Mosquitoes: Natural bug repellents and bite remedies

From Portland to Vancouver and beyond, in the Pacific Northwest, mosquitoes are biting in record numbers this summer. According to Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas County Vector Control specialists, soaking rains in May and June (prime hatching time) are responsible for the recent surge in Portland’s blood-sucking floodwater mosquitoes.

More than pesky, mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases like West Nile Virus and Lyme disease. But even non-deadly bites can make life downright miserable. Prevention is best.

A few things can help to protect you at home

• Use well-fitted window and door screens, check seasonally for holes, and make necessary repairs
• Keep lawns cut short, remove tall grasses or weeds, and clear standing water from common areas around your home to eliminate potential breeding habitats (download the Multnomah County standing water tip sheet)
• Light citronella candles in your yard

Before going outdoors

• Remember that you are most likely to be bitten at dusk or dawn, so avoid going out during those times, if possible
• Wear light, cool colors that reflect heat (mosquitoes are attracted to heat)
• Avoid wearing perfumes, scented lotions and creams, and limit your intake of sugary foods during breeding season
• Apply a natural, safe, non-toxic, effective bug repellent like lemon eucalyptus or doTERRA’s TerraShield Repellent Blend™ and avoid chemical products that contain toxic ingredients like DEET (repellents of any kind don't stop mosquitoes from landing, just from biting)
• Wear clothing that covers your arms, legs, hair and neck while gardening or doing yard work (mosquitoes can bite through thin cotton though)
• Wear closed shoes and tuck pants into your socks to protect your feet and ankles, favorite bite locations
• Check your hair and clothes for mosquitoes before going indoors

If you are bitten, remember...

• Symptoms – redness, swelling, and itching – may not show up for up to two days after the bit occurs
• Scratching the bite site can lead to infection; so rubbing (with witch hazel) is better
• Calamine lotion, witch hazel, a baking soda and water paste, or a poultice made of Bentonite clay, water and tea tree oil can help to reduce pain and swelling at the site
• Some oral anti-inflammatory remedies like evening primrose oil may be helpful too

When to see the doctor
Swelling in the throat, wheezing or numerous hives may be signs of serious allergic reaction (known as anaphylaxis) requiring immediate medical treatment.

Likewise, fever, severe headache, vomiting, swollen glands, lethargy, confusion, aches, and light sensitivity may be signs of serious disease infection requiring immediate medical treatment.

Did you know?
For some reason, you are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes if you are male, are overweight, or have type O blood. What are your thoughts on that?

See: Qi To Wellness for more info.