Natural Mosquito Repellant
Does anyone else here hates mosquitoes? Haha, I know, we all do!
For some of us less fortunate ones, like me, mosquitoes just seem to love our blood more. It always seems like they are more attracted to me than the people I am with, and to top it off, I get an allergic reaction to some species. The bites will swell up and leave welts as big around as a fifty-cent piece, and they hurt! It’s never fun when you encounter these little bugs.
But there is some good news when it comes to mosquitos; I have found an all-natural mosquito repellant at that actually works! I always hated that I had to spray myself down with chemicals in order to have an enjoyable camping trip, or depending on the time of year, even just go outside. North Dakota has a big mosquito problem at the moment, and I was determined to find a natural option. They have been sneaking into the house and I hate getting an itchy surprise, especially when I have been inside all day. I’m almost certain that they hitch a ride on the dogs when they come inside and it’s so frustrating.
Before I share the natural spray, I wanted to share some interesting facts about mosquitos that I recently learned. While camping the other weekend, Jesse and I killed a mosquito in our camper and decided to examine. We noticed the “mouth” had more than one needle. So I began my research.
Only female mosquitos suck your blood, males leave you well alone
Female mosquitos literally saw into your skin! They have six thin needle-like mouthparts to assist in the harvesting of your blood. It’s called a proboscis. They are used to find the vein once they have pierced through the skin, one releases a pain killer so you can’t feel them there, others secrete saliva to keep the blood flowing while she sucks the blood from your vein. It’s an intricate system they have.
They can detect carbon dioxide from 75 feet away (this is how they find you – when you exhale)
There are more than 3500 species of mosquitoes found around the world
Sweat helps them choose their victim. Octenol released in sweat; Cholesterol, Folic acid, Skin lotions, Perfumes
The different blends of our fatty acids are either more or less attractive. (My blood is more attractive)They are considered the deadliest animal in the world! Malaria transmitted by certain species kill over one million people per year.
Okay, I know you want to know the natural mosquito repellant so here it is.
What I have found to work the best so far is combining lemon eucalyptus oil, vanilla extract, and witch hazel. I mix it all together in a spray bottle and then mist it lightly all over my skin before going outside. It’s all-natural and it smells good too. I make a large batch when planning for a camping trip, by just doubling the recipe below.
· 30 drops lemon eucalyptus oil
· 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
· 4oz witch hazel
And voila! An all-natural mosquito repellant that you can happily reapply as needed without the worry of harsh chemicals on your body. It is fairly inexpensive as well.
Please let me know if this works for you.
I hope you found this interesting and helpful!
Have a mosquito-free day!
Kortney Beth
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