Mosquito menace: Natural remedies to prevent those pesky insect bites

Being prone to mosquito bites is kind of normal now and many people are usually prone to mosquito bites due to a combination of scent, light, heat, and humidity. At some point, you will feel that you are a mosquito magnet and you’re probably tired of having itchy, bumpy skin.

Here are some natural ways to prevent mosquito bites:

Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil is a natural insecticide and a mosquito repellent, according to the American College of Healthcare Sciences, based in Portland, Oregon. You can mix this oil with other scents, like lemon, and rub them onto your skin for a minty scent. But, Maslow-Blackman stresses, “Peppermint oil is a hot oil,” which means it can cause a warm sensation when applied directly to your skin and might cause a skin rash. To prevent this, she suggests diluting the peppermint oil with a carrier oil, like canola oil.

Use a fan: Mosquitos are bad fliers. So, if you’re sitting outside on a summer day, bring an electric fan with you to keep the mosquitoes away.

Eliminate standing water: To prevent mosquito bites, one should keep these simple things in mind and follow them: Unclogging roof gutters; Emptying any kids' pools; Changing the water in any bird baths weekly; Making sure rain is not accumulating in trash can lids; Storing flower pots or any other unused containers upside down.

Lemongrass Oil: Lemongrass oil is comparable to commercial mosquito repellents. According to Maslow-Blackman, combining lemongrass oil with another essential oil (like cinnamon bark oil) will make its repelling effect stronger.

Cinnamon Oil: Cinnamon is more than just a great topping for applesauce or oatmeal. To make a diluted 1 per cent solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon (or 24 drops) of oil for every 4 ounces of water. You can spray the fluid onto your skin or clothing, around your home, and onto upholstery or plants.

Trim green space: Keeping your grass cut and your yard free of leaf litter and other debris gives mosquitos fewer places to hide and thrive.

If you do develop an infection or allergic reaction due to a significant amount of mosquito bites, take note of your symptoms and contact your doctor.

• Mosquito menace
• Natural remedies
• insect bites
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