How to repel mosquitoes and treat insect bites
The arrival of summer is approaching, and with it the time to fight various insects in the garden, vegetable garden and in the house. We want to share home remedies that you can use to resist mosquitoes and relieve itchy bites.
Staying away from mosquito congregations and suffering from the effects of mosquito bites can ruin even the warmest summer days. When the heat comes, it becomes problematic to go outside and not be attacked by hungry insects. Moreover, no one wants to wear long clothes in the summer to protect the body from bites. However, mosquitoes do not care at all.
Not all mosquitoes feed on blood. Males consume the nectar, while females need protein-rich blood to feed the growing eggs. They prefer to bite at the wrists and ankles, where the blood vessels are closest to the skin's surface. At the time of the bite, the mosquito injects an anticoagulant, along with which any disease that the insect carries (encephalitis, malaria, yellow fever) enters the body. If, in addition to itching, you observe complications after the bite, check for symptoms of a possible disease.
Read also the article: what to do if bitten by a bee?
Home remedies
There are several effective ways:
- Eucalyptus oil can be used to keep insects at bay.
- Rubbing the skin with baby oil or vanilla extract drives away mosquitoes and midges.
- One of the most effective repellents is apple cider vinegar applied to the skin. If you include it in your diet, then your body will gradually begin to smell it and serve as a repellent against insects. For these purposes, you can drink the refreshing summer drink "switch", which includes apple cider vinegar.
- Some people believe that garlic protects against summer gnats by peeling it and swallowing it whole cloves. Others take garlic tablets or rub the juice of garlic, radish, or onion directly into their skin.
While garlic juice will not provide a pleasant smell, it will definitely help ward off mosquitoes.
How to keep mosquitoes away from your property
You can scatter some rosemary or sage over the coals - the smoke will keep mosquitoes away.
To keep mosquitoes to a minimum, destroy their breeding sites in your area. They need standing water to lay their eggs, so start by draining puddles, old cans, buckets and flower pots. If you have your own pond, don't worry. Water bodies are always chosen by dragonflies, and this is the most dangerous enemy of mosquitoes.
It is believed that some plants are capable of repelling many species of insects. These include marigolds, chrysanthemums, asters, and Caucasian chamomile, as well as herbs such as basil, anise, and coriander.
Add a few drops of citronella to every gallon of exterior wall paint. It will not in any way affect the quality of the composition, however, it will not allow midges to spoil the freshly painted surface.
Did you know that one small bat can eat up to 600 mosquitoes in an hour? Get such a pet on your site.
Be aware that using pesticides to kill mosquitoes can do more harm to beneficial insects such as dragonflies and fireflies. Therefore, try to do with home remedies first before using chemicals.
How to deal with bites and itching
Cooling the area around the bite helps. The capillaries under the skin's surface narrow and the swelling shrinks. Try applying a cold compress.
Never comb the bite, it will only make it worse. If your skin is itchy, try rubbing lemon juice or meat broth over the area. Garlic, mashed in mashed potatoes, also relieves such symptoms well. White vinegar is another effective remedy for severe itchy bites. However, do not pour it over abrasions.
An infusion of baking soda and water works well for severe itching. Oatmeal is also effective, and not only against insect bites.
Some people benefit from increased doses of vitamin B1 (100 mg, 2-3 times daily). However, this does not work for everyone.
If you decide to use an insect repellent, then you should choose a product with natural ingredients. For example, BUG OUT spray and cream contains no chemicals and only natural ingredients (eg rosemary, mint, thyme, geranium). Thus, along with a pleasant smell, you get a reliable barrier against mosquitoes, horseflies and flies, without fear for your health.