Now backyard barbecue season is back, you are not only the one looking forward to the feast… mosquitos are also waiting to enjoy a big meal outdoors, during time of the season, mosquito control services are a MUST. Synthetic repellents are not your only option to fend off itchy mosquito bites; here are some other few simple suggestions for avoiding mosquito bites.
Lemon Eucalyptus
Lemon Eucalyptus has been classified as an active ingredient in mosquito repellent in a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But be aware that it hasn’t been approved for kids under 3 years old. You can search for “柠檬按叶油” (níngméngānyèyóu, Lemon Eucalyptus) on Taobao to purchase it, or check this suggested Taobao link.
An Insect Repellent Containing DEET
According to a study on skin-applied repellent ingredients from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, DEET is designed for direct application to people’s skin to repel insects. It makes it hard for mosquitos to smell us. You can search for “DEET驱蚊液” (DEET qūwényè) to find products contain DEET, or check here: Taobao link.
IR 3535
As an EPA registered repellent, IR 3535 is one of the most common active ingredients in insect repellents, which usually comes in cream form. You can find it in stores or search “驱蚊酯驱蚊液” (qūwénzhǐ qūwényè) on Taobao. Suggested Taobao link here.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a natural mosquito repellent, but it’s a hot oil which might cause a warm sensation or red rashes. To prevent this, Kimberley McGee suggests diluting the peppermint oil with a carrier oil. It is the one of the main ingredients in medicated oil as well. You can search “薄荷油驱蚊液” (bòhéyóu qūwényè) on Taobao or check this link on Taobao to find it.
Be active
According to research from Caltech, people who are overweight create more of this gas which we all exhale. Mosquitos detect their “meal” easily by the carbon dioxide. It’s time to do more exercise if you want to deter mosquitos.
Wear Long Sleeves and Light Colors
Dark clothes always attract mosquitos as they are on the hunt for things which stand out in contrast to the horizon. In addition, it will be easier for mosquitos to detect you if you wear less. So wear your summer whites and long sleeves when you can.
Emptying Standing Water
Water is the most important site for mosquitos to breed. Get rid of those sites by emptying standing water from gutters, buckets, pet dishes, flowerpots, and pool covers.
Photo: pixabay.com
