10 Ways to Keep Mosquitos Away
I’ve been looking into ideas that will help get rid of those bloodthirsty pests this summer. We’re fortunate to live in an area that offers an active response to mosquitoes through North Shore Mosquito Abatement District which serves 11 North Shore villages. Their work goes a long way in ridding the population before they ever hatch and come out to torment us.
Humans despise these little fiends and I know we’ve all tried various remedies to avoid getting the dreaded bite. Certain people are more likely to attract them - we all know people who claim they are mosquito magnets! Not only is the bite painful, but mosquitoes also carry diseases.
So here are a few ideas I came across that I will definitely try out this summer:
DAB ON SOME ESSENTIAL OILS
This one was the most interesting to me since I keep peppermint essential oil around. Apparently just dabbing some on one arm is enough to repel them - but it must be reapplied every 30 minutes or so. The most effective is Lavender Oil. Be sure to get essential oils, not the cooking flavoring.
PLANT LAVENDER AROUND YOUR PATIO OR SITTING AREA
They’re beautiful and sweet smelling plants but mosquitos hate them. Other plants they don’t like: marigolds, lemon grass, and lemon balm.
HERBS AS REPELLENTS
Basil is a pungent plant (I’m seeing a trend here) that also repulses mosquitoes. And who doesn’t like to have basil all summer long for salads, bruschetta, and pasta! Garlic and rosemary also do the trick.
MOSQUITO DUNKS
Non-toxic to other friendly, this product is meant to be placed in water - where mosquitos breed. It contains a natural ingredient which kills larvae but not adult mosquitoes. However, reviewers say they saw a significant decrease in adults within a few days.
DRYER SHEETS
Yes - keep one in each pocket and even rub it on your arms and legs. They have two chemicals in them and one is also found in citronella - the grandpa of all mosquito repellants. While this method has not been absolutely proven, it’s harmless enough to consider seriously.
FAN
Blow them away! Seems simple enough and it is. They are naturally weak fliers so if they can’t get to you, they can’t bite you. The best is a standing oscillating fan.
WEAR A BRACELET
I bought some of these repellent bracelets and have yet to give them a go. I think they’d be a better choice when you’re out walking or hiking. This link goes to ones that are DEET free and use essential oils.
BURN COFFEE GROUNDS
I’m least likely to try this one since I prefer the smell of coffee in the morning. But it apparently works well and if you brew coffee at home, keep the grounds but let them dry. Just place them on a plate with aluminum foil and set on fire (didn’t even know this could be done.) As usual, it’s the smell that repels them.
WHOLE PATIO REPELLANT
This product is a patio-shield that creates a 15-foot area protected against mosquitos. According to their site, there is no DEET or other chemicals. The reviews are mixed but the price is low enough (around $20) to give it a whirl.
USE MOSQUITO WIPES
Up to now, my suggestions have been for using natural ways to fight mosquitos. But now we’re going into chemical territory - DEET. This product is similar to a spray can but uses wipes for spreading on your body. DEET is most often used in heavily infested areas or while you’re camping or hiking.
There are, of course, the old standbys like citronella candles that can be placed around your outdoor sitting area. There are also many good sprays (some with DEET, some without) that seem to work fine. The quest for mosquito relief is ongoing - I’m doing my bit to find a way that works for you! Let me know what you think.
Featured image by Welcome to all and thank you for your visit ! ツ from Pixabay
Lavendar Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay
Coffee Image by Stephanie Albert from Pixabay
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