Mosquitoes can be very annoying. They are attracted to people because of strong smells, such as skin odor, food, scented soaps, warm body temperature, and colored clothing. It is of utter importance to keep them away, because not only their bites are annoying and itchy but they can also carry serious diseases, such as malaria, Zika, and West Nile. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are more than 3000 different mosquito species in the world.
Many conventional mosquito repellents contain picaridin or DEET chemicals as active components. Nevertheless, there are some natural mosquito repellents that can be also effective.
However, here is a non-toxic mosquito repellent that you can prepare at home and prevent mosquito bites.
Homemade, non-toxic mosquito repellent recipe
To prepare this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- ¼ cup of lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons of vanilla extract
- 15 drops of essential lavender oil
- 10 drops of eucalyptus oil
Preparation method:
- In a large bowl with water add all the ingredients mentioned above.
- Mix the solution and spray it all over your body before you go outside.
Other natural alternatives to repel mosquitoes
One way to protect against mosquito bites is mosquito repellent. However, there are also other ways to keep them away.
1. Cover up
Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts, closed-toes shoes, socks, and a hat when you go outside. Take the pants into the socks and the shirt into the pants to prevent mosquitoes from sneaking inside the clothes.
2. Get rid of standing water
Mosquitoes usually breed in standing water. Remove places in the yard, such as plastic covers, open buckets, empty flower pots, trash can lids, where water can collect.
3. Use fans
When the air is moving, mosquitoes will find it hard to land on you. If you are sitting on a porch, you can turn on a fan.
