Just like you, I also love sleeping with my window open at night and not only that, but I adore spending evenings in the garden. The only thing that can spoil my mood every single time are those pesky insects that sometimes even fall into my tea or bite my skin.
I am sure this has happened to you many times.
However, for a few years now, I’ve discovered some natural tricks that not only repel these annoying insects, but also don’t affect my health.
Of course, you can choose to use a DEET-based chemical repellent to protect yourself, but these chemicals can be toxic not only to the environment, but also to you as well. Therefore, unless you’re visiting places that have a high risk for mosquito carrying diseases, a natural alternative is the best choice for you and your family.
Watch out for basic mistakes
Before I give you my anti-insect hacks, I must warn you that there are certain rules that you must obey so that you don’t draw all the mosquitoes into your home. Your house should have mosquito nets at every window and door, to stop them from entering your household in the first place. One or two might still manage to get in, but the rest of the hoard is left outside. This will also keep moths and other bugs from entering inside.
If you have a garden, then you must watch out for water sources, like pots filled with water, buckets, small ponds, birdbaths, etc. Try the best you can to cover them and replace the water twice a week, because those places are breading spots for mosquitoes.
Use plants not only for their aesthetics
Placing certain plants at windows, near entrances or terraces can shield you from unwanted pests. Here are a few plants that you should consider buying to relieve you from this distress:
- Geranium
- Rosemary
- Pennyroyal
- Basil
- Marigolds
- Catnip
- Lemon Balm
- Citronella
- Lavender
You can go to any gardening or flower shop to find more information on how to best plant and keep them for your needs.
Extra tricks
You can crush any of the anti-mosquito plant’s leaves and rub them on your exposed body parts. This way the oils and scents contained in them will get on your skin and ward off any attacker. Be sure to first check if you are allergic to one of them or not, by rubbing on a small portion of your skin and waiting for a few hours to see if it gets inflamed or reddened.
When using the barbecue, throw a bit of sage or rosemary on the coals to repel mosquitos.
Best DIY Anti-Mosquito Sprays
- Cheapest DIY Anti-Mosquito Spray
You should use this spray when you get infested with mosquitoes. Besides its repellent property, it also has antiviral and antibacterial uses.
For this spray you will need:
- A 32-ounce bottle of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of dried sage
- 2 tablespoons of dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons of dried lavender
- 2 tablespoons of dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons of dried mint
- At least a 32 ounces’ glass jar with airtight lid
(This is where your insect repellent garden comes in handy.)
Now, you will need to place all of the contents into the large glass jar, seal tight, and store it in a place where you will have easy access to daily. Why? You will have to shake the jar well for about two to three weeks. After that, strain the herbs out and store in spray or tincture bottles (preferably in the fridge).
If you want to use it on the skin, first dilute it with water (half mixture, half water; 8 ounces in total and add if necessary) and use it whenever you need it.