Image by dnavais via Flickr

It’s that time of year when you’re probably spending more time outside.  But if it’s hot and humid where you are, you likely have mosquitoes are out there with you. Instead of slathering yourself and your kids with chemicals that may be harmful, try some of these natural ideas.

Prevention

  • Stay away or take care of any stagnant water. Stagnant water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Where might you find stagnant water at your house? Check your pet’s outside water dish, trash cans, buckets, and any other debris that could be harboring water.  Dump out anything that can hold water so mosquitoes won’t be tempted to stick around.
  • Wear long sleeves, pants and socks when you’re going to spend time in areas you think mosquitoes will be.
  • Stay indoors during the hours mosquitoes are most active. They are normally very active beginning at dusk and remain active until very early morning.
  • Repair or install screens on windows and doors. Having screens on doors and windows will keep as many mosquitoes out of your home as as possible.

If you’ve done everything you can to encourage mosquitoes to find another place to live, but you’re still being eaten alive, try a safer mosquito repellent. We like Repel HG-406T Lemon Eucalyptus 4-Ounce Insect Repellent Pump Spray and Eco.Kid Organic Children’s Hypo Allergenic Insect Repellent-Bug a Bug.  Neither use DEET and the Eco.Kid uses all organic and natural products.  Don’t forget to check your pets.  If she’s being bitten by mosquitoes as well, try Bite Blocker Organic Insect Repellent for Dogs.

First Aid

Image by 8lettersuk via Flickr

Already have some bites that are bugging you? First clean the area with a mild soap and water. Pat the area dry and avoid scratching it. The more you scratch the more you’ll want to scratch, which can tear the skin and cause it to become infected.

To make a tried and true homemade relief treatment, mix two parts baking soda and one part water. Mix well into a thick paste. Cover the bite with the paste and let it dry.  Once your symptoms have eased, you can wash the paste off with soap and water.  Aloe Vera gel (we use Aubrey Organics – 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel) is also a good treatment for mosquito bites as well as sunburns, so it’s great to have some on hand for simple emergencies. Both are all-natural and can be reapplied as necessary.

If your kitchen and/or first aid kit isn’t handy, apply a cold compress to the area.  You can use anything cold you have available, such as a cold can of soda or ice cubes.  Apply them directly to the area.   The cold will reduce the swelling and can help stop the itching.  Calamine lotion (we prefer Abrey Organics Calal (Calamine/Aloe) All Natural Soothing Lotion For Burns And Bites – it’s the perfect size for any first aid kit) and hydrocortisone cream (our last resort if all other attempts at relief have failed) can also alleviate the itching if cold compresses aren’t working for you.

If the topical measures don’t do the trick, take an anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen or an antihistamine. If the area becomes infected, be sure to contact your doctor.

I hope you find these tips helpful as you enjoy the summer weather and time outside with family and friends.