You surely often use mosquito repellents and they seem to prevent the itchy bites from these insects, apparently, they are full of toxic chemicals which cause harmful side-effects if ingested or absorbed into the skin.
Therefore, homemade repellents are much better, as they are safe, and still an effective, way to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes.
It seems that the main culprits for attracting mosquitoes are certain odors.
People with high concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on their skin surface are more prone to mosquitoes, and those who produce certain acids, such as uric acid, in higher amounts.
These substances stimulate the sense of smell of the mosquitoes and lead them to a certain individual.
According to scientists, people who give off larger amounts of carbon dioxide, like obese people and pregnant women, attract mosquitoes the most.
Also, individuals give off more carbon dioxide when outside playing kickball than they would if they were sitting by a fire. The bites of these insects are not just annoying and itchy, but mosquitoes also carry diseases and can spread them to people, such as:
Malaria – leads to fever, chills, and vomiting
Jamestown Canyon Virus – causes flu-like symptoms
West Nile – manifested by joint pain, rashes, fever, vomiting
Zika – related to birth defects
Snowshoe Hare Virus – causes rashes, dizziness, vomiting
Dengue – causes hemorrhagic fever
Chikungunya – leads to rashes, joint pain, and nausea
La Crosse Encephalitis – causes fever and nausea
Rift Valley Fever – leads to eye damage, dizziness, weakness
Yellow Fever – causes jaundice, chills, and vomiting
Only in the United States, there are over 175 known species of mosquitoes, so you need to learn how to prevent their bites.
Vitamin B1
Apparently, studies have shown that vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is a water-soluble vitamin needed for the proper function of the body, can effectively boost the immune system and fight stress.
This vitamin can be found in foods such as kale, cabbage, broccoli, onions, spinach, green beans, summer squash, eggplant, and sunflower seeds.
If in high amounts in the body, this vitamin will produce a “yeasty” smell to mosquitoes, and they will no longer be attracted to you.
The following homemade bug spray contains only two ingredients, organic apple cider vinegar, and fresh parsley. This is how to prepare it:
In a mortar and pestle, add a handful of fresh parsley, and 4 oz of apple cider vinegar. Mash the ingredients and leave the mixture for a few hours.
Then, strain, and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. If you like, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to give the spray a pleasant scent.
Spray it all over the body, as it is completely safe and causes no side-effects. You can keep the homemade spray in the fridge for continued use.
