How to Naturally Repel Mosquitoes This Summer

Do you have sensitive skin and don't like using bug spray? Maybe you just don't like the sticky residue it leaves. Whatever the reason, why not try naturally repelling the mosquitoes?

Whether you're camping or just hanging out in the backyard, mosquitoes can put a damper on any activity. But you don't have to spray yourself down with some store-bought concoction to keep those annoying bugs away. These ideas are easy and cheap.

1. Rosemary

Rosemary is a natural plant that repels mosquitoes all on its own. There are ways to make it more powerful as a repellent, though. You can burn dry rosemary in a backyard fire or campfire - The rosemary smoke will keep the mosquitoes away.
You can also make your own mosquito repellent to spray on your skin. According to Home Guides,

A simple repellent spray is made by adding 1 cup dried rosemary to a quart of water, boiling it in a pot for 20 to 30 minutes. Pour a quart of cool water into another container (that holds at least half a gallon), then strain the rosemary water into the container. Pour small amounts of the blend into squirt bottles...

Home Guides does mention you should keep any unused natural rosemary repellent in the refrigerator until you need it again.

2. Lavender

This one is simple... You just need lavender oil. Shake a few drops of this oil onto a washcloth and wipe down exposed skin. You can splash some water on the washcloth to dilute the oil a bit (to allow it to spread on your skin easily), but it won't dilute the ability to repel the mosquitoes.

3. Garlic

Now this one is really, REALLY simple. If you know you're going to be out in the woods, eat garlic. Use garlic in a lot of your meals. The smell from garlic will seep out your pores (especially if you sweat), and will repel the mosquitoes.
If you didn't get a chance to plan your outdoor activities in advance garlic will still work, but you may want to use another alternative repellent just to be safe.

Of course there are some things you should avoid if you're trying to keep those mosquitoes away, as well. Experts say drinking beer attracts mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are also attracted to certain lotions and perfumes, so you may want to skip it if you know you're going to be outside for an extended period of time. You may also want to avoid bananas and guacamole, which contain a lot of potassium, and mosquitoes are attracted to that as well.

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[Home Guides]