What Can Repel Mosquitoes
There are a number of ways to keep the buggers at bay. Of course, get rid of stagnant water, but also keep your grass trimmed. Mosquitoes like to hang out on long blades of grass too, and can sneak up on your feet, ankles, and legs.
Bathe in water, not in sweat. Don’t go too long without a shower to clean off bacteria, sweat, and other odors skeeters find attractive.
Wear thick clothing to prevent piercing through thin fabrics like spandex, and keep colors on the light side. Use a bug repellant containing DEET (at least 24%) or picaridin, or a natural one that contains lemon, lemongrass, or eucalyptus oils. You can also make your own repellant! Lotions or mists applied to skin and clothing will provide protection.
Keep in mind that mosquitoes are more active during certain times of the day like dawn and sunset. Stay indoors with the A/C or fans running. When outdoors, use fans to throw off their flight paths because they can’t deal with breezes or winds. You can also try citronella products, peppermint, or for severe cases, traps.
How to Treat Mosquito Bites at Home
If you inevitably end up getting bitten, there are plenty of DIY remedies to help you cope with swelling and itching. We know sometimes it can keep you up at night.
Ice helps with swelling and may provide some relief with itchiness. Our go-to is tea tree oil or organic apple cider vinegar rubbed on immediately after the bite. Both help with redness, swelling, and itching. Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint mixed with a carrier oil can get rid of itch in a flash too.
Since childhood, oatmeal baths have helped to neutralize itches from all sources. Another folk remedy is a tea bag compress to reduce large welts and irritation. Other treatments include aloe, honey, or baking soda paste.
Chances are you’ll have a few encounters with bloodsuckers during their peak season. Just don’t let them take the fun out of your cookouts or sunsets in the garden. Are you a mosquito magnet? What steps do you take to stave off bites and how do you treat them? Tell us in the comments!
From: Tiphero
