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.
Keeping pests off you
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).
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.
Talk about your home remedy - there are people who swear that Vick's Vaporub cream is an excellent insect repellent.
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.
Reducing the number of bugs in your area
Plant marigolds in your garden; they give off a strong scent that bugs hate.
Burn citronella candles/incense in a safe, sheltered area.
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.
Keep the lawn trimmed; insects thrive in tall grasses.