Mosquitoes are more than a buzzing nuisance. By the time an innocent hiker, camper, or homeowner realizes the mosquitoes are on their tale, it is too late. They have become the bloodsucker’s newest meal and they will feast fast. A single bite can transmit diseases that have no vaccines or cures, not including the annoying, puffy, and itchy welts they leave behind. Protection and knowledge are the only methods of defense for humans, but many of the available spray-on products raise secondary concerns over human health, environment, and wildlife. This floods the marketplace with alternatives to keep mosquitoes at bay. Toss in some old wives’ tales too, and people might have a recipe for disaster than protection from mosquitoes. Some suggestions are common sense. Other ideas not so much. However, it raises the important question: are any of these truly safe and effective at protecting you from mosquitoes?
1 - Mosquito Netting
Whether the family has gathered outside or taken a camping trip, it’s good practice to cover tents and sleeping areas with mosquito netting. Netting is inexpensive and versatile for home use, camping, or hiking through the woods. If campers are also using products to spray on themselves, netting becomes a second wave of defense. Plus, it’s good for protecting children and babies who might not handle sprays well.
2 - Essential Oils
Many essential oils carry bug-repelling claims. These homemade or readymade blends can be effective, especially for smaller children or anyone with sensitive skin. Diffuse them in a bracelet or necklace. People might prefer to apply them to their skin with a carrier oil, such as olive oil. The following essential oils and oils have scientific studies and governmental agencies backing their mosquito protection claims: soybean oil, neem essential oil, catnip essential oil, citronella essential oil, and lemon eucalyptus essential oil.
3 - Cover Exposed Skin
Wearing long sleeves in the dead of summer might seem like trading mosquito repellent with the possibility of overheating. However, by choosing lightweight long sleeve clothing, the body can keep cool while the garments protect skin from mosquitoes and other outdoor bugs, such as ticks and biting flies. Pick long pants and tuck the bottoms into socks, tuck in shirts, wear long sleeves, and don a hat, preferably with mosquito netting to protect the face and neck. The outfit might not make a fashion statement, but taking the extra precautions go a long way in stopping mosquitoes.
4 - Be Aware of Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, and where females gather to lay eggs, they tend to feed in these areas too. Dump out water when possible, such as it collects in children’s toys, buckets, and decorations after moderate to heavy rain.
Ponds, lakes, and streams stocked with fish can keep mosquito populations low since the fish will feed on the larva. If the outdoor area doesn’t have fish in their water, people should place themselves as far from the water source as possible and use alternative methods to protect themselves from bites.
5 - Keep Mosquito Repelling Plants
Scents tend to attract to mosquitoes, but they can do the opposite too. If at home, consider planting greenery, herbs, and flowering plants that naturally repel mosquitoes. If traveling, consider keeping a few hardy varieties in portable pots and set them up at campsites to form a perimeter. According to Good Housekeeping, these plants will repel mosquitoes: lemon balm, basil, catnip, peppermint, lavender, sage, rosemary, and citrosum. In a pinch, you can crush the leaves and rub them on your skin.
6 - Use Sprays Containing DEET
Sometimes a commercial spray is the only option. For a limited or single time use, the benefits might outweigh risks to health, which generally becomes a concern after prolonged exposure to the active chemicals. The EPA still recommends that children under two months old should not be sprayed with anything. Children under three years old should avoid some sprays as well, including certain essential oils, and parents and caregivers should take special care to avoid their faces when applying it.