With the summer rapidly approaching, it brings with it a plethora of different bugs and one unwelcomed variety is the mosquito. Because mosquitoes carry diseases like encephalitis and the West Nile virus, it is important to use insect repellant if you are going to be exposed to these pesky bugs for any length of time. Some people are sensitive to the ingredients in commercial insect repellants, which is why some individuals prefer to use precautions and all natural bug repellants to ward off these tiny flying vampires.
Mosquitoes have a complex method of seeking out a host and different types of mosquitoes respond to different stimuli. These nasty little vectors are most active at dawn and dusk, but there are also varieties which seek out a host all during the day. There are ways a person can avoid being bitten and a good way of doing this is to make sure you are not doing anything to attract them as well.
The following is a list of mosquito attractants which a person should be aware of and avoid if at all possible:
- Dark clothing is an attractant because mosquitoes use vision to find a host from varying distances.
- Lactic acid is released either after a person exercises or from eating certain foods such as those containing high levels of sodium and potassium. You should avoid working out and limit sodium in the diet before attending an outdoor event in the summer, to limit mosquito attacks.
- Carbon dioxide is given off if a person is hot or has been exercising, burning candles, torches or having a bon fire are other ways the gas is released into the air and it will act as an attractant.
- Skin temperature can be an attractant, but the exact temperature will depend on the type of mosquito and many are drawn by lower temperatures than higher.
- Moisture attracts mosquitoes because of the chemicals released and because it increases humidity. Even small amounts of water, such as moist grass, plants or standing water, will also draw mosquitoes and provides a perfect breeding ground.
- In addition to perfume, hair care products and scented lotions and sunscreens, mosquitoes also love floral fragrances which you should avoid at all costs, lest you become a bug buffet.
For those people wanting to make their own all natural bug repellant, there are many inexpensive alternatives which will effectively repel mosquitoes, but require more frequent application (every 2-hours). Because there are so many different types of mosquitoes, a person should use a combination of different repellants to best ward off bugs. Natural repellants include the following:
- Oils from verbena, lavender, pine, cajeput, basil, thyme and allspice, garlic, and soybean
- Citronella oil
- Lemon eucalyptus oil
- Geranium oil
- Cinnamon oil
- Castor oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Clove oil
- Peppermint oil
- Rosemary oil
- Cedar oil
Remember things like sunscreens, swimming, sweating and rain can dilute the effectiveness of natural repellants, so it is important to reapply often for maximum effectiveness. The word natural does not always imply safe, and many people are allergic or sensitive to the oils in plant extracts, so perform a spot test before slathering any on your body. It is important to find a combination that works for you and to remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using any all natural bug repellants.
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