Ways to Repel Mosquitoes and Prevent Mosquito Bites

Warm weather has finally arrived and along with the rising temperatures comes an age old problem, mosquitoes. Repelling mosquitoes and keeping your family safe from mosquito bites is a major concern.

With the rapid rise of cases of West Nile virus here in the US, not to mention all of the other diseases that mosquitoes can spread, we must take extra precaution to keep our family safe from mosquito bites.

The first step to preventing mosquito bites is to invest in a quality bug zapper. The special light attracts mosquitoes and other bugs and then "zaps" or kills them.

Tiki torches filled with citronella oil, when lit will effectively repel mosquitoes, thus reducing the possibility of being bitten by a mosquito. Citronella candles will repel mosquitoes just as well.

Avon Skin So Soft rubbed onto the skin will repel mosquitoes and prevent bites. I'm not sure why it works, I just know that it does. I have used this product personally, on myself and even on my pets. However, Skin So Soft mosquito repelling action is short lived. It needs to be applied every 30 - 45 minutes or those mosquitoes will start to bite again.

Fresh, crushed garlic cloves will effectively repel mosquitoes and prevent mosquito bites. Simply crush the garlic until the juice is released and rub the juice over all exposed areas of the skin.

I have also heard that taking garlic capsules (supplements), on a daily basis will also repel mosquitoes and keep them from biting. The garlic "smell" is emitted through the skin as your body sweats, thus repelling mosquitoes.

Some swear by vitamin B-1 tablets. I have not tried this myself but I have heard that a single B-1 tablet taken once a day will effectively repel mosquitoes and prevent mosquito bites. It is suppose to work the same way as the garlic supplement. The B-1 odor is released through the pores of the skin and mosquitoes are repelled by the smell. Worth a try to prevent mosquito bites.

There are also mosquito repellents such as OFF, which contains a chemical called Deet. These type of mosquito repellents work exceptionally well for long periods of time. The higher the level of the chemical Deet, the longer the mosquito repelling action.

Mosquitoes are more active at dusk and dawn. Stay indoors if possible during these times.

Avoid wearing perfumes, deodorant, hair spray or anything with a strong scent, that might attract mosquitoes.

Sources:
http://chemistry.about.com/
http://www.garlic-central.com/mosquito.html
Personal experience