14 Flowers and Herbs That Repel Mosquitoes : The Saturday Weekend Review #256

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. COMMON PLANTS THAT REPEL PESKYMOSQUITOES

MOSQUITOES WILL CRASH YOUR PARTY AND FOLLOW YOU AROUND UNLESS YOU TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

I love gardening but what I don’t love are mosquitoes so I’ve decided to fight back to try to keep our property and bodies free from the pests that can cause an itch and potentially serious disease in humans.

One of our biggest concerns when it comes to mosquitoes is the bite and not so much for the itch that follows but because of illnesses and diseases linked to mosquitoes such as West Nile Virus and Encephalitis.

Although not all mosquitoes carry a disease it’s still important to protect yourself and through research, I’ve found plenty of simple ways you can do that.

Mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus

There is a West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases national surveillance report that you can follow with the Canadian government if you’re interested in being in the loop of these pests.

What is West Nile Virus?

A bite from an infected mosquito can cause infection with West Nile virus. Infected mosquitoes can spread the virus to humans and other animals. Source- Canada.ca

You can buy all sorts of products that claim to help rid of mosquitoes from coils to sprays but if you want extra protection around the house to consider some of these herbs and plants that will repel mosquitoes so you can enjoy your summer months itch-free.

I had never had a run-in with mosquitoes until I moved to Canada from the UK and boy do they like me because I have that certain bacteria on my skin that spells, a free buffet!

The first year I was here I had bites on my legs and arms that produced golf-ball sized welts that took days to go away.

After a bit of homework about mosquitoes and how to protect myself and a visit to my family doctor I’m happy to report I’m covering all my bases when these little monsters come out to play.

Protection is key to fighting mosquitoes

How can you protect yourself from mosquito bites?

The verdict: I used Jaimeson Vitamin B1 daily, planted herbs and flowers that repel mosquitoes in the front and back gardens of our house and we use OFF mosquito coils, citronella tub candles, and mosquito repellent body spray.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.One of our favourites is Muskol which is a Canadian Brand around since 1951 or OFF Mosquito spray both of which are reasonably priced.

It not only battles mosquitoes but it gives you 8 hours of protection from black flies, biting midges, deer flies, stable flies, ticks and chiggers.

It does contain 23.5% DEET plus related active toluamides where some studies believe causes brain damage and other harmful effects.

If you’re not a fan of putting anything on your skin you can try the other route which we also use and that’s homemade repellents and gardening.

You can also try making homemade repellents to fight off mosquitoes using oils which I will talk about a little later on down the post.

If we do get bit we have After Bite which we purchased from Amazon Canada for a small price but with a big remedy for itching and scratching especially for our son.

After Bite’s advanced formula with baking soda now provides even better relief for the whole family.

For over 30 years, After Bite’s pharmacist-preferred formula has provided instant itch relief for bites from mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and other common insects – so there’s no more scratching!

The proprietary mix of soothing ingredients acts fast when you need it most. Be prepared with After Bite and don’t let insect bites ruin your outdoor family fun!

Understanding Mosquitoes 101

What are mosquitoes?

You can read all about mosquitoes at Canada.ca

Mosquitoes are small insects that bite. Because their bites can also cause itchiness and irritation, many people try to avoid them.

Mosquitoes grow in still or very slow-moving water. Some mosquitoes lay their eggs on the surface of the water.

They lay between 100 and 400 eggs at one time.

The eggs hatch in 1 or 2 days into larvae, which look like small worms.

The life cycle from egg to adult can take less than 10 days if the temperature is right. The ideal temperature is between 22° and 27°C.

Only female mosquitoes feed on animal or human blood. They need blood in order to produce eggs.

Mosquitoes know you are coming from a mile away, well 50 yards and they want something you’ve got and they will stop at nothing to get it.

Not even jumping up and down and swatting them away will stop them.

What attracts mosquitoes?

Bacteria grow on our skin in the trillions but some of us are irresistible dessert trays for mosquitoes and they will come after you when they smell your body odor.

Chemical compounds

Some of their favorites are lactic acid, ammonia, carboxylic acid, and octenol (present in human breath and sweat). Mosquitoes are especially drawn to carbon dioxide.

The more you emit, the more attractive you are to them.

Larger people naturally emit more carbon dioxide than smaller people, which is one of the reasons adults seem to be bitten more often than children. Source

Movement and Heat are a big treat too especially when it’s a hot day or if you’re exercising which I find when I’m doing outdoor work or gardening. Since mosquitoes prefer old sweat it’s important to make sure that you shower as soon as you can if you’re doing lots of sweating indoors or outdoors.

How To Stop Mosquitoes From Multiplying

How can you control mosquitoes?

I’m sure by now living in Canada you’ve heard not to have standing water such as pools, wheelbarrows, buckets, birdbaths or other objects around your property that will allow water to sit.

Even a sports toy such as a Frisbee can become home to millions of mosquitoes.

The reason behind this is because you’re now allowing mosquitoes to lay eggs right in front of you and then off they go to breed.

Typically, mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water.

Mosquito larvae hatch from the eggs and remain in the water, feeding on tiny organisms.

Once they mature, adult mosquitoes leave the water to breed.