Tiny and quick with an incredibly keen sense of smell—mosquitoes are one of the most difficult pests to deal with. Aside from the red bumps and rashes their bites cause, they also carry harmful diseases such as dengue and malaria. Don't fret, you can keep them out of your home with a few natural solutions and simple life hacks. Here are a few ideas you can try:
1. Light citronella-scented candles regularly.
Citronella oil is one of the most powerful ways to keep mosquitoes out of your home. Lighting citronella-scented candles can be just as effective as chemical sprays if you burn it often around your home. It smells slightly sweet so you won't have to rush to cover your nose, too!
RL Tip: Affordable citronella-scented candles are available via Lazada. It's more practical to buy it in sets, too!
2. Burn rosemary over coal or a small flame.
Holding a weekend barbecue? Prevent pesky mosquitoes away from your guests by throwing in a few sprigs of rosemary along with your cooking meats and let it smoke over the hot coal. Insects, in general, don't enjoy the scent of rosemary therefore keeping them out of sight!
3. Eat a clove of raw garlic.
Eating raw garlic or even adding it to your daily menu can repel mosquitoes for up to six hours. The flavor is said to mask the scent of human blood which initially attracts them. This life hack is perfect for outdoor camping trips!
4. Plant mosquito-repellent plants.
Apart from beautifying your space and purifying the air, there are some green wonders that can ward off insects. If you are dealing with too many mosquitoes, consider planting feverfew, catnip, and lavender in your backyard or mini garden.
READ: 8 Plants to Get Rid of Mosquitoes at Home
5. Make your own bug repellent.
As effective as store-bought lotions are, they also have harmful chemicals that may affect the skin. As an alternative, all-natural bug repellent lotions are safe for daily use without the risk of allergic reactions. Whip up your own using a few essential oils and a mixer!
READ: DIY: All-Natural Bug Repellent
This story originally appeared on RealLiving.com.ph.
*Minor edits have been made by FemaleNetwork.com editors.
