Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitoes

Mosqcentsuitos can be the bane of your existence of your a gardener, hikers, or somebody who enjoys eating outside on the patio in the evening - especially if you live in a humid area where these pests are prone to propogate. The recent West Nile Virus scare has cast mosquitos in an even more repulsive light. Most of the commercial mosquito repellants that have been in use for years rely mainly on an ingredient commonly known as Deet (perhaps because its true name, N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide doesn't quite roll of the tongus as well). It is an ingredient not only in topical repellents (i.e., the ones you rub or spray on your skin) but also pesticides that are designed for use in the garden and even in the home. Those concerned about the effects of relying on chemical compounds, or who just prefer to line naturally in all ways, might want to know of several organic methods that have proven successful in driving away bloodthristy pests.

Probably the most renowned natural enemy of mosquitos is garlic. These insects can't abide by the scent of it. Peopl have capitalized on this fact in myriad ways. Some pinch a garlic clove, to get its liquid running, and then rub it over exposed skin. Others eat in - in large quantities - so that the scent literally comes through their pores. There are mosquito repellants whose main ingredient is a garlic liquid concentrate. Garlic can also be grown in the garden, to convince mosquito females (these are the ones that bite, because they need the protein the blood to produce their eggs) to seek easier prey elsewhere.

It's helpful to avoid having any kinds of "attractants" on your body before you leave the house and walk through an infested area. These include anything with a scent that masks your own: perfumed soaps, hair gell, and deodroant.

Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine Hydrochloride) is reputed to give off an odor through the skin that repels no only mosquitos but also gnats, no seeums and black flies. A 100 mg. tablet, taken once daily, is reportedly sufficient to do the trick. Citronella oil, rubbed on exposed skin areas, acts as a repellant. You can find other forms of citronella at many garden centers, also: candles, that can be lit at an outdoor table, and shoulder-high citronella patio torches. Tea tree oil has demonstrated success as a repelant, as has concoctions of steeped mint and rosemary.

One of the better methods of combatting mosquitos around the yard is a preventative one: clear the area of any standing and stagnant water that serves as ideal places for the females to lay their eggs. Such places could be a bucket filled with old rainwater, folds in a plastic tarp that collect water, or rubbish heaps. It's a lot easier to decrease an insect population if we catch it in its infancy.

There are various plants that can be grown in the garden which produce scents that mosquitos abhor. Garlic has already been mentioned. Other include marigolds, rosemary, catnip, lavender, cinnamon, and peppermint. Mosquitos also have their natural predators as well, such as goldfish (if one has a pond), toads, and bats. Some people go so far as to build bat houses to invite these predators into the yard to feast on the pest population.