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At some point, mosquitoes will attempt to ruin your summer fun, but there are a number of ideas that can improve your life.  DEET is the common anti-bug spray, and DEET is effective.  Most people who look at the health impact of DEET will quickly start looking for other solutions.  Get proactive and work on eliminating breeding areas.  Standing water is key here, since most mosquitoes rarely travel more than a quarter mile from their place of birth.

Mosquitoes like tall grass because they can hide there, and they actually get nourishment from water trapped in in very small areas.  Mosquitoes do not live on blood.  They need blood for reproduction.  That is why male mosquitoes do not bite.  Mosquitoes feed on small prey found in the wild.  So, keep weeds mowed, and find a way to drain standing water.

Nonetheless, when mosquitoes do attack, here are some ways to keep them away, naturally.

Yarrow tea or Lemon balm. You can mist this on your body to repel mosquito bites. This is a safe and affective way to protect yourself.

Pure vanilla actually repels mosquitoes. You must use real and not imitation vanilla.  Mosquitoes are not the only bugs that don’t like vanilla, so it’s good to keep around. You can put vanilla on your pulse points to keep away the bugs.

Lavender. Although Lavender smells wonderful to us, bugs hate it. You can use the flower to rub on your skin or use the oil on your pulse points just as you would for perfume. This is proof that you don’t have to smell like a chemical to keep away the bugs.

Garlic. By eating garlic, you will repel mosquitoes (and maybe a few people too). Mosquitoes hate garlic and will not come near it.

Citronella. The most common way to avoid mosquito bites when outdoors is to use a citronella candle. Planting marigolds around your house can also discourage them from hanging around. You can likewise use citronella oil on your skin as a repellent.

Here is a simple way to make your own bug repellant

• 2 teaspoons of any of the following essential oils: basil, cedar wood, citronella, juniper, lemon, myrrh, pine, rose geranium or rosemary (available at health food stores)
• 1 cup 190-proof grain alcohol (available at liquor stores)
• Place ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously. Transfer to a small bottle for storage. To use, rub a small amount on exposed skin, though test first to make sure skin does not react negatively.

Mosquitoes are driven by scent and CO2 that animals and people exhale.  Some suggest that nearby traps will help eliminate bugs of all types.  This is true.  If you confuse the insect or draw it away, your family may get more time outside.

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