Although some chemical repellents do work, it is always preferable to have a natural alternative. Here are some natural ways to repel mosquitoes.
Apart from trying to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your home, and other basic methods of preventing mosquito bites like window screens and mosquito nets, there's a lot more you can do to ensure mosquitoes decide against having you for lunch.
If you've ever wondered why mosquitoes seem to be feasting just on your blood, while friends you are with seem blissfully unaware of your troubles, here are some reasons, and some natural alternatives to repel mosquitoes.
Black
You may have noticed that mosquitoes often seem to hover around a person's head. This generally happens if the person has dark hair. To combat this, you could consider wearing a cotton cap in a light shade on your head. Mosquitoes are attracted to the colour black, so if you are going to be outdoors and expect to be exposed to mosquitoes, opt for a lighter colour.
Fragrances
Mosquitoes are also attracted to fragrances that could be found in perfumes, fabric softeners, body lotions, scented beauty products etc.
Perspiration
The more you perspire and the damper your body, the more mosquitoes will be attracted to you. So, if you tend to perspire a lot, carry a small towel with you, and wipe off the sweat as soon as it forms.
Timing
Mosquitoes are the most active at dusk, so it helps a little if you reduce outdoor activity at this time - which may be worthwhile if you are living in a neighbourhood that has had a few recent malaria and dengue outbreaks. However, it may be difficult and unfair to disallow children from playing outdoors at this time. So the best thing to do would be to make sure they wear light clothing, carry a hankerchief, tissue or towel to constantly keep wiping their sweat, and to apply a mosquito repellent. A very effective and completely non-toxic mosquito repellent is Vicks Vapourub!
Diet
Watch what you eat. If you eat certain foods like bananas, your body emits an odour that mosquitoes love. So although you may not want to be off bananas permanently, since they have numerous health benefits, you could stay off bananas for a few days if you are holidaying in a place that has a lot of mosquitoes.
Avon
Avon Skin-So-Soft is a body lotion that has been proven to repel mosquitoes. Just as mosquitoes are attracted to certain fragrances, so also they dislike certain other fragrances, such as that emitted by this body lotion. Although some people swear that they tried it and it works, others deny the efficacy of this product. However, since it is a body lotion anyway, investing in one bottle will not hurt. If you find that it does indeed work as a mosquito repellent, great. If not, finish off the lotion and don't go in for it again.
Citronella
Citronella oil has been found to be an effective mosquito repellents, and many natural repellents available in international markets use citronella oil. Try and get your hands on a bottle of essential Citronella oil, and apply this to your skin. It should keep mosquitoes at bay.
Prevent Mosquito Bites
