Tips to Prevent Mosquito Bites Naturally

Mosquitoes have plagued many of us for nights relentlessly. There are many deadly diseases that a mosquito bite can give you, like dengue, malaria, yellow fever and the West Nile virus. After learning about the side-effects of using a mosquito repellent, I decided to go natural and do a little bit of my own research to find out how to prevent mosquito bites and in came my grandma's handy tips. While discovering some new mosquito bite remedies, I found out about head nets that people wear when they go out trekking or in tall grass areas that are mosquito colonies, my sympathies with the farmers. But, you don't quite have to go to that length of protecting yourself against mosquitoes. I have some simple remedies for you with absolutely natural ingredients.

How to Avoid Mosquito Bites

1. If you wear clothes in lighter shades that fit loosely, you can avoid mosquitoes to some extent. The science behind this concept is that, mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors more than the lighter ones. When you wear tight clothing, it makes it easier for mosquitoes to sit on it and bite through it. So, avoid wearing black, purple and brown. Also, wear socks and shoes because mosquitoes tend to bit around ankles.
2. Did you know? Catnip essential oil is more effective to prevent mosquito bites than many synthetic mosquito repellent that are chemically formulated with DEET. At least, that is what research at Iowa State University has proved. You can even rub catnip leaves on your skin, if not the oil.
3. Aloe Vera is absolutely one of the most useful plants available to mankind. Apart from healing skin burns, acne and other epidermal disorders, it also prevents as well as cure mosquito bites. All you need to do is rub a little aloe Vera gel on your skin.
4. Emu oil is another natural anti-mosquito remedy. It helps prevent mosquito bites, cures itching and quickly heals if you have already become a mosquito's victim. In fact, it works well for all types of bug bites.
5. Prepare witch hazel, tea tree oil, peppermint or rosemary tea. Let it sit for an hour or so and spray when needed.
6. Steer clear of all things sweet, even perfumes. They make your scent more attractive to mosquitoes too.
7. Add rich sources of thiamine or vitamin B1, like raw sunflower seeds, tuna, black beans and green peas to your diet. They alter the body odor in a way that repels mosquitoes and this has been scientifically proven.
8. Lemon Eucalyptus oil is really getting popular as a remedy to avoid mosquito bites. It is even being used in chemical-based mosquito repellents. However, it is advisable that you do not use it on children below 4 years of age.
9. You can apply essential oils of vanilla, lavender or citronella to your pulse points to repel mosquito. It works better as your body heat on these points is the maximum and keeps the fragrance longer. You may also light scented candles made with these oil in your room for a night of fragrant restful sleep.
10. If you can stand the smoke, burn neem leaves before bedtime. This is an ancient remedy to keep mosquitoes at bay.
11. Burning eucalyptus scented incense sticks or rubbing diluted eucalyptus oil is also a good remedy.
12. But do you know what is the easiest way to prevent mosquito bites? Just switch on the fan at the highest speed. It works every single time. Also, don't forget to keep your doors and windows closed around sunset and sunrise when the mosquitoes are the most active.
13. Rub the juicy insides of a Thai lemon grass leaf. It works for at least 4 hours like any other synthetic mosquito repellent.

There can be some really bad-ass mosquitoes out there waiting to inject potent viruses in to your body. If you don't want to expose your skin to strong chemicals and harm it, the best way to avoid mosquito bites would be to do it naturally. A crazy mosquito repelling tip I have heard is to apply some of your green colored mouthwash on your skin. I think it works because it has a lot of peppermint, which the mosquitoes absolutely hate.

Natural Mosquito Repellent Recipes

1. Mix 1 tablespoon garlic juice in 5 tablespoons of water in a spray bottle. Use this concoction to spray on bare skin and keep mosquitoes away.
2. Mix a tablespoon of dried parsley leaves in ¼ cup apple cider vinegar and use it as an anti-mosquito lotion.
3. Boil basil or neem leaves in a gallon water until it becomes reduces to half. Sieve this mixture and use it as a last rinse after bathing. These herbal plants have anti-bacterial properties and also help avoid mosquito bites.
4. Add half a cup of vinegar to the last rinse while you are bathing. Apart from giving you glossy hair, it also keeps mosquitoes at bay.

While you are trying to avoid mosquito bites, make sure you also eliminate all mosquito breeding grounds, which are places with stagnant water like pool, trash cans, basins, dirty dishes and garden pots. You can also grow some plants that repel mosquitoes like marigolds, rosemary, germanium, basil and lemon balm that successfully ward off mosquitoes and increase the aesthetic beauty of your garden. It's not only economical to use natural mosquito repellents, but it is also very environment friendly. You may have to re-apply these natural remedies in every two to three hours but so is the case with all other anti-mosquito lotions. But, you don't even have to worry about harming your children's skin with chemicals when they go outdoors to play.