Naturally put mosquitoes on the run

Wait, wait a second. Put away the DEET-based mosquito repellent, better yet, throw it away. A research at Duke University shows that diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) causes brain damage – not surprisingly the mosquitoes leave at the first scent of it. Or use it if you don’t believe in science, it “only” lasts for six hours anyway. Or try one (or more) of the options below.

1. NEEM seed oil – this is an Indian evergreen plant that among its many uses is known for its repellent and larvicide powers. The researchers at the Malaria Institute of India say it and the US National Research Council and the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association confirm it.
2. Lavender Oil – we love its scent, they don’t. Definitely a win – lose situation, you win.
3. Liquid vanilla mixed with olive oil – Texans say it works great for mosquitoes and ticks, not to mention that your skin will smell great.
4. Citronella – the old school way. The soap that started in Bahamas and Belize is made with olive oil for moisture and great lather, Aloe Vera to soothe the skin, and citronella oil to repel the pesky bugs.  The best quality essential oil (Java Citronella) is steam distilled from the grass, thus giving it a fresh, sweet woody aroma. 100% pure essential oil – no additives, no diluents, no adulteration, a safe mosquito repellent.
5. Fan – it creates a little windstorm to stand in the way of their landing on you. And it disperses the carbon dioxide you exhale – something they find very attractive. It cools you off thus making you less appealing to them – they love the sweat, lactic acid and body heat. Per the entomologists at Michigan State University, via New York Times.
6. Catnip – if you want the mosquitoes out and the cats in. The researchers at Iowa State University discovered that the catnip essential oil is 10 times more effective than DEET.

There are also the electronic repellents that use sound frequencies to simulate dragonflies and other male mosquitoes; they come with Velcro bands to wear them on your wrist, ankle, pocket or belt. Pick your healthy choice.