Summer time is perfect for enjoying warm evenings outdoors. Whether you’re heading out to the woods to camp or curling up on a blanket the backyard, there’s something magical about long summer nights watching the stars and the fireflies.
What’s not so magical about the summer: mosquitoes. Those pesky blood-suckers can turn a magical summer into misery. If you’ve ever thought that the bugs were out to get you… you might be right. Check out a few things you need to know before you enjoy the summer weather in peace.
5 factors that make you attractive to bugs
Here’s why the mosquitoes may be taking an interest in you:
1. You’re pregnant
If you’re pregnant, mosquitos are more likely to make a beeline towards you because your body is producing a larger combination of unique odors that mosquitos like (carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and uric acid) according to WebMD.
2. You’re sweaty and moving
If you’re running around at the family picnic, you’re more likely to attract the attention of mosquitos who are drawn to movement and the lactic acid and sweat your body is producing.
3.It’s in your blood (literally)
Mosquitos have their favorite food joints and they happen to be people with Type O blood type. Count yourself lucky if you have Type A blood as mosquitos aren’t as attracted to your blood type, according to the Smithsonian.
4. You’re wearing perfume/cologne
Mosquitoes are attracted to strong smells like the sweetness of a perfume of cologne.Wash it off before you head outdoors to keep the bugs at bay!
5. You’re overweight
Carbon Dioxide is like candy to mosquitoes. They flock to larger pockets of the gas. If you’re overweight, you’re producing more Carbon Dioxide. (Adults are also more likely to be targeted than kids because they are naturally bigger.)
3 ways to repel mosquitoes
If you want to keep mosquitos at bay, try one of these ideas:
1. Plant repellents
Reduce the odds of becoming snack food by keeping bugs away. Plants like Citronella, Mint, Catnip, Marigolds, and Ageratum will help deter the bugs from coming around, according to Rodale’s Organic Life.
2. Use a fan
Use a small fan to circulate air in your favorite sitting area. Mosquitos are small guys and trying to fly against the tough breeze of a fan will likely prove to be too much effort. Ceiling fans aren’t as effective as the small oscillating or box fans.
3. Try oil
Some oils that may be effective include clove, thyme, celery extract, citronella and oil of eucalyptus (OLE). Keep OLE away from children under 3, according to WebMD.
4 ways to treat mosquito bites at home
If you were unable to avoid the mosquitos, you can at least make the bits a little easier to live with. To treat mosquito bites at home try:
1. Oatmeal paste
Mix equal parts oatmeal and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to your mosquito bite and cover with a washcloth. Hold in place for a few minutes before rinsing, Healthline recommends.
2. Honey
Apply a drizzle of honey to your mosquito bite for a little itch relief.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera isn’t just great for sunburns, the gel has anti-inflammatory properties which could help reduce the swelling of any mosquito bites.
4.Baking soda
Create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to your itch and let it dry before rinsing away.