Don't let mosquitos get in the way of your summer outdoor fun. Here are a few tips on keeping you bite free. Remove standing water sources. This is prime mosquito breeding ground. Dump water from anything in your yard or outdoor area that is collecting it. For things you'd like to keep water in (birdbaths, wading pools, pet water bowls) change it often.
Turn on a fan. Mosquitos prefer still air. A nice breeze will deter them and keep you cool.
Plan accordingly. Mosquitos are most active in the early morning and early evening, so if you can, plan around these times or take extra precautions if you know you'll be out and about.
Wear long sleeves. When you cover up there's less exposed skin for the little blood suckers to feast on.
Use essential oil based bug sprays. Most bug sprays contain DEET. Even though it works wonders at keeping folks bite free the active ingredient (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a chemical that absorbs into the skin and could cause reactions such as rash or skin irritation (long term harful effects have yet to be conclusively proven at this time). If you go this route, don't over do it and keep away from eyes or mouth.
There are many natural sprays available at Whole Foods and health food stores that can repel mosquitos without harsh chemicals. You can even mix some up yourself. In a spray bottle use 4 oz of water and ten drops of essential oil such as cedarwood, eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, thai lemongrass, rosemary or catnip (yes catnip oil, it is said to be very effective). Neem oil, a natural vegetable oil from the Neem tree in India, is also said to work as a natural mosquito repellent. You can also add a little vegetable oil to the mix.
Mosquitos are also carriers of diseases such as malaria, west nile virus and dengue fever, which aren't as common in the United States and Western Europe as in other parts of the world, but there is still a risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has additional information on international travel and further tips on vector borne disease prevention (ie. mosquitos).
Amy says: I've been a mosquito magnet for as long as I can remember and have used my fair share of DEET over the years. This summer I think I'll try out some of these natural sprays to see how they work.
Products to try:
Burt's Bees
More info:
