10+ natural remedies from around the world to repel mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are the bane of summer for people all over the world. They are the one thing some people hate about summer. They buzz around, biting us and making everyone itchy during an otherwise perfect day. In addition, they can bring all kinds of diseases. The question arises: how to get rid of these pesky creatures? More important is how we get rid of them without destroy the earth?

While many people turn to chemical mosquito repellents to keep these pests at bay, there are natural remedies that can work just as well and are better for us and the environment. Communities around the world have used natural remedies to repel mosquitoes for centuries. Here are some of the most effective and humane methods from different cultures.

1. Smoke and fire

Different communities around the world use smoke and fire as effective mosquito repellents. Smoke from a fire or the burning of certain herbs and woods, such as citronella, can help repel mosquitoes that approach. It Maasai community In Kenya, for example, smoky fires made of cow dung are used to keep mosquitoes away. So it’s time to get out vegan marshmallows and catch fire.

2. Crushed lemongrass

In Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Cambodia, people use crushed lemongrass leaves as a natural mosquito repellent. Lemongrass oil is believed to repel mosquitoes with its strong smell. It is this oil that is found in citronella candles.

3. Cow dung and ash

In rural India, cow dung and ashes are mixed and burned in a bowl or clay pot to create smoke that repels mosquitoes. The burning smell helps keep mosquitoes away. This non-chemical alternative to traditional bug repellants has been proven to be nearly as effective.

4. Castor oil

In Jamaica, people use castor oil to repel mosquitoes. In addition to repelling mosquitoes, castor oil is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can treat bug bites.

5. Basil

In Thailand and Sri Lanka, basil is used to repel mosquitoes. Basil contains essential oils that repel mosquitoes. The oils affect the insects’ sensors, so they have to fly far to regenerate.

6. Cedarwood

People in the US and other Western countries use cedar wood as a natural mosquito repellent. According to some people, cedarwood contains natural oils that repel mosquitoes. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that this is not as effective as users might think. But, if it were up to popular opinion, many swear by it.

7. Eucalyptus leaves

In the Philippines, eucalyptus leaves are used as a natural mosquito repellent. The strong scent of eucalyptus is a great natural mosquito repellent.

8. Mint

In Morocco, people use peppermint as a natural mosquito repellent. Peppermint contains essential oils that repel mosquitoes. The stronger the smell, the fewer bugs you will see.

9. Citrus fruits

In Brazil, people use citrus fruits such as oranges and limes to repel mosquitoes. The smell of citrus fruits keeps mosquitoes away.

10. Lavender

In France and other parts of Europe, people use lavender to repel mosquitoes. Lavender contains essential oils that keep bugs away, and it is often used in essential oil blends to repel mosquitoes. It contains a compound known as linalool, which smells great to humans but is horrible to mosquitoes.

11. Neem oil

In India and other parts of South Asia, people use neem oil to repel mosquitoes. Neem contains a compound called azadirachtin, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. According to studies, it is one of the most effective natural insecticides.

12. Garlic

In some parts of Africa, people use garlic as a natural mosquito repellent. Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is believed to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

13. Marigold

In Mexico and other Latin American countries, people plant marigolds around their homes to repel mosquitoes. Marigolds contain a compound called pyrethrum, which is a natural insect repellent. Plus, they look cool.

14. Catnip

People in the US and other Western countries use fenugreek as a natural mosquito repellent. Catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is believed to repel mosquitoes and other insects. Some say it’s even as effective as DEET.

15. Tea tree oil

In Australia and other parts of Oceania, people use tea tree oil as a natural mosquito repellent. Tea tree oil contains terpenes that repel mosquitoes. Field tests show that repellents containing tea tree oil are very effective against mosquitoes.

Communities around the world use natural remedies to effectively repel mosquitoes. These are just some of the natural remedies used to keep pesky mosquitoes at bay. While you can’t use them all, like cow dung, there are many affordable ways to humanely repel mosquitoes without harming them or using harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. In addition to being environmentally friendly, natural remedies help communities avoid the negative health effects associated with the use of chemical repellents. All in all, a natural alternative can be better for you, your family, and the world.

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