Mosquitoes are the summer bane of people all over the world. They are the one thing some people hate about summer! Buzzing around, biting us and causing everyone to itch on an otherwise perfect day. In addition, they are able to carry all kinds of diseases. There is the question, how do we get rid of these annoying creatures? More importantly, how to get rid of them without destroy the earth?
While many people turn to chemical mosquito repellents to keep these pests at bay, there are natural remedies that can work just as well and are better for us and the environment. Communities around the world have used natural remedies for centuries to repel mosquitoes. Here are some of the most effective and humane methods from different cultures.
1. Smoke and fire
All over the world, different communities have used smoke and fire as effective deterrents against mosquitoes. Smoke from a fire or burning certain herbs and woods such as citronella can help repel mosquitoes that approach. U Masai community in Kenya, for example, uses smoky fires made from cow dung to keep mosquitoes at bay. So, it’s time to find out vegan marshmallows and make a fire!
2. Crushed lemongrass
In Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Cambodia, people use crushed lemongrass leaves as a natural mosquito repellent. It is believed that lemongrass oil repels mosquitoes with its strong smell. It is this oil that is found in citronella candles.
3. Cow wood and ashes
In rural communities in India, cow dung and ash are mixed and burned in a clay bowl or pot to create smoke that repels mosquitoes. The burning smell helps to keep mosquitoes away. This non-chemical alternative to traditional bug repellent has been proven to be almost as effective!
4. Castor oil
In Jamaica, people use castor oil to repel mosquitoes. In addition to repelling mosquitoes, castor oil is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can heal bug bites.
5. Basilica
In Thailand and Sri Lanka, people use basil to repel mosquitoes. Basil contains essential oils that have mosquito repellent properties. The oils affect the insects’ sensors, causing them to fly to recover.
6. Cedar wood
In the United States and other Western countries, people use cedar as a natural mosquito repellent. According to some people, cedar contains natural oils that repel mosquitoes. Unfortunately, recent studies have come out saying that it is not as effective as users might think. But, if it were popular opinion, many would swear by it!
7. Eucalyptus leaves
In the Philippines, eucalyptus leaves are used as a natural mosquito repellent. The strong smell of eucalyptus is a wonderful natural way to repel mosquitoes.
8. Mint
In Morocco, people use mint as a natural mosquito repellent. Mint contains essential oils that have mosquito repellent properties. The stronger the smell, the less bugs you will see.
9. Citrus fruits
In Brazil, people use citrus fruits like oranges and limes to repel mosquitoes. The citrus scent keeps mosquitoes at bay.
10. Lavender
In France and other parts of Europe, people use lavender to repel mosquitoes. Lavender contains essential oils that keep bugs at bay and is often used in essential oil blends for mosquito repellent. It contains a compound known as linalool – which smells great to humans, but terrible to mosquitoes.
11. Neem oil
In India and other parts of South Asia, people use neem oil to repel mosquitoes. Neem contains a compound called azadirachtin, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. According to studies, it is one of the most effective natural insecticides!
12. Garlic
In some parts of Africa, people use garlic as a natural mosquito repellent. Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is believed to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
13. Calendula
In Mexico and other Latin American countries, people plant calendula flowers around their homes to repel mosquitoes. Marigolds contain a compound called pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide. Plus, they look great!
14. Catnip
In the United States and other Western countries, people use catnip as a natural mosquito repellent. Catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is believed to repel mosquitoes and other insects. Some say it’s even as effective as DEET.
15. Tea tree oil
In Australia and other parts of Oceania, people use tea tree oil as a natural mosquito repellent. Tea tree oil contains terpenes, which have mosquito repellent properties. Field testing shows that repellents containing tea tree oil are very effective against mosquitoes.
Different communities around the world use natural remedies to effectively repel mosquitoes. These are just some of the natural remedies that are used to keep annoying mosquitoes at bay. While you may not be able to use all of them, such as cow dung, there are many remedies available here that could be effective in humanely repelling mosquitoes without harming them or using harsh chemicals that can harm the environment . In addition to being environmentally friendly, natural remedies help communities avoid the negative health effects associated with the use of chemical repellents. In general, a natural alternative can be better for you, your family and the world.
Sign this petition to stop the spraying of harmful bug repellent in Florida!
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