Fight Mosquitoes with Garlic: Garlic-Based Bug Repellent Tips for Summer
Summer is the season for outdoor activities, but it is also the time when mosquitoes are at their peak. These blood-sucking insects not only leave itchy bumps on our skin but could also transmit diseases like dengue and malaria. Using chemical insecticides to repel mosquitoes may not be the safest option, especially for young children or pregnant women. But, did you know that garlic can help ward off mosquitoes naturally?
Garlic, with its pungent odor, has mosquito-repelling properties. Here are some garlic-based bug repellent tips for summer that you can try:
1. Garlic Spray
One of the simplest ways to use garlic as a mosquito repellent is by making a garlic spray. To make this spray, chop a few garlic cloves and boil them in water. Strain the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle. You can also add essential oils like citronella or peppermint to enhance the odor and effectiveness of the spray. Spray the mixture around your living area, on your clothes, or on your skin.
2. Garlic Oil
Garlic oil can also act as a potent mosquito repellent. To make garlic oil, crush a few garlic cloves and mix them with a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. Leave the mixture to infuse for some days, then strain it and store in a glass bottle. Apply the garlic oil on your exposed skin to keep mosquitoes away.
3. Garlic-Infused Foods
Eating garlic-infused foods can also make you less appetizing to mosquitoes. When you consume garlic, it creates a pungent odor that comes out of your pores, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate you. Incorporate garlic into your summer diet by adding it to your salads, marinades, or cooking it with your meals.
4. Garlic Barrier
You can create a barrier against mosquitoes by planting garlic in your garden. Mosquitoes won't come near garlic plants, so planting them around your outdoor area can help repel these bugs. You can also rub a garlic clove directly onto your skin or clothes for added protection.
In conclusion, using garlic-based bug repellent is an inexpensive, natural, and safe way to ward off mosquitoes during the summer season. Whether you use garlic as a spray, oil, in your food, or plant them in your garden, you can keep mosquitoes away and enjoy your summer outdoor activities mosquito-free.