It’s hot, and not only is the sun biting — so are the mosquitoes.
If you are a magnet for mosquitoes, you may think that bug spray is useless.
When you do use bug spray, you smell like you’ve bathed in chemicals, and many
commercial sprays are toxic due to the ingredient DEET.
With over 3,500 species of mosquitoes, it feels like there’s no escape, but these common
household ingredients will help relieve bites and prevent them.
Here are a few of my favorite natural mosquito bite remedies:
1. Mint
Have you ever heard planting mint by your window and doors will prevent bugs from coming in?
It’s true.
Mint possesses natural bug-be-gone properties.
Many mint plants are effective for repelling mosquitoes and for relieving the itchiness of bites.
2. Basil
Basil leaves can be crushed and applied directly to the skin.
The chemicals thymol and camphor in basil naturally relieve the itch, and the anti-inflammatory
properties reduce the swelling of the bite.
3. Lime and Lemon
Most people have a lime or lemon somewhere in the home?
Take a small slice and apply directly to the bite.
Another option is to squeeze a few drops onto the bite.
The citric acid in both fruits has properties that will relieve the itchiness.
4. Aloe
Aloe works wonders for sunburn, but it’s also effective on mosquito bites.
Use aloe vera gel topically on the bite, or break off a leaf from a household aloe plant to
alleviate itching.
5. Heat
Heat a spoon or a cloth under hot water (not scalding) and apply to the bite until
it tingles.
Repeat the application once or twice more.
The heat releases the histamine in the skin and eases itchiness.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
The last remedy involves soaking a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar (ACV) and placing
it directly on the bite for several minutes.
To dry out the bite, mix a paste of ACV and flour.
This will also relieve the itching.
Some people may have a slight sensitivity to ACV.
Add a drop or two of water to decrease the potency.
ACV also has many other health benefits and I even take a tsp of it in water every day to
help with digestion and allergies!
If you have trouble with any of these remedies, you can always try others.
This infographic offers a handy guide to easy remedies found in your pantry.
Suggestions for Making Mosquito Bug Spray That Lasts
One of the drawbacks of using natural ingredients is a shorter shelf life.
The ingredients of many essential oils and extracts evaporate quickly without the help
of something to aid with absorption into the skin.
Make your homemade bug spray last longer by including:
*Vanillin
*Soybean oil
*Coconut oil
Vanillin and soybean oil last longer than coconut oil when it comes to repellent.
Scientists took a solution of tumeric, kaffir lime, citronella grass and hairy basil oil and
added five percent of vanillin to it, and the repellency rate increased when vanillin was included.
My favorite homemade mosquito repellent includes:
*lemon eucalyptus oil
*lavender essential oil
*witch hazel and
*coconut oil
However,
*a little water
*witch hazel and
*catnip essential oil …
also makes for an easy mosquito repellent recipe.
Customize your oils and pantry ingredients for a remedy that works best for you.
About the Author:
Ali Lawrence is a kombucha tea-sipping writer who focuses on healthy and sustainable living via her family blog Homey Improvements. She also writes about DIY projects, home tips and organic gardening. Ali was born and raised in Alaska and dabbles in Pilates and is a princess for hire for kid’s parties. Find her on Twitter at @DIYfolks.
Have you ever made your own natural bug or mosquito repellents?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
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What great advice Deborah I was bitten alive a couple of weeks ago and I wish I knew these tips then – thank you for sharing to I am Pinnable