6 Ways to Beat Mosquitoes Naturally

‘Tis the season for sunshine, barbecues, and mosquitoes.

Before you grab that DEET-based mosquito repellent in an effort to keep the mosquitoes at bay, consider that research at Duke University links diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) use to brain damage —no wonder the mosquitoes leave at the first scent of it. Perhaps we’d be wise to follow their lead and stay clear of the stuff. Check out my article tomorrow on the dangers of DEET mosquitorepellents.

Here are six natural options that mosquitoes hate and you’ll soon love. You don’t have to worry about DEET-induced brain cell damage or scratching yourself to death. And, if you still think that natural means less effective, keep reading. Some of these mosquito repellents are MORE EFFECTIVE THAN DEET!

1. Citronella
The old standby. Be sure you’re using pure essential oil, not fragrance oil, which is ineffective and potentially dangerous. Most mosquito repellent products “containing citronella” are made with fragrance oil and should be avoided. If you’re applying citronella to your skin, dilute it in a carrier oil or natural moisturizer. A few drops per tablespoon of oil or cream is all that is needed.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Laurel F.

5:32PM PDT on Apr 18, 2013

How interesting! Thanks so much for the ideas! I think I may grow some catnip :o)

April 18
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Elena B.

12:47AM PDT on Apr 12, 2013

Great ideas! Thanks.

April 12
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Terry V.

5:23PM PDT on Apr 11, 2013

thanks

April 11
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LILING O.

9:16AM PDT on Apr 11, 2013

We always use a lemongrass based repellent and it works really well.....
Stay clean and fresh, as mosquitoes loves the smell of sweat

Dale B.

6:59AM PDT on Apr 10, 2013

I do believe garlic works well. I use a lot of it and a friend was over yesterday complaining about mosquitoes biting him and not one landed on me. A have an area on my patio where I sit and I sprinkled granulated garlic around and it keeps mosquitoes away. Garlic also works for squirrels, to keep away them away from food sources.

April 10
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Katya J.

6:17AM PDT on Apr 10, 2013

interesting,thanks!
The mosquitoes are such plague.

heather g.

11:31PM PDT on Apr 9, 2013

Mosquitoes really go for me.
Thank you for the excellent advice !

April 9
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Dale O.

8:33PM PDT on Apr 9, 2013

Fabulous...the cat that owns me requires me to grow her copious amounts of catnip for her...knowing that these plants also repel mosquitoes is a definite bonus.

Su H.

8:22PM PDT on Apr 9, 2013

Thank you so much for these options for repelling Mosquitoes... they LOVE me and find me where ever I am. I hate deet and do not want to use such a toxic poison, so I will be happy to try these.

Leila M.

7:44PM PDT on Apr 9, 2013

Yesterday I felt a swelling in my face. Of course, it was a mosquito bite. Around here we have to be careful because of dengue fever, so I appreciate any advice that will help to keep the little monsters away. I specially love this "eat lots of fresh garlic—mosquitoes will steer clear of you since they hate the stuff. As an added bonus, so will vampires."