The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Mosquito Bite Allergy Remedies
Posted by Leanne (Gold Coast, Queensland) on 02/13/2013
I woke up one morning with what looked like a normal mosquito bite, just a small red bite, mildly itchy but I didn't scratch. Over the next week the bite turned into a small ring which kept getting larger and was slightly raised. It looks similar to a ringworm. Now four weeks later and it still hasn't gone away. The doctor gave me a mild ointment at first ( telling me it was an fungal thing) and now a stronger ointment which she says I can't use for long as it thins the skin. I would rather not use this. Four days on with using the strong ointment and it is still there. Any suggestions? Also does his mean I may now be allergic to mozzie bites now? It is also still mildly itchy. To get an idea what it looks like if you look up 'red ring around bite' on google images the first picture is kind of what it looks like.
Dryer Sheets
Posted by Jg (Austin, TX) on 05/04/2014
Which scent (kind) of the dry sheet?
Devices and Decorations
Posted by Staff (Earth Clinic) on 08/24/2012
Bamboo sticks have become a popular bathroom decorative item for use with pleasantly scented essential oils. It's a great alternative to chemical air fresheners, but you could also use this system as an alternative to citronella candles and mosquito coils. Instead of sweet-scented bathroom essential oil mixes, you could pour mosquito repelling mixtures into the container for the bamboo sticks, place one or two of these around your deck or patio, and let the bamboo sticks slowly release the insect repellent. Lavender oil is evidently effective against mosquitoes and much more attractive than most alternative pest repellents, but the garlic solution listed elsewhere on this page would also work very well.
Garlic
Posted by Staff (Earth Clinic) on 08/24/2012
Garlic naturally repels a number of biting insects, including mosquitoes. Some people recommend eating garlic to prevent mosquito bites, but you can get the same effect with a garlic oil spray.
- Take 10 or 12 finely chopped cloves of garlic
- Mix them in 4 oz mineral oil
- Set aside for a couple of days to mature
- Strain the mixture through a sieve or coffee filter into a spray bottle filled with a half cup of water and a few drops of dish detergent.
This mixture should repel mosquitoes anywhere, whether you spray it on your skin or just on objects around your outdoors gathering spot. (Caution: garlic can irritate skin, so test on a small area of your skin first.) You can also immerse strips of cloth in this mixture and hang them around your outdoor gathering to repel mosquitoes.
Geraniol
Posted by Staff (Earth Clinic) on 08/24/2012
Geraniol is the essential oil extract from a number of plants including geraniums, roses, lemon grass, bergamot, and even carrots. It is an effective if somewhat expensive commercially available alternative to chemical mosquito repellents. Geraniol has a rose-like scent, and studies are beginning to find that it is the most effective natural mosquito control option.
Homemade Sprays
Posted by Tender Butt (Topeka, Ks) on 07/04/2013
How much of flat beer. Epsom salts, and mint Listerine do you mix together for spray?
Plantings
Posted by Staff (Earth Clinic) on 08/24/2012
There is something about marigolds that makes them great pest repellents for our homes and gardens. Plant them in the garden and they will keep flying insects away from your vegetables. Plant marigolds around your patio, porch, deck, BBQ, or other outside area and you can repel mosquitoes without otherwise lifting a finger. A specific compound carried in the scent of the marigolds is a natural mosquito repellent and can actually be purchased as an essential oil to ward off insects in the garden.
Reader Feedback
Posted by Kay (Destin, Fl) on 09/02/2012
Hawaii was invaded years ago, the primary source determined to be shipping containers full of those lovely little "bamboo plants" in decorative dishes from China. Apparently the mosquito larvea had just enough time to mature during shipping, and when the container was opened for customs/agriculture inspection, the buggers just flew away, established themselves, then started the Dengue Fever epidemic. I still see these plants being shipped in to Florida, and wonder why we allow it full-knowning the many threats & disease vectos it poses... Oh well to late now I guess.
Citronella
Posted by Staff (Earth Clinic)
Citronella has long been a favorite natural insect repellent, particularly mentioned as a mosquito repellent. The question is, does it work? Citronella coils and candles have become a substantial little industry, but their effectiveness has definitely been called into question. Like other natural insect repellents, citronella oil is the essential oil extract of a certain genus of plants in the lemon grass family. Consensus on lemon grass is that it can be effective as a component of a multi-pronged defense against mosquito attacks. Think about combining citronella candles with a lavender and eucalyptus lotion or mix citronella in with several other herbs and essential oils for an effective mosquito repellent spray.
