Mosquitoes can smell "food“ from up to 50 meters away. They are attracted by certain odors. This is why some people get stung so much more than others. The best mosquito repellent is therefore to create a smell mosquitoes do not like. Since mosquitoes like sweat, it helps to take a shower, especially after exercising. Some people also swear that they get stung less when they take a daily dose of yeast or vitamin B tablets, which also changes the smell of body odor.
Fans and Candles Distract Insects
On the contrary, there also foods which will create a body odor no mosquito can resist. The reason is that the consumption of bananas, other high-potassium food or salty food increases the amount of lactic acid in the perspiration. Try to distract the mosquitoes by placing an old sweaty sock or T-shirt in the patio-corner away from the sitting-area.
Mosquitoes further dislike wind and cold air. Simply put a moving fan next to table or bed or turn the ceiling fan on. Wearing long-sleeved, lightly colored pants and shirts also helps when outside. Mosquitoes are attracted by dark colors.
Watch out for Damp Flowerpots
The smell of citronella plants, lavender and thyme is disliked by mosquitoes, but none of those plants will stop them from biting the human sitting right next to it. While those plants are a wonderful idea, a citronella bush alone is not a good enough protection. Also make sure that the plants are not too moist and that there is no standing water in the containers. Standing water will not only draw mosquitoes but also gives them a place to reproduce.
For a ready-to-go repellent, rub basil leaves on unprotected skin. This might help for a little while. Candles and fires are also a good idea, to lure mosquitoes away from human blood. Since they are drawn by carbon dioxide, which people breathe out, another source of CO2 is a great distraction.
Use Essential Oils to Make Repellents
Citronella candles or, even better, torches, do indeed work for this reason – at least a little bit. Skin applied products still offer the best protection. There is a huge number of essential oils which work as mosquito repellent. Preferably use a combination of two different oils. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus* or PMD (Chemical Name: para-menthane-3,8-diol) is an effective biopesticide repellent. PMD is the only essential oil registered as an effective repellent.
Natural Solutions Require Higher Concentration Than DEET
There are various other oils, which also can be used to make quite effective repellents. They smell good, are natural, not dangerous and easy to make. The only downside is, that those homemade solutions have to be reapplied every hour. They also require a much higher concentration than DEET.
- citronella oil
- lemon eucalyptus oil
- castor oil
- rosemary oil
- lemongrass oil
- fennel oil
- cedar oil
- peppermint oil
- clove oil
- geranium oil
Not quite as effective but also useful in combination with the oils above are:
- lavender
- pine
- basil
- thyme
- garlic
Always mix one part of essential oil with 10 to 20 parts alcohol or carrier oil. Possible carriers are pure olive and sunflower oil, witch hazel or vodka.
Use Proper Care When Using Repellents
Since mosquitoes can carry dangerous viruses it is best to avoid to get bitten too much. Stay inside during mosquito peak hours and make sure to wear long-sleeved clothes whenever outside. When using repellents (homemade and store bought) make sure to avoid eyes, mouth and cuts, wounds and irritated skin. Use repellents sparingly and never underneath clothes. Be especially careful when treating children and wash treated skin with soap and water when returning inside. Learn about homemade remedies to relief the itch of mosquito bites.
Sources:
Website of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention
"Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks and other Insects and Arthopods" (accessed June 2nd 2010)
Website of the Environmental Protection Agency, epa.gov:
"Active Ingredience Found in Insect Repellent" (accessed June 2nd 2010)
"Minimum Risk Pesticides" (accessed June 2nd 2010)
Josefine Köhn-Haskins - Josefine Köhn-Haskins is an award winning journalist, author and correspondent.
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