When it starts to heat up in Malta, a signal is sent to all creepy crawlies, alerting them of the heat and encouraging them to find ways to enter our homes and do their best to annoy us. The king of the pests and one of the most annoying is the mosquito; especially when you’re sleeping!
There are tonnes of methods to rid your house of unwanted pests, with chemical sprays, air infusers, pellets and even bracelets having been introduced to try and help keep the mozzies at bay. But these solutions are artificial, and can cause damage to our environment. Taking the natural route is always a safer and healthier option, so next time you hear a buzz, why not give these five natural remedies a go?
Apple cider vinegar
Mosquitoes hate the smell of vinegar. While white vinegar is a cheaper alternative; its effect on our skin is not as beneficial as apple cider vinegar - a little drop goes a long way, so buying a bottle of the stuff won’t break the bank. Diluting apple cider vinegar in some water will give you the perfect spray to keep the mosquitoes away. Store it in a spray bottle and keep it in the fridge for that instant cooling factor.
Lemon eucalyptus oil
The properties of lemon eucalyptus oil are natural solutions to the mosquito crisis we face on Maltese shores. The oil is often confused with lemon oil or eucalyptus oil; neither of which hold the same chemical structure and therefore don't work as this does! Dab some oil onto your skin, targeting areas where the skin is thinner; the mother mosquito is efficient and won’t waste time finding the source. Remember to use a base oil and never apply essential oils directly onto the skin.
Garlic
There’s no way I’d leave the house purposely smelling of garlic. I’d rather have the mother of all mosquitoes latch onto my ankle and feed her young for the next decade. BUT. When eaten, the natural oils found in garlic cloves enter the blood, the scent protrudes from the skin (highly unnoticeable by man) and is picked up by mosquitoes surveying the area. Much like their vampire relatives; mosquitoes hate the smell of garlic and wouldn’t dare take a swig of your blood. So just add garlic to your diet!
Citronella oil
This, I believe is the classic. Used on animals and livestock to keep sandfly away, infused into candles and widely available in a range of shops or online stores. Why not buy the oil and burn it in an infuser? It’s easier, cheaper, and always available. You can also apply to your skin, but dilute in a base oil before doing so.
Lavender oil
Ahhh, lavender. The scent of Provence, a sleeping remedy and natural shield against mosquito bites; especially while you sleep. This gentle and inoffensive scent can easily change your summer nights from a restless rampage of ‘catch the mosquito’ to a soothing, deep sleep where the mozzies are left hungry. Give this one a shot; drop some oil onto your pillowcase and count some sheep.
So when you’re heading to your next outdoor BBQ or simply hitting the hay; slap some of these natural treatments on to keep the blood suckers far, far away.