Despite being annoying and causing their itchy bites, mosquitoes are actually a cause of various health concerns. They can bring about various viruses and diseases, such as malaria, Zika, and West Nile virus.
Some people are more interesting to mosquitoes to bite, and apparently, their first victims are individuals who are unaware they are being bitten, as, in this way, their feeding process won’t be interrupted.
The studies conducted by Joseph Conlon, a technical adviser for the American Mosquito Control Association, showed that:
“They would also prefer hosts that are not anemic and have capillaries close to the surface. Other than that, it’s simply a matter of host availability -- first come -- first served. ”
Moreover, some of us are genetically predisposed to be attracted more often by these insects:
“Mosquitoes will ultimately find you by following the plume of your CO2 exhalations, much like the way a shark locates prey by sensing blood in the water. Lights merely make it a bit easier. ”
They also find the lactic acid in sweat attractive, as well as certain body odors, and skin types. However, regarding the claims that certain blood types make people more prone to mosquito bites, Conlon adds:
“If a mosquito identifies you as a potential blood source, it will begin to feed -- and will continue to do so until either replete or disturbed.
I don’t think we can make any assumptions about mosquito preferences based upon blood type. There are too many other factors in play. “
He adds that a mosquito “prefers darker colors and the contrast between them and light colors. This is probably a function of the fact that it can feed during the daytime. At night, when most other species prefer to feed, color is not an issue.”
Yet, what remains a fact is that most of us struggle with mosquitoes all summer long, regardless of their preferences, but apparently, the use of commercial repellents is not the best solution.
Namely, such products are simply full of chemicals that lead to negative consequences for our health.
So, what should we do?
Benefit from their attraction to smells, and use the ones that will repel them in a natural way.
The following plants have powerful repellent properties, as mosquitoes detest their fragrance:
1. Lavender
The amazing scent of lavender is not mosquitoes’ favorite, so it will prevent their visits to your home.
You can rub the leaves onto the exposed skin to help the release of the beneficial oils. Grow lavender outside the house or in pots, placed near the doors and windows.
2. Peppermint
The minty scent of peppermint is one of the most powerful and efficient natural mosquito repellents.
You can rub the crushed leaves of peppermint or just grow them in the yard, and thus keep mosquitoes out of reach.
3. Garlic
Grow garlic to deter these nasty insects, as they hate its smell and will never go near it.
4. Citronella
The citronella fragrance can help you enjoy the warm summer nights without being bothered by mosquitoes. Moreover, if you crush the leaf and rub it onto the skin, you can be sure that you will not be another victim of these pesky insects.
Plant this plant in the garden or in a large pot, in a sunny area with good drainage.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is an outstanding natural mosquito repellent, indoors, and outdoors. Both, its cuttings and the live plant will provide the needed protection.
Additionally, you can toss some rosemary to the fire when outside and the incense it releases when burned will keep these disease-carrying insects away.
6. Lemon Balm
This is another plant whose scent repels mosquitoes. Crush a few leaves and run them onto the exposed skin areas, and you will be free of their bites.
Plant the herb in your garden or yard, and it will grow fast and reseed itself.
7. Basil
Basil is an excellent mosquito repellent, due to its strong scent even when its leaves are not crushed or touched. Grow it in pots or in the garden and yard, and rub its leaves onto the skin to prevent the bites of mosquitoes.
8. Marigolds
Pyrethrum, a compound in this plant, is often added to insect repellents. It will protect you from mosquitoes and keep them at bay.
Make sure you plant them near the entrance and windows to deter them and create a barrier for mosquitoes not to enter your home.
9. Pennyroyal
Plant this herb in your yard and keep some of it in a vase in the bedroom, and thus protect yourself from these uninvited guests.
10. Catnip
This is one of the most powerful natural insect repellents since it contains a natural chemical known as nepetalactone, which is a strong insect repellent and a feline attractant.
You can plant it in an area where your cat can rub and roll in it, or apply the crushed leaves on the exposed skin.
11. Geranium
This is another popular natural repellent. Grow geranium in planters, as they need sun, dryness, and warmth. This will help you completely avoid the attacks of mosquitoes.
Therefore, just choose some of these beneficial scented plants and freely enjoy the warm season!