Tag: repellent

Mosquitoes are a nuisance. They come in various forms that cause different diseases, the most common being the female anopheles mosquito that causes malaria. Several commercial mosquito repellents have been produced, but mosquitoes are quickly developing resistance to them. We are also in the global warming era where the use of artificial chemicals to fight pests is discouraged, and natural pest control methods encouraged instead.

Natural mosquito repellents that work

Essential oil mixtures

Essential oil mixtures have been proven to work as natural mosquito repellents. For instance, a mixture of sunflower oil and lemon eucalyptus oil can be sprayed around the home compound to keep away mosquitoes. Spraying cinnamon oil or a combination of thyme oil and water on your clothes or even directly onto your skin will protect you from mosquito bites.

There is a large list of herbal oils that act as natural mosquito repellents such as neem oil, tea tree oil, citronella oil, soybean oil and Greek catnip oil, to name but a few. You can use either of these oils singly or mix them. Their fragrances keep mosquitoes at bay.

Garlic

When you eat fresh garlic, you also keep mosquito bites away. You may be aware that mosquitoes bite some people more than others. People who eat fresh garlic hardly get bitten by mosquitoes, because garlic produces compounds that repel mosquitoes. Some of these compounds seep through the tiny pores of the skin to the surface, where they form a protective layer that repels mosquitoes.

Outdoor garden plants

Several outdoor garden plants keep mosquitoes away from your home. Lavender is a good example. Mosquitoes cannot stand the scent of this plant. You just need to rub the flowers of lavender onto your skin to keep flies, moths, and mosquitoes at bay. Lavender flowers have oils that have antiseptic and analgesic qualities.

You can also plant the lotus plant at your backyard pond or the swampy areas of your homestead. It repels mosquitoes and kills mosquito larvae. Marigolds are other plants that produce a smell that keeps mosquitoes away. Citronella grass, catnip, Rosemary, Basil and scented Geraniums are other plants that repel mosquitoes. If you grow these plants somewhere in your homestead, you will not have to worry about mosquitoes again.

While commercial mosquito repellents are readily available, it is more advisable to use natural mosquito repellents, especially during these times of eco-friendliness where we are trying to get as close to Mother Nature as possible in whatever we do.…