Mosquitoes keeping you up at night? Try a natural repellent
The buzz of mosquitoes at night can be a real nightmare and keep us from getting a peaceful sleep. These insects are a constant problem as soon as temperatures rise. So, how can we combat mosquitoes disturbing our "beauty sleep"?
Of course, mosquito netting and traps can help us, but what else can we do? Well, there are some natural remedies you can try: read on to find out more.
Mosquitoes at night: what attracts them?
Depending on the species and the time of day, mosquitoes react differently to different types of light. Those that tend to bite during the day are attracted to a broad spectrum of light; those that bite at night are strongly photophobic to short wavelength light during the day. In particular, amongst the mosquitoes of the first group (those that bite during the day) it is the females looking for blood for their fertilized eggs that are attracted to any type of light, regardless of the spectrum. Those that bite at night, on the other hand, stay far away from blue or ultraviolet light during the day. As a result, we won't be able to get rid of "night-biters" by using UV light daytime traps.
Attracted by our smell, even covering yourself in repellent may not work all the time, so what can we do?
The natural remedy to keep mosquitoes away at night: lemons and vinegar
Creativo
If you don't have a major issue with the smell of vinegar, then you can try this remedy. All that is needed is a little vinegar (perhaps apple vinegar, which has a more delicate odor), water, two or three slices of lemon and a small glass or ceramic bowl.
Fill the bowl with water and vinegar in equal parts, and remember not to use plastic or metal containers (which will get damaged by prolonged contact with vinegar). Use glass or ceramic bowls. Cut two or three thin slices of lemon and place them in the bowl.
Then, place the bowl on the bedside table or close to the bed: the smell these ingredient give off act as a natural repellent against mosquitoes. If you don't want to use vinegar, you can try drops of essential oils (eucalyptus is particularly effective, but lemongrass or geranium will also work).
Have you ever used this type of natural repellent?
