Summer is a great time of the year to enjoy river fronts, camping, and sparkling lakes. But when the bugs show up it’s frustrating, annoying, and can be painful.
Don’t let mosquitos ruin your summer fun. Be prepared ahead of time with how to avoid these bites and how to treat them naturally and effectively.
Because our skin is so absorbent, it’s important to consider what we put on it. Typical over-the-counter bug repellants are filled with toxic chemicals that may keep the bugs away but also destroy your own skin. You deserve to know natural ways to keep bugs away and treat them if they still happen to get past your barriers.
Most bugs, including mosquitoes, use their sense of smell to find their food. And you might smell good to them. So let’s change that and help you become less interesting to them.
How to Avoid Mosquitos Naturally
Prevention On the Inside
Sweat releases a lot of aromatic compounds, so if you have the option to avoid exerting yourself, you’ll attract fewer bugs. But that’s hard, considering it’s summer. So since sweating isn’t as avoidable, stay cool and clean. If you want to exercise, try swimming, or taking a dip frequently to rinse off what you’re putting out.
Foods
Garlic offers a mild amount of protection through both the odor on your breath as well as from through the sulfur compounds emitted from your skin. This may repel people though too.
Pass on the salt and potassium, as they increase the amount of lactic acid, which attracts bugs. Skip sugary fruits, especially bananas, and go for cucumber, apples, watermelon, blueberries, or green peppers. This way, you aren’t missing out on fruit and don’t have an itching fit afterward!
Outside Prevention and Treatment
- Citronella: Found in many candles and natural bug repelling sprays.
- Marigold/Calendula: Great as a lotion or found in candles.
- Lavender: An amazing multi-purpose you should have at all times. It’s anti-microbial and a natural bug repellent. Just dab it on exposed skin to keep those blood suckers away.
- Peppermint: Similar to lavender, this one is multi-purpose. Keep it around to soothe upset tummies, headaches, to repel bug,s and even to treat the bite if they do get through.
- Eucalyptus: Our favorite multi-functional remedy, naturally makes the list. You can bring our Eucalyptus Oil ShowerMist (also available with Lavender or Mint) along for the trip and spray both your body, your tent, and the area around you to keep the bugs away. They don’t like the smell or taste of it at all, and you get the benefit of clearing your lungs while breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Don’t be at the mercy of itchy bug bites this summer. You deserve to have fun and relax. Remember to choose good foods and toxin-free natural remedies to keep those annoying bugs at bay!
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