As spring turns to summer and we spend more time outdoors, we need to be vigilant against mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can carry Lyme disease and other diseases that can cause a myriad of problems. There are lots of commercial products you can use to protect against mosquito bites like OFF! but there are also natural methods to deter those pesky pests. The biggest reason that people want to prevent mosquito bites isn’t that they carry disease, it’s because after one is bitten by a mosquito, the site itches like crazy! So to avoid that itch, here are some options that tell you how to prevent mosquito bites.
An article from the Huffington Post states that the commercial repellents are usually the most reliable but there are other natural methods to repel mosquitoes. It’s important to be aware that even though they are natural, they may be dangerous if used improperly. Inhaling large amounts of any type of chemical can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Make sure when you apply any commercial bug spray that you do it outdoors in a well ventilated area.
Essential Oils are a natural method of repellent. Some essential oils that might work are Cloves, Catnip, Neem, Eucalyptus, and Lemon Oil. The oil of cloves can smell pleasant in small doses. It is said that Neem Oil contains azadirachtin which is a natural insecticide. There are other essential oils that you can use as natural repellents but be aware you might find yourself reapplying them too often and they could also cause burns on your skin in too high of concentrations. For example, people with sensitive skin should avoid peppermint essential oils – as it can cause a burning sensation. If you decide to use essential oils, experiment in small doses and with different kinds in order to find the most effective combo for yourself.
Vitamin B1 can also be used as a mosquito repellent. Vitamin B1 is actually a water soluble vitamin that is used in many bodily functions and if you take more than you need it gets excreted through your sweat and can potentially deter mosquitoes. It hasn’t been officially proven to deter mosquitoes but it may help.
Most studies show that the commercial products are the most dependable methods of mosquito repellent but they do contain ingredients that can be harmful and that worries many health conscious families. Used according to label instructions they can be very effective but if you’re concerned about the chemicals you might consider these and other natural options.