By Mary Conyard, Editorial Committee, TAG member
Mosquitoes are back this summer, bigger and buzzier than ever. There are lots of ways to keep them at bay.
Plants that can be planted in the ground, or in pots around the front and back of your home, or balcony. It鈥檚 a good idea to put them close to the front and back door.
Mozzie defenders include: Horsemint, Peppermint, Marigolds, Lemon Balm, Garlic, Geraniums, Lavender, Pyrethum, Basil, Rosemary, Catnip, Catmint, Lemongrass, Citronella and Tansy.
Try these plants in pots first, some of them can overtake your garden. Read the instructions when you buy them.
Make a Deterrent Spray You can make up an oil-infused spray bottle to spray around windows and doors, mop the floors and wipe down cupboards, to slow insects down from entering your home. You need a spray bottle, water, soap/detergent and a few drops of essential oil such as citronella, lavender, peppermint, lemon balm, eucalyptus. Use ten drops of any of these, or a mixture of two or three to make it stronger. Use two tablespoons of detergent and fill spray bottle with water to mix.
Aromatherapy burners can be effective, using any of the above oils, to create a 2-3 metre range.
When bitten by mosquitos, it is itchy and uncomfortable. Here are some ways to help with the itch.
- Sea Salt or Epsom Salts Create a paste by mixing sea salt/Epsom salt with water and apply to the bite area.
- Raw Honey Honey can prevent infection due to its antiseptic properties. Simply apply a little of the honey onto the bite to soothe the skin.
- Ice Pack Apply an ice pack or ice cubes to the affected skin area; this can reduce swelling and relieve itching.
- Aloe Vera If you have this plant, cut a piece and apply it to the bite. This cools and lessens the pain or itchiness.
- A natural-ingredient mozzie repellent can be made up in a small spray bottle filled with coconut oil and 5 drops each of tee-tree oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil. Spray on arms and legs when outdoors.
- Always test any natural remedies on a small area of skin to check for reactions. You don鈥檛 want something worse than a mozzie bite!
