by Candice Minch
We all want to be outdoors as much as possible to enjoy the warm weather summer days ahead. However, we come in contact with bugs, like mosquitoes who can bite and leave us with an itchy red bump. Before we resort to the standard chemical-laden sprays to keep bugs away, here are natural defences to keep them away!
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Lavender
The lavender flower scent is known to have a calming effect for people. However, the lavender scent and bugs do not go together – Yeah! Why? A naturally occurring chemical compound called linalool is responsible for aggravating and repelling mosquitoes, flies and other bugs. Apart from having the lavender scent (spray, oil) present at your outdoor table, the scent can be “amped up” by having the fresh flowers sitting in water on the table. -
Skin So Soft Bug Guard (with Picaridin)
Avon has this formula that really works, according to those who have used it over the years. The special ingredient is Picaridin, boosting benefits including DEET free, oil free and dermatological tested properties. This warrior repels a multitude of biting insects, including mosquitoes, deer ticks, gnats, no-see-ums, sand flies and biting midges. Skin so Soft but spray also has a low odour and a light, clean feel. See container for use and frequency instructions. -
Laundry Dryer Sheets
The laundry dryer sheets are potent and heavily perfumed. One sheet is enough for a load of laundry and may also be enough to keep mosquitoes away. Putting a dryer sheet in your pocket can be enough to keep those pests at bay. Tried this one out last week while potting some plants outside and it actually worked for me! -
Foods
Everyday foods that we eat can serve to keep mosquitoes away. Foods like onions, garlic and tomatoes alter the natural human scent and fool mosquitoes, who then go elsewhere! -
Flyswatter
Lastly, if none of the above natural remedies are available, there is always the good old flyswatter to the rescue.
Swap away!!
Candice Minch is a food allergy blogger and health and wellness coach. Her blog, http://allergyexplosion.com/ grew out of the reality and the challenges faced by her own family and her children with food sensitivities, one of whom has a serious food and peanut allergy. As an advocate for those with food sensitivities, her goal is to empower and be the go-to-person for the real life experiences faced by people with allergies. Her ongoing research and information gathering on severe food allergies evolved from her “previous life” as an analyst in the justice system for 15 years.
