Title : Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally With These Simple Tips!
link : Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally With These Simple Tips!
Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally With These Simple Tips!
What Attracts Mosquitoes?
Most mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk, but there are also mosquitoes that seek hosts during the day. You can avoid being bitten by making sure you aren't attracting mosquitoes, using attractants to lure mosquitoes elsewhere, using a repellent, and avoiding actions that diminish the effectiveness of the repellent.
Carbon Dioxide
Mosquitoes don’t bite randomly, they hone in on a victim by following a steady output of carbon dioxide.The Harvard School of Public Health states that mosquitoes are adept at figuring out where their target is by following these exhaled trails.
If you exercise vigorously, you will produce more carbon dioxide, and make yourself a little more attractive to mosquitoes. Unfortunately, there’s no good way to cut down on carbon dioxide aside from holding your breath, so if you’re getting bitten after your workout or during one outside, you might want to head indoors.
Heat
While carbon dioxide is how mosquitoes lock onto you as a target, heat helps them figure out where to bite you. Dr. Jonathan Day, a professor of medical entomology at the University of Florida, said that before mosquitoes can take a bite they have to find an area of the body where the blood is close to the surface. Common areas include the forehead, wrists, elbows and neck. However, people who are over heated or who just finished working out will have blood closer to the surface of the skin throughout their body.
Exhaled Chemicals
In addition to heat and carbon dioxide, mosquitoes are also attracted to naturally-occurring chemicals that are released as people breathe. These chemicals, called secondary attractants, can lure the insects to one unlucky person at a barbecue. The chemicals vary, but one is related to estrogen, which could be the reason women are often bitten by mosquitoes.
Aside from exhaled chemicals, the mosquitoes can get drawn in by lactic acid, and people tend to produce more lactic acid when they're exercising. You also release more lactic acid after eating certain foods like salty foods, high-potassium foods.
Moisture
Mosquitoes are attracted by perspiration because of the chemicals it contains and also because it increases the humidity around your body. Even small amounts of water (e.g., moist plants or mud puddles) will draw mosquitoes. Standing water also allows mosquitoes to reproduce.
Clothing
If you’re heading outside and looking to avoid getting bitten, don't wear dark items or all-black outfits. Dressing in dark colors makes you stand out against the horizon and mosquitoes can see you better. Some mosquitoes are visual hunters that search you out by looking for signs of life against the horizon. Movement can also draw the insects in.
Floral or Fruity Fragrances
In addition to perfumes, hair products, and scented sunscreens, watch for the subtle floral fragrance from fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
Drinking Beer
The results of a small study from the Journal of American Mosquito Control Association, suggests that drinking a bottle of beer could make you a target for mosquitoes, as findings showed mosquitoes were more likely to land on subjects who had recently guzzled a beer. It's possible that other things that sometimes go along with drinking affect are a part of it. Things like movement, an increase in body heat, and carbon dioxide production from burps can all increase their draw as well.
Natural Mosquito Deterrents
There steps you can take to protect yourself, along with wearing lighter colors and avoiding the outdoors at dawn and dusk. You can make natural insect repellent yourself that is safe, effective and costs much less to make it than to buy a more toxic one.
The natural products below will effectively repel mosquitoes, but they require more frequent reapplication. You will need to reapply at least every 2 hours and use higher concentrations than DEET. Also, because of the differences between types of mosquitoes, products that contain multiple repellents tend to be more effective than those containing a single ingredient. Try mixing a few of these items together:
- Castor Oil
- Cedar Oil
- Cinnamon Oil
- Citronella Oil
- Clove Oil
- Geranium Oil
- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
- Lemongrass Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Possibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic
Mosquito Repellent Recipe
For a small batch of repellent use 10-25 drops (total) of essential oils and 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil or alcohol listed below. The essential oils that work well against biting insects (mosquitoes, flies, ticks, fleas) are:
- Cinnamon Oil (mosquitoes)
- Lemon Eucalyptus or Regular Eucalyptus Oil (mosquitoes, ticks, and lice)
- Citronella Oil (mosquitoes and biting flies)
- Castor Oil (mosquitoes)
- Orange Oil (fleas)
- Rose Geranium (ticks and lice)
Carrier Oils & Alcohols Include:
- Olive Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Witch Hazel
- Vodka
Mix an essential oil or mixture of essential oils with a carrier oil or alcohol. Rub or spray the natural insect repellent on the skin or clothing, using care to avoid the eyes. You'll need to re-apply the natural product after about an hour or after swimming or exercise. Unused natural insect repellent may be stored in a dark bottle, away from heat or sunlight. You can also combine the oil with aloe vera gel to change the consistency.
Things That Lower Repellent Effectiveness
Watch using the items below as they disrupt the effectiveness of your homemade recipe.
- Many Sunscreens
- Dilution from Rain, Perspiration, or Swimming
- Absorption into the Skin
- Evaporation from Wind or High Temperatures
Be mindful that 'natural' does not always mean "safe," as certain people are sensitive to plant oils. Some natural insect repellents are actually toxic to those who have an allergy.
Other Ways To Protect Yourself Naturally
Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors and avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn that are peak mosquito biting hours.
Mosquito-proof your home with screens and regularly remove standing water from birdbaths, gutters, pool covers and pet water bowls.
Fans are a big help! These low-tech gadgets can break up carbon dioxide and throw mosquitoes off course, since the insects are weak flyers, and a strong breeze can render them unable to land.
Thanks for Reading Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally With These Simple Tips!
You are now reading the article Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally With These Simple Tips! Url Address https://healthnbeautyarticles.blogspot.com/2015/07/keep-mosquitoes-away-naturally-with.html
0 Response to "Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally With These Simple Tips!"
Post a Comment