While many people resort to using toxic chemicals to repel these bothersome insects, there are natural ways to keep them from chowing down on your blood.
Like many other biting insects, mosquitoes are
attracted to certain odors in human skin, such as sweat. The following plants can mask your natural odor and help repel mosquitoes, and smell fairly pleasant to boot.
1. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family. Recognizable by its white flowers and gentle, citrusy scent, it has some natural healing properties(1) in addition to being great at keeping insects at bay. However, lemon balm is an invasive species, so be careful when introducing it into your garden.2. Catnip
Another member of the mint family, this herb is known for having drug-like effects on cats. But it can also be used as a natural insect repellant.3. Basil
This delicious herb is often used in pasta, but according to one 2009 study, it is toxic to mosquito larvae(2).4. Lavender
Lavender is an attractive plant with a distinctly pleasant scent, that is often used in aromatherapy for it’s relaxing properties(3). Its essential oil, when rubbed into the skin, is a particularly effective mosquito repellant.5. Peppermint
Concentrated peppermint oil is often used as an insect repellant, and with good reason. Peppermint essential oil has been shown to effectively keep mosquitoes at bay, and also kill mosquito larvae(4).6. Citrosum
Citrosum is a perennial, often sold as a “mosquito plant” due to it’s strong smell, which resembles the scent of citronella. While it can be effective when rubbed into your skin, some research suggests that it’s less effective than other plants – however, if nothing else is available, it will do in a pinch.7. Sage
When burned, theseThere are other non-toxic alternatives to commercial bug sprays – lots of companies make organic bug repellants, and electric bug zappers can be fun to use as well.
Finally, when all else fails and you end up scratching at mosquito bites, calamine lotion can be a real life saver – and don’t scratch too hard; rupturing mosquito bites can lead to scarring and infection.
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