Get rid of pesky mosquitoes with naturally repellent plant products.
Before the development of DEET, people used a variety of plants to keep mosquitoes at bay. Strongly scented herbs, seasonings, oil and extracts were rubbed on the skin or placed bowls and arranged strategically around campsites, picnic areas and patios. The various remedies repelled mosquitoes and other bugs by emitting an odor the insects found unappealing, effectively deterring the unwelcome pests for several hours at a time. Does this Spark an idea?
Plant Choices
While mosquitoes tend to be drawn to floral or fruity fragrances, they seem to be put off by acidic, sharp or particularly pungent aromas. The crisp scents of citronella and lemongrass are long-standing favorites for mosquito control, as are the bitter, biting aromas produced by eucalyptus oil, basil leaves, beautyberry bushes, cedar shavings and raw onions.
Use
Apply fresh plants directly to any exposed areas of your skin. Simply crush or cut the foliage to release the juices and rub them over your skin. For example, areas of your body can be patted with slices of fresh onion, effectively blanketing your body in a mosquito-repellent layer of bitter juice. If you do not relish the idea of smelling like an onion, pieces of lemon, lime or orange peel can be used to achieve similar results, as can handfuls of crushed basil, peppermint or beautyberry leaves. Dilute essential oils, such as lemon eucalyptus, celery, cedar, garlic or pennyroyal, before applying them to the skin, mixing 10 to 20 drops into ¼ cup of unscented oil, such as olive oil; then rub the mixture evenly over your skin. Create area repellents by filling shallow dishes with oils or freshly chopped foliage and placing them in front of windows or around the perimeter of the designated area.
Alternatives
In addition to plant repellents, people have been known to use everyday items such as pure vanilla extract, distilled white vinegar and fabric softener sheets to keep mosquitoes away. While there is no current scientific evidence to support their effectiveness as insect repellents, these items can be found in most homes, and in a pinch they may be better than nothing.
Bites
Should the chosen insect repellent prove to be ineffective, the itch can be taken out of bites with a number of natural products. Just dab the affected area with a cotton ball that has been dampened with plant extracts, such as lavender essential oil, tea tree oil or juniper oil, or with tea made from dried chamomile flowers or sprigs of St. John's wort; the itchy feeling should vanish. Alternatively, redness and inflammation can be reduced by moistening the skin and rubbing the bites with pieces of willow bark or an ordinary aspirin tablet.
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