It’s summer ! You sweat all day in an office with a few colleagues who, for their part, have different pretensions. Some suffocate and demand air conditioning, others fear a draft that will make them sick. You can’t wait to get home and stretch out on a lounge chair to enjoy the cool of the evening. Damn ! This idyllic setting is disturbed by insects attracted by the light and the smell of your body. Since you’re not comfortable using chemicals to repel intruders, you need to concoct a natural mosquito repellent. Which one, you will find in our article on this subject!
A natural mosquito repellent: why?
Biting insects are our enemies forever and we continue our fierce fight with them by all means. If you are allergic, you should know how relieve bites to avoid complications. You have surrounded your terrace or balcony with a whole “shield” of repellent plants, which sometimes prove ineffective against intruder attacks. Needless to say, mosquitoes carry serious infections and diseases. You even made a feeder to attract birds which would reduce the population of harmful insects. And, you haven’t found the panacea yet, that natural mosquito repellent that will allow you to sip your refreshing drink.
What to know to concoct a natural mosquito repellent?
Do all mosquitoes bite and how do they choose the objects of their attacks? Because, it is proven that some people are spared. These are questions that arouse interest, but we will review the olfactory side of the problem.
As chemicals, insecticides or pesticides can be harmful to people, we try to circumvent them. Many people are turning to home remedies, natural and eco-friendly to repel insects. Not only is a mosquito repellent spray generally safe for use, but it is effective. It’s not hard to realize that all of the ingredients in your mosquito repellent should smell repulsive.
While the Environmental Protection Agency requires that most insect repellents applied to the skin be registered for human safety and efficacy, it has also listed several natural ingredients as minimal risk pesticides. To that end, let’s review everything you might find in cupboards or at the grocery store. It is important to note that although these ingredients are safe for humans, the EPA does not rate them as effective enough. Also keep in mind that the means that we will mention below are preventive. Here are some popular natural ingredients that can help repel insects in your home or on the patio.
Make a Citrus Oil
You can create your own blend that provides over 95% mosquito protection for 3 hours with 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil to 10 parts sunflower or witch hazel oil. The only downside is that it is not recommended for use on children under 3 years old. Citronella and citrus oils like limonene are popular and well-known insect repellents, which can be effective against fleas, aphids, mites and flies.
The double effect of lavender as a natural mosquito repellent
Lavender has analgesic, antifungal and antiseptic qualities. This means that in addition to pamper the skinit can prevent mosquito bites.
Crush the flowers and infuse by pouring coconut oil into a glass jar until the lavender is completely covered. Close the lid tightly and shake. Strain through a strainer or cheesecloth. Apply the oil to areas of the body susceptible to bites, such as the ankles and arms. Also, drop some lavender oil on a clean cloth and rub into the skin to relieve itching.
The smell of crushed garlic is repulsive
In the old days, the ancients hung cloves of garlic to protect the house from evil spirits. Despite its specific smell, garlic occupies a place of merit in several national cuisines, and the good taste of meals is indisputable. Obviously this fact makes it our ally in the fight against mosquitoes. So eating garlic provides mild protection against insects, thanks to the smell on your breath and the sulfur compounds you emit through your skin. In this sense, you can also use the onion which cut and rubbed on the bites removes the redness and swelling.
Cinnamon gets involved against mosquitoes
According to a study done in Taiwan, cinnamon oil can kill the eggs of the Asian tiger mosquito.
To make a 1% dilute solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon (or 24 drops) of oil to 120ml of water. You can spray the liquid on your skin or clothes, around your house, and on upholstery or plants. Be careful when applying cinnamon oil, as a concentrated dose can irritate your skin.
You can also try thyme essential oil, by mixing 4 drops of thyme oil with each teaspoon of carrier oil, such as olive or jojoba oil. For a spray, mix 5 drops of thyme oil with 60 ml of water.
Dill and peppermint are repellents too. Remember to dilute as the high concentration can reverse things.
Apart from its application in housework, the White vinegar can also be part of the ingredients of a natural repellent against mosquitoes and flies.
What is geraniol?
Geraniol is a type of alcohol used as a fragrance or flavoring. It comes from vegetable oils like lemongrass and rose. As an ingredient in mosquito repellents, it is known to be effective for 2-4 hours, depending on the species.
Keep this oil away from eyes and try to avoid using it if you have sensitive skin. Geraniol can cause eye and skin irritation.