SEPT -15: CONSUMER TIPS
10 natural mosquito repellents
1. Neem, coconut, eucalyptus and lemon oils: Mixing neem oil with coconut oil (or eucalyptus oil with lemon oil) in equal proportions and rubbing it on all exposed parts of the body will protect you from mosquito bites.
2. Garlic: The pungent odour of garlic is known to repel mosquitoes. Boil a few crushed pods of garlic in water and spray the water around the room. Eating garlic regularly also helps as garlic is released through the skin’s pores and changes the way you smell.
3. Camphor: It has been found to have the longest mosquito repelling effect among natural products. Light camphor in a room and close all the doors and windows. After 15 minutes you will find the room free of mosquitoes.
4. Tulsi: Tulsi is extremely effective in killing mosquito larvae. Also, according to Ayurveda simply planting a tulsi shrub near your window is all you need to keep mosquitoes away.
5. Dry ice: The carbon dioxide that we exhale attracts mosquitoes. Dry ice emits a lot of carbon dioxide. So, trap mosquitoes by placing dry ice in a container with a lid in the room.
6. Used coffee powder: Sprinkle ground coffee beans after use wherever you find stagnant water near your house. The mosquito eggs present in the water will be forced to come to the surface and, deprived of oxygen, they will die.
7. Lotus: New research shows that lotus is an effective mosquito repellent and also kills mosquito larvae. Lotus is a good option as a natural repellent if grown in backyard ponds.
8. Mint and lemongrass: You can put mint leaves and essence in a vaporiser and spray in the room. Similarly, put chopped lemongrass soaked in water in a spray bottle and spray on yourself and your surroundings every couple of hours.
9. Cinnamon oil: It is an effective way to destroy mosquito larva. The spice’s effectiveness against adult mosquitoes is not proven but it is believed that the same chemical that kills the larva could also repel mosquitoes. But do not use on the skin without diluting.
10. Soybean oil: Research has found that repellents made of soybean oil are just as effective as those containing DEET (a chemical found in many insect repellents).
Sources: www.thehealthsite.com, tribune.com
www.homeremedyhacks.com www.care2.coms
