. Though chemical repellents like DEET are the most effective means of repelling mosquitoes, homemade repellents provide a more pleasant, natural alternative at times when the bugs aren't so heavy. Try a few commonly used ingredients to make your own homemade bug sprays and repelling treatments. Does this Spark an idea?
Garlic
Unfortunately, eating garlic doesn't help repel mosquitoes, according to a 2005 study at the University of Connecticut. However, if you don't mind smelling like garlic on the outside, use either fresh garlic or garlic juice as a natural, homemade repellent. This can simply involve preparing a clove by slicing it in half, scoring it and then rubbing it against your skin. Alternately, make a garlic "perfume" by mixing one part garlic juice, one part rubbing alcohol and three parts water in an atomizing spray bottle. This gives you a portable spray that you can use on the go.
Lavender
Lavender flowers have a strong scent that deters mosquitoes, and it's one which many people consider pleasant enough to use as a perfume or cosmetics scent. Create your own lavender-scented body products that you can use even when mosquitoes aren't an issue. Vigorously rub fresh flowers or leaves against your skin to release their scent oils, or make a lavender perfume from purchased essential oil (one part oil, 10 parts rubbing alcohol, 20 parts water). Alternately, infuse a light cooking oil (such as almond or walnut) by soaking lavender in it for about a week and rub the scented oil on your skin.
Vinegar
Vinegar is commonly used and anecdotally recommended as a mosquito repellent. You don't need to do much with it other than rub it on your skin. You might, however, try different combinations of vinegar to see which ones have the best balance between smelling nice to you and being effective against mosquitoes. Apple cider vinegar and rice vinegar both have mild, pleasant smells, though white vinegar has a bit more of a punch to it.
Citronella
The same plant essential oil that's used to create repellent candles for outdoor areas is one that you can buy where perfume essential oils are sold. Citronella oil is made from oils taken from the lemongrass plant and has a pleasant, fresh smell that's good for rubbing on your skin or including in a perfume mix.
Combos
After experimenting with individual repellent ingredients, try mixing your own combinations to see what kinds of results you get. For example, try making a combination citronella and lavender perfume, or mix garlic and vinegar for a potent yard repellent.
Tags: your skin, against your, against your skin, commonly used, garlic juice, lavender perfume