Well, this is the best news I've heard all day: BEER is a natural mosquito repellent!
The Sarasota Herald-Tribune put together a list of natural mosquito repellents, and beer made the list...so to be honest, I stopped reading after that.
*reads the rest*
Ok, actually, there's some really good information here.
Any time I step outside, ALLLL the bugs bite me. All. Of. Them. So I'll definitely be trying some of these.
- Natural Living Ideas suggests mixing 30 drops of lavender oil with two tablespoons of a vegetable oil, such as olive oil, for a great-smelling, skin-softening concoction mosquitoes hate. The site also suggests neem oil, which can be purchased online or at health food, vitamin and even discount stores. Healthline points to one part lemon eucalyptus oil to 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel as effective.
- Enjoy backyard barbecuing more when cooking meats marinated in rosemary. The fumes from the cooking herb will cause mosquitoes to think twice about approaching.
- Ingested garlic seeps from the pores of skin and acts as a natural barrier. Mosquitoes may land, but are quickly offended and will not strike. Apple cider vinegar acts in a similar way. (I can attest that this is false. I eat more garlic than anyone you know--I promise--and those dang mosquitoes still eat me alive the second I step outside. Pass.)
- Rodale’s OrganicLife listed eight plants that, if planted around the home, will create somewhat of an invisible shield against encroaching mosquitoes: lavender, lemon balm, catnip, basil, peppermint, citrosum, sage and rosemary.
- Stop mosquitoes around the edges of the yard by sprinkling coffee grounds, which will also kill mosquito larva.
- A few shallow containers of beer - even if it is cheap and somewhat stale - are a deterrent. (Wait, I don't drink the beer? Who wants to waste beer like that!?)
There are also pre-mixed natural sprays for purchase. Check out ingredients and make certain everything, natural or not, is safe for children, especially toddlers and babies.