PESKY MOSQUITO BITES

Q. During the summer I love spending time outdoors, but sometimes the mosquitoes get the better of me. Do you have any tips on how to prevent getting bit and also some steps I should follow if I have been bit?

A. No one likes a mosquito bite! Unfortunately, most commercial products made to ward off these nasty critters contain Deet. Deet, although effective, is absorbed through the skin and carried through the blood stream and lymph. It has been known to cause skin rash, lethargy, muscle spasm, nausea and in rare cases, even death. Understandably, many individuals are curious about natural and effective alternatives.

There are a variety of essential oils that may prove beneficial in keeping the bugs away. Among the most effective are citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass, tea tree and lavender. Catnip and neem oil have also been shown to be an effective mosquito bite repellants. Essential oils should always be mixed with a carrier oil to protect the skin from irritation. 10 drops of essential oil mixed with 2 Tbsp of a carrier oil such as coconut, grapeseed or olive oil works well. You can also make a spray by mixing the essential oils of your choice from above with alcohol, such as vodka.

Garlic, once ingested, also releases an odour through your pores that mosquitos are not a fan of. Try eating a dinner rich in garlic before you plan a night by the campfire. It has also been suggested that a daily Thiamine (B1) vitamin or increasing foods rich in this vitamin, can act systemically to keep mosquitoes off. Foods rich in thaimine include nutritional yeast, brewer's yeast, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, asparagus, and spinach.

In order to keep your patio free of mosquitoes throughout the summer, use your green thumbs and plant a garden. Be sure to plant citronella, catnip, rosemary, or marigold. Mosquitos don't seem to want to hang around too long when these plants are near by.

So what happens if it's too late and that bite on your ankle is just screaming out to be scratched? Tea Tree Oil can be used as an antiseptic, to relieve insect bites and stings. Aloe Vera, squeezed right from the plant if you have it, can decrease inflammation and reduce the need to itch. Also try Peppermint Oil, Lavender Oil or Arnica Gel/Cream rubbed directly on the bite. You may want to try out a small area first to make sure these do not cause skin irritation.

If all else fails, wrap yourself in mosquito netting and pray for sun. Happy outdoors-ing!

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