With the beginning of the summer season comes the first mosquitoes ("nippers" in Newfoundland and Labrador). Here are some easy ways to keep your slapping and scratching to a minimum.
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Keeping pests off you
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In a spray bottle pour a 50-50 mixture of Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil and rubbing alcohol. Shake and spray on any exposed skin (avoiding contact with eyes, mouth and nose).
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Apply a few drops of pure vanilla, lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint or cedar oil to various parts of your body. Use sparingly as these essential oils are strong smelling...and expensive.
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Talk about your home remedy - there are people who swear that Vick's Vaporub cream is an excellent insect repellent.
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Don't eat bananas just before or during your time in mosquito country. When our digestive systems break down bananas, our bodies give off an odour that is irresistible to mosquitoes.
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Reducing the number of bugs in your area
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Plant marigolds in your garden; they give off a strong scent that bugs hate.
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Burn citronella candles/incense in a safe, sheltered area.
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Remove any open containers (eg. empty flower pots or buckets, bird bath, upside-down Frisbee) from the backyard that could collect rain water and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
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Keep the lawn trimmed; insects thrive in tall grasses.
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