The fear of mosquitoes continues to linger around as the news of malaria and dengue in our cities resurfacing every now and then. In addition to our governments springing into action to prevent and remedy these threats every season, enough of us take our protection into our own hands and rely on the supermarkets for our personal anti-mosquito protection. There is quite a diversity of brands and products in those aisles – mosquito repellent creams, lotions, sprays, cards, bands, patches and more.
If you look hard enough, you can find some products that use natural ingredients as they are safe for the health of adults as well as children. And at the safest end, you may make your own mosquito repellents at home using the natural ingredients that have been proven effective since forever. Neem Oil is one of the natural ingredients that, with its antibacterial properties, can be used in DIY sprays and lotions to keep mosquitoes away.
Does Neem Oil Kill the Mosquitos?
Neem Oil is extracted from the seeds of the fruit of the Neem tree. It has antibacterial and insecticidal properties that repel insects and mosquitoes. Apart from these properties, it is essentially the pungent smell of neem oil that keeps mosquitoes at bay.
Who is More Prone to Mosquito Attack?
There are certain properties of your body and surroundings that might appeal more to the mosquitoes. In this case, it is best to be well-versed with what all makes you more prone to mosquito bites to take actions accordingly-
1. Type O Blood
Mosquitoes can detect certain chemicals that we secrete through our skin. Some of those chemicals also reveal our blood type. As it happens, Type O blood is the most preferred by mosquitoes.
2. Bacteria
Similarly, studies have shown that female mosquitoes are drawn towards certain bacteria that live on the skin and have a specific odor.
3. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Female mosquitoes are especially fond of breath that reeks of CO2. It has been observed that mosquitoes can smell CO2 from a distance of about 164 feet!
4. Pregnancy
Because pregnant women emanate more CO2 and have warmer body temperatures, female mosquitoes are more lured to biting them.
5. Time of Day
Mosquitoes are most active during dawn, dusk and at night. The sunlight during afternoons dehydrates them, and therefore, they remain hidden during that time.
6. High cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, the by-products of lipid metabolism might come onto the surface of your skin which attracts female mosquitoes.
7. Moisture
Mosquitoes breed on wet, damp and cold areas. The risk of mosquito bites thus heightens in the rainy season.
Homemade Recipe of Neem Mosquito Repellent
If you’re wondering how to use neem oil for mosquito repellent, the answers are here for you. Neem Oil can be made use of for driving mosquitoes away in two forms- Spray and Lotion.
1. Mosquito Repellent Spray
Ingredients
- ½ spray bottle Distilled Water
- ¼ spray bottle Witch Hazel
- 1/8 spray bottle Vegetable Glycerine
- 1/8 spray bottle Coconut Oil
- 5 drops Neem Oil
- 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
How to prepare?
Combine and mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle.
Check here to know about the benefits of lavender oil on the skin and how it will help you and your skin.
2. Mosquito Repellent Lotion
Ingredients
- 10 drops Neem Oil
- ¼ Cup Coconut Oil
How to prepare?
Mix the ingredients and spread it on the exposed area of your skin before going out.
Other Natural Methods
1. Camphor
Simply lighting up 5-6 pieces of camphor in a room so that it gets filled up with the smoke and scent of camphor is enough to send mosquitoes away. Powdered camphor can also be mixed with Neem Oil and used as a repellent in a vaporizing machine.
2. Basil
Basil or as it is commonly known, Tulsi has antibacterial properties that do not allow the breeding of insects, germs or mosquitoes and it is safe on your skin.
3. Mint
Mint leaves or oil are equally effective in driving mosquitoes away. Mint leaves can be burned or be used in a vaporizer to keep mosquitoes away.
4. Garlic
Garlic has medicinal properties that are useful when it comes to the task of keeping mosquitoes away. Garlic pods can be immersed in water or neem and essential oils and the blend can either be sprayed or used in a vaporizer.
5. Nilgiri Oil
Nilgiri or Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help to keep insects and mosquitoes away. Nilgiri Oil can be blended in a vaporizer to keep the house insect and mosquito free.
Mosquito Repellent Products
1. Mosquick Lemon Grass and Citronella Oil
With insecticidal ingredients like lemongrass and citronella oil, the Mosquick insect repellent can be used against insects, mosquitoes, house fly, cockroaches, etc. Discover more about the benefits of Citronella oil.
2. Strategi Herbal Justspray Mosquito Repellent Room Spray
With Citronella and Lemongrass as the key ingredients, this 100% natural mosquito repellent spray is toxin-free and eliminates any threat of respiratory disorders even if inhaled. Its action against mosquitoes and insects is quick and strong, and a small amount of spray can provide protection against mosquito bites.
Lemongrass essential has numerous benefits and uses. Among them, it benefits on hair with its natural herbal properties. Check here to know how lemongrass oil used for hair growth and its nourishment.
3. Mamaearth Natural Repellent Mosquito Patches
Made with citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint oil and lemon, these natural mosquito repellent patches by Mamaearth are designed keeping in mind the safety of children. They do not cause eye damage or skin irritation and keep away mosquitoes effectively.
Preventive Tips for Mosquito Bites
The following tips should be followed to avoid mosquitoes at all times-
- Wear mosquito repellent whenever you go out during the peak hours. Go for all-natural mosquito repellent products.
- Avoid having standing water in buckets, coolers, pits, ditches, etc. as these become the breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Try to wear loose full sleeves clothes whenever you go out.
Conclusion
Natural mosquito repellent sprays, lotions and creams are safe to be used on adults as well as children. These do not involve harsh chemicals to kill the mosquitoes but only natural ingredients to make you unattractive to the insects. Neem makes for an ace player in this area as its antibacterial properties and the pungent smell of neem oil both make you unappealing to mosquitoes and save you from insect-borne diseases.
Also read:Â The Benefits & Uses of Using Natural Mosquito Repellents.
