How Your Diet Can Repel Mosquitoes

Most of us would do anything to avoid mosquitoes. Not only are their bites incredibly itchy and annoying, but they can also transfer dangerous and deadly diseases. Using a mosquito repellent can sometimes be an effective way to keep mosquitoes away, but did you know you can also go a more natural route by eating strategically? That’s right. Certain things you eat can actually repel mosquitoes.

• Garlic
  Eating garlic might wreak havoc on your breath, but if your friends and family can deal with it, the garlic could help you with mosquito protection. Begin eating a clove or two each day several days before you intend to be outdoors, and then continue eating a clove each day during the duration of your outdoor adventures. You’ll sweat the garlic odor out, and mosquitoes will steer clear.
• Apple Cider Vinegar
  One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar a day keeps the mosquitoes away? It’s possible. If you’re going to be going on a camping trip, prepare ahead of time, and begin taking one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar each day three days before the trip. Keep it up throughout your time outdoors. You can also moisten a cotton ball with white vinegar and rub it on your skin to repel mosquitoes and gnats.

Repel Mosquitoes with These Foods Too (But You Don’t Have to Eat Them)

• Olive Oil
  Drinking olive oil won’t keep mosquitoes away, but the oil can keep the pests out of your yard. Put some in the water of your birdbath, and mosquitoes won’t breed there. And don’t worry – the oil won’t bother the birds.
• Vanilla
  For a sweet-smelling repellent, dilute 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract in 1 cup of water. Wipe it on any exposed skin to repel mosquitoes, gnats, and even ticks.
• Onions
  You won’t be the prettiest smelling person at the picnic, but if you rub sliced onions on your skin, mosquitoes will skip over you when they’re hunting for their lunch.
• Orange and Lemon Peels
  How about a sweeter alternative to onions? Apparently, mosquitoes and gnats aren’t fond of the citrusy smell of orange and lemon peels. If you rub the citrus on your body, you’ll be less tempting to a mosquito.

Keep Mosquitoes Away by Avoiding These Foods

While mosquitoes have a definite distaste for citrus, onions, and garlic, they are actually drawn to the scent of certain other foods. If you’re going to be outside camping, or if you’ll be outside during dusk when mosquitoes are most active, avoid these foods.

• Beer
  Scientists don’t know why, but mosquitoes are awfully attracted to people who have been drinking beer – even just one can.
• Potassium-Rich Foods
  Bananas, prunes, lima beans, potatoes, raisins, avocados, spinach – these potassium rich foods make your body give off more lactic acid. Mosquitoes are attracted to lactic acid because it indicates a warm-blooded animal is present. We all give off lactic acid, but these foods give off a stronger lactic acid scent.
• Sweets
  Most insects and animals are attracted to sweet foods because of their scent. Mosquitoes are no exception. Steer clear of the cakes, pastries, and candies if you’re going to be outside for a lengthy period of time.
• Salt
  Salty foods also increase the lactic acid your body gives off. Potato chips, pretzels, nuts, and crackers may be hard to put down, but if you don’t, they could draw the mosquitoes right to you.

To help keep the mosquitoes away this summer, keep these foods in mind when you’re going to be spending any amount of time outdoors. If you want to spend some time outdoors at your own home though and don’t want to worry about what to eat and not eat, simply call in our professional mosquito control experts.

Related Posts

• Everything You Need to Know About Mosquito Bites
• Do You Feel Like a Mosquito Magnet?
• Why Mosquitoes Love to Bite Our Feet and Ankles
• A Look at the Different Types of Mosquitoes
• A Look at The Things That Attract Mosquitoes