Say Goodbye To Summer Mosquitos

With over 2 500 different species of mosquitos throughout the world, mosquitos are the uninvited guest to your summer barbeque. While there are many ways to deter mosquitos from biting you, some are more toxic than others, particularly for children and babies. Commercial mosquito repellents are a concentrated chemical solution containing DEET which does have toxic side effects. However, mosquitos are not only a nuisance – their bites can cause serious complications including the transmission of diseases such as malaria, Ross River fever, yellow fever, encephalitis and West Nile virus to humans and animals. The following suggestions are some easy, safe and non-toxic ways to repel these pests:

• Adequate dietary B vitamins, particularly vitamin B1, repel mosquitos from biting. Increase your intake of sunflower seeds, rice bran/brown rice, wheat germ, rolled oats, wholemeal grains, lima beans, mung beans, peas, eggs, Brazil nuts, lentils and broad beans. 
• High blood sugar attracts mosquitos so reduce your intake of sweets, sugary drinks, alcohol and lollies!
• Avoid bananas during mosquito season. The way your body processes the banana oil attracts these sugar-loving insects.
• One of the best natural insect repellents is Vick’s Vaporub.
• Also highly recommended is citronella oil. You can now purchase citronella candles, incense sticks, burner rings, roll-on/spray solutions or add a few drops of the essential oil to an oil burner.
• Make your own homemade insect spray by adding citronella, tea tree and lavender essential oils to a base of vinegar and water. Shake well and spray on the body.
• Make sure you drain all pools or buckets of water (unless you have fish of course) as they become breeding grounds. If you have your own rainwater tank, pour ½ cup of oil into the tank.
• Planting marigolds around your garden or pots on the balcony works well because the flowers give off a fragrance that the mosquitos do not like.
• MooGoo Tail- Swat Body Spray is a natural mosquito repellant suitable for adults, children and babies without smelling like a citronella candle. www.moogoo.com.au

When all else fails – get a frog!

By Claudette Wadsworth
BHSc, BA, Adv DN, Nut D, DRM, PostGrad NFM, MATMS, MNHAA
Naturopath, Nutritionist, specialist in Women's Health and Fertility
Bondi Junction 02 9389 3689 
info@claudettewadsworth.com.au