musquitoes and musquito bites

[emilosevich]

We have now been overrun with mosquitoes and DD is getting a lot of mosquito bites. We have been using witch hazel to treat her, but it doesn't seem to be working. Does anybody else have any ideas? My dad swears by garlic keeping them at bay, but DD refuses to eat garlic.

 

[TanksHill]

My old German neighbor just forwarded me an e mail about using Listerine to ward off mosquitoes. She does everything ala natural.

Snopes says it's not true but I say it wouldn't hurt to try.

 

[savingdogs]

I eat garlic ALOT, I love it and eat a low sodium diet and it makes a great flavor booster, so I eat garlic about as much as a person can eat.

Mosquitos FEAST on me, they love me and always have.

I read somewhere that taking B vitamins makes your blood taste bad to mosquitos, but wouldn't they have to bite you first to taste your blood?

I've used Avon skin-so-soft as a deterrent but it isn't exactly a repellent. But it makes your skin feel nice and smells nice whereas I can't stand insect repellents!

 

[justusnak]

Peppermint leaves. Take a few and rub them up and down your arms and legs. This works for us, and..we smell good! For the bites already had...make a paste of bakeing soda, and water, dab on each spot. Takes the itch out.

 

[calendula]

For soothing bug bites try calendula or lemon balm infusion, aloe vera juice, a paste made w/ oatmeal and water, or baking soda. For repelling, you could try the catnip (though it's risky ) or lemon balm, lemon grass, citronella, or eucalyptus. I have had good luck making my own repellent with catnip extract (I made it myself by steeping catnip in vodka) and citronella EO.

 

[savingdogs]

catnip risky? are we concerned about OFG's insane cat posse finding us?

I have a cat that already follows me on walks, I can just imagine what he would do if I were coated in catnip. I've tried to grow it and he EATS the entire plant down to a stump.

Of course you would recommend calendula, calendula..... jk

 

[abifae]

I've read that high levels of b keep them away (i DO get fewer bites when I take a lot) and I've also read lower blood sugars do, too.

 

[calendula]

Of course you would recommend calendula, calendula..... jk

Well sure, it is my favorite herb afterall.

I have also heard that you should avoid eating salty or high potassium foods before going outdoors in mosquito-y areas because they are attracted to the smell. So no bananas!

 

[okra]

Try mixing 1 part disinfectant to 4 parts baby oil and rubbing into exposed areas - it seems to keep the bugs at bay

 

[emilosevich]

Thank you for all of the answers! I appreciate all of them. I think we will try the peppermint oil first.
Okra what kind of disinfectant are you talking about?