Mosquitoes are the bane of people all over the world. They are the one thing some people hate about summer! They buzz around, bite us and make us itch on an otherwise perfect day. Also, they are capable of bringing all kinds of diseases. The question arises, how do we get rid of these annoying creatures? More importantly, how to get rid of them without destroying 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 to repel mosquitoes for centuries. Here are some of the most effective and humane methods from different cultures.
1. Smoke and fire
Around the world, different communities use smoke and fire as effective mosquito repellants. Smoke from fires or burning certain plants and woods like citronella can help repel approaching mosquitoes. The Maasai community in Kenya, for example, uses a smoky fire made from cow dung to keep mosquitoes at bay. So it’s breakout time vegan marshmallows and light a fire!
2. Crushed lemon grass
In Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Cambodia, people use crushed lemongrass leaves as a natural mosquito repellent. It is believed that the oil in lemongrass repels mosquitoes with its strong smell. It is this oil that is found in citronella candles.
3. Cow dung and ash
In rural communities in India, cow dung and ashes are mixed and burned in a bowl or clay pot to create smoke that repels mosquitoes. The smell of burning helps repel mosquitoes. This non-chemical alternative to traditional bug repellent is 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. Basil
In Thailand and Sri Lanka, people use basil to repel mosquitoes. Basil contains essential oils that repel mosquitoes. The oils affect the insects’ sensors, causing them to fly away to recover.
6. Cedarwood
In the United States and other Western countries, people use cedar wood as a natural mosquito repellent. According to some people, cedarwood contains natural oils that repel mosquitoes. Unfortunately, recent studies have come out that say it’s not as effective as users think. But, if it is according to popular opinion, many swear by it!
7. Eucalyptus leaves
In the Philippines, eucalyptus leaves are used as a natural mosquito repellent. The strong scent 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 repel mosquitoes. The stronger the smell, the fewer bugs you will see.
9. Citrus fruits
In Brazil, people use citrus fruits such as oranges and limes to repel mosquitoes. The smell of citrus fruits 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. Marigold
In Mexico and other Latin American countries, people plant marigold flowers around their homes to repel mosquitoes. Calendula contains a compound called pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide. Plus, they look beautiful!
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 tests show that repellents containing tea tree oil are very effective against mosquitoes.
Different communities from all over the world use natural remedies to effectively repel mosquitoes. These are just a few of the natural remedies used to repel pesky mosquitoes. Although you may not be able to use them, such as cow dung, there are many remedies available here that could be effective in humanely repelling mosquitoes without causing harm or using harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. Besides being environmentally friendly, natural remedies help communities avoid the adverse health effects associated with the use of chemical repellents. All in all, a natural alternative can turn out to be better for you, your family, and the world.
Sign this petition to stop the spraying of harmful repellent in Florida!
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