How to Repel Mosquitos

Trying to repel mosquitos during the summer months sometimes seems like a never ending battle with nature. These pesky insects swarm around when you are trying to enjoy the warn summer days and evenings and leave very itchy lumps on your skin when they bite. Many people use a lot of different mosquito repellents, such as Deet and Off, to help then, but they have to make sure that they spray every inch of exposed skin before they go outdoors. Not only do you need to ensure your skin has been sprayed, but you need to spray your clothing as well because material certainly doesn't seem to stop mosquitoes from biting through to your skin!

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

One way that might help you to repel mosquitoes better is to learn what attracts them. This will help you enjoy the outdoor air without having to use so much repellent. Most people do not know what attracts these flying health hazards. When you look at the list, below you will see that it is virtually impossible to avoid mosquitoes without using some sort of control. Some common attracters include:

• Dark clothing
• Having lots of trees and plants
• Carbon dioxide when you exhale
• Lactic Acid after you work out or eat salty foods
• Fragrances that smell of flowers or fruit
• Perspiration

Natural Repellents

Many people avoid using chemical repellents on their skin because of the possibility of ill effects on their health. There are some natural repellents that you can use to prevent mosquito bites. These include using various plant oils, such as citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, cedar and peppermint. However, these will not be very effective if you are wearing a lot of sunscreen, if you dilute the oil by swimming, sweating or being out in the rain, once the skin absorbs the oil or if it evaporates in the wind. You also have to realize that just because the method you use is natural, it does not mean that it is safe. Many people are allergic to plant oils and the result can be worse that a mosquito bite.