Mosquito Bite Remedies

Garlic naturally repels a number of biting insects, including mosquitoes. Some people recommend eating garlic to prevent mosquito bites, but you can get the same effect with a garlic oil spray.

• Take 10 or 12 finely chopped cloves of garlic
• Mix them in 4 oz mineral oil
• Set aside for a couple of days to mature
• Strain the mixture through a sieve or coffee filter into a spray bottle filled with a half cup of water and a few drops of dish detergent.

This mixture should repel mosquitoes anywhere, whether you spray it on your skin or just on objects around your outdoors gathering spot. (Caution: garlic can irritate skin, so test on a small area of your skin first.) You can also immerse strips of cloth in this mixture and hang them around your outdoor gathering to repel mosquitoes.

Geraniol is the essential oil extract from a number of plants including geraniums, roses, lemon grass, bergamot, and even carrots. It is an effective if somewhat expensive commercially available alternative to chemical mosquito repellents. Geraniol has a rose-like scent, and studies are beginning to find that it is the most effective natural mosquito control option.

How much of flat beer. Epsom salts, and mint Listerine do you mix together for spray?

There is something about marigolds that makes them great pest repellents for our homes and gardens. Plant them in the garden and they will keep flying insects away from your vegetables. Plant marigolds around your patio, porch, deck, BBQ, or other outside area and you can repel mosquitoes without otherwise lifting a finger. A specific compound carried in the scent of the marigolds is a natural mosquito repellent and can actually be purchased as an essential oil to ward off insects in the garden.

Hawaii was invaded years ago, the primary source determined to be shipping containers full of those lovely little "bamboo plants" in decorative dishes from China. Apparently the mosquito larvea had just enough time to mature during shipping, and when the container was opened for customs/agriculture inspection, the buggers just flew away, established themselves, then started the Dengue Fever epidemic. I still see these plants being shipped in to Florida, and wonder why we allow it full-knowning the many threats & disease vectos it poses... Oh well to late now I guess.

Citronella has long been a favorite natural insect repellent, particularly mentioned as a mosquito repellent. The question is, does it work? Citronella coils and candles have become a substantial little industry, but their effectiveness has definitely been called into question. Like other natural insect repellents, citronella oil is the essential oil extract of a certain genus of plants in the lemon grass family. Consensus on lemon grass is that it can be effective as a component of a multi-pronged defense against mosquito attacks. Think about combining citronella candles with a lavender and eucalyptus lotion or mix citronella in with several other herbs and essential oils for an effective mosquito repellent spray.