Outdoors this Summer? Avoid mosquito bites with this checklist!

I look forward to summertime all year long. I admit to loving the four seasons here in southern Ontario but I have a fondness for the heat of summer, days on end roaming the countryside and time outdoors in nature. As an herbal gal, I grow medicinal & culinary plants (herbs!) and love to prepare meals showcasing healing foods. Nature is  a healing force in itself and I am grateful for every moment; every breath of fresh air and quiet. Sometimes a series of ideas combine to help us avoid mosquitoes !
Days and evenings in the garden, although precious, do offer challenges if one is a "bug magnet" like me! I have developed over the years a few formulae to make me less attractive to these flying marauders who, otherwise seem to target 'moi' as a preferred snack!

1. Avoid sugar + sweets:
Believe it or not, 'bite prevention' starts with breakfast. Choose to avoid pancakes and syrup or even fruit ~ especially bananas, if planning some time 'in nature'. Go for oatmeal or another unsweetened cereal choice or eggs prepared your favourite way.
My own personal preference is scrambled eggs or a quick omelette with whatever herbs I fancy, and onions n' garlic.

 
2. Eat Garlic! 
Garlic is a great insect deterrent. Some folks can't stomach garlic for breakfast but I can sneak garlic into any meal! If you are up for it, here's a recipe for a garlic paste that is fabulous with most meals. Use your imagination!

If garlic in your first meal is just not happening, you can take a garlic supplement. Research indicates that garlic, Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and Vitamin E are effective insect deterrents, if taken regularly during the spring + summer seasons. Here's  a garlic supplement I've used in the past when traveling and not in control of my breakfasts, pre-herb walk!

3. Know the real scents that the bugs DON'T like:
Lemony aromas, lavender, basil ~~ all are not attractive to flying insects. Oh yes, and catnip (more on that later!) Use a soap or shampoo that features one of these scents and you could find yourself less enticing to mosquitoes. I use non-chemical products and have found some super choices at the health food store, as lemon-scented or lavender products are easy to find.

Here's an affiliate link to famous Dr. Bonner's castile soap (I normally buy the Lavender version or unscented and add my own essential oils) Avoid all commercial scented products -- leave off any perfumes or other scents!

4. Know the plants that bugs DON'T like:
If you have a balcony, patio or deck and like to enjoy evenings in peace, consider planting some 'bug repelling' plants in pots or adjacent gardens. Plant lemon balm, lavender, mints, lemon thyme, lemongrass, rosemary, marigolds.

5. Choose your clothing:
Some folks swear that wearing light-coloured clothing is a good idea; as dark clothes tend to absorb the sun's heat and make us more inclined to 'heat up', ourselves, and produce more sweat, which attracts the little marauders as well.

If you're like me, all of these ideas, combine to create a more positive outdoorsy experience; and can, sometimes truly be worth the effort.

Years ago, I created a number of non-chemical, effective insect repelling remedies with essential  oils. Many combinations work well and are easy to make at home, with your own personal fragrance preferences in mind.

I have used citronella and also lemon-eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender, cedarwood, basil, peppermint, juniper, or rosemary. The "heavy hitter" here is without a doubt, in my experience, Catnip essential oil. It's been proven to be as effective as DEET against mosquitoes in most situations.

I'll include a recipe for you, but if you're not up for making it yourself, a visit to the local health food store with this list of essential oils will provide you with a number of commercial options, 'ready to go' or purchase one like this, online, from Plant Therapy.

 6. AVOID MOSQUITOES  with my  "Mosquito Repelling Spray":

8 drops Lavender essential oil
4 drops Lemongrass essential oil
4 drops Rosemary essential oil
4 drops Catnip essential oil

Note: if you can't find Catnip essential oil,  substitute:
4 drops Basil essential oil
2 drops Cedarwood essential oil
Witch Hazel (or pure water)

Drop the essential oils into a small spray bottle. Lightly shake the bottle until all the oils are mixed together. Add witch hazel (or water) into the bottle. Place the nozzle onto the bottle and twist until secure. Shake the bottle until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.

Remember to shake well before each use to re-disperse the oils. Avoid spraying your face, but use moistened fingers to apply.

Whatever plans you have this summer, may they include LOTS of laughter and a minimum of pesky bug bites ! 

Learn more here, re what to do to increase your comfort levels if you need 'bite remedies'

Enjoy! xo Carol