When I moved back to Galveston last month, I was reintroduced to the special brand of mosquitoes that only Galveston has. Rather than go buy the biggest can of mosquito spray I could find, I decided to confront this naturally. If you will be outside and not wanting to spray yourself every few hours, a few plants in your patio may help keep the bugs away. Many of these plants also work when placed through your garden as dry leaves or living plants. These can also be used as essential oils and then applied directly to the skin. If you decide to make your own mosquito spray, please make sure to dilute the oil sufficiently before applying to your skin to avoid irritations.
A typical recipe for homemade mosquito spray is 50 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil (or other oil of your choice), 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (vanillin increases the effectiveness), 4 ounces of isopropyl alcohol or witch hazel, and 4 ounces of soybean or coconut oil. When mixed together in a small spray bottle it can provide a great natural spray.
The most common plants that have been shown to repel mosquitoes are citronella, geranium, and eucalyptus. Many of these are active ingredients in natural repellents and have been shown to be as effective as DEET (the main ingredient in most bug sprays). However, they usually require more frequent application throughout the day. You can buy the mosquito spray at your local grocery store or buy the plants at a local plant nursery. As plants, they emit an oil and smell that repel mosquitoes. Citronella goes great around your patio as a tall grass and is easy to take care of. Geranium and eucalyptus are also easy to grow and make a great addition to a garden landscape.
Another garden plant that works well to repel mosquitoes is catnip. This mint plant is very easy to grow in partially sunny spots in your garden, and your cat will love you for it. Peppermint also works well to repel mosquitoes and goes great with a mojito. If using peppermint oil, be sure to dilute it to avoid skin irritation. Marigold and lavender are fragrances that drive mosquitoes away. Both of these herbs are an easy addition to your garden, or make a great flower centerpiece. You can use the herb, candles, or essential oils as alternatives. I love the smell of lavender, so this is my personal favorite. It is important to note that many of these plants can also be crushed and rubbed on your skin for a repellent as well.
Last but not least, dark colored clothing, type O blood, increased sweating and consuming alcohol can make you more susceptible to mosquitoes. While you cannot change your blood type, clothing choice and alcohol intake are something you can adjust to help avoid mosquitoes. As mosquito season is now in effect, incorporating these plants will help make your summer activities more enjoyable.
Dr. Sierpina’s column will return.
Dr. Samuel Mathis is a fellow in Integrative and Behavioral Medicine at UTMB.