Summer is the best time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Right from hosting a barbeque party, picnicking, or camping, there are many things to do. However, the biggest danger lurking might not be the big, wild animals but the small, blood-sucking insects called mosquitoes. These can cause a plethora of diseases, even with a tiny bite. Here are the diseases they cause and how to get rid of them:

Diseases they cause:

• Malaria
• Dengue fever
• Chikungunya
• Zika fever
• Lymphatic filariasis
• Japanese Encephalitis

These will pose a serious threat to not only your health but also your pocket. There are many mosquito repellents available in the market, but most of these contain chemicals that can lead to skin irritations and issues that affect the respiratory tract. These repellents could also lead to breathing difficulties.

Below are a few natural scents you can use to repel mosquitoes effectively.

Lavender
The sweet smell of lavender is one of the most effective deterrents for mosquitoes. It can calm the mind and make you feel relaxed. If you have a garden, grow lavender at regular intervals in the corners of your yard. The more you grow them, the better. Indoors, you can use crushed flowers; however, that might not last long. You can make a lavender spray by mixing the organic lavender essential oil with a carrier oil and distilled water/hazel oil. Use these around your home as an air freshener. You can also use organic lavender aroma oil organic for your room and use it with a diffuser. A 2019 study demonstrated the efficacy of lavender oil against mosquitoes for up to 8 hours at 20% concentration.

Concentrated peppermint
It is necessary to use the concentrated form of peppermint, as a lower concentration can make an excellent room freshener. For it to work as a mosquito repellant, you need to use it in concentrated form. A scientific study has demonstrated its excellent larvicidal property against dengue vectors. Undiluted peppermint oil can provide protection for up to 8-10 hours after application. In addition, it has cooling properties that can help soothe an insect sting. Always buy genuine organic peppermint essential oil.

Lemon eucalyptus
The oil of lemon eucalyptus extract or p-menthane-3, 8-diol (PMD) is derived from the leaves of lemon eucalyptus trees and is commercially available as a spray. This mosquito repellant spray is a science-backed formula and has been shown to provide protection against Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti when applied to the arms. It can be directly applied to the skin; however, some people might have an allergic reaction to the oil.

Rosemary
Rosemary is more than just a seasoning; it is a natural bug repellent. It has a strong woody aroma that keeps away mosquitoes, cabbage moths, and carrot flies. Usually, the plant thrives in dry and hot climates, but it can be grown in containers for winter cultivation. The oil from this plant has been proven to protect against mosquito bites for up to 8 hours. You can use organic rosemary essential oil by diffusing it indoors. For a DIY product, boil rosemary leaves and strain them. You can apply this directly on the skin. Alternatively, use 20-30 drops of essential oil and mix it with olive oil, hazel oil, or any other carrier oil. Use this on the skin as a natural mosquito repellant.

Basil
The pungent smell of basil leaves makes it an excellent pest repellant. You can use it to cook food and help keep mosquitoes at bay. Also, feel free to explore and pot the suitable types of basil for your garden. Make sure you have ample sunshine and humidity, as this herb grows best in such environments and needs good drainage. To make a DIY spray, boil basil leaves and strain them into a container, add hazel oil or vodka, and use it as a spray directly on the skin. You can use organic basil oil in a diffuser indoors to prevent mosquito bites. Scientists claim that 66.7% protection of 20% basil oil solution can keep mosquitoes at bay.

Pine oil
Pine oil has been proven as a 100% protectant against Anopheles culicifacies and 97% against Culex quinquefasciatu mosquitoes for up to 9 hours. It provides long-lasting protection for up to 11 hours against other bugs. It has a distinct aroma that is not very strong and an unconventional freshness compared to other scents. Use it undiluted for best results. You can also use electrically heated pine oil-containing mats for up to 94 and 88% protection against Anopheles culicifacies and Culex quinquefasciatus for 10 and 7 hours, respectively.

Catnip
Catnip (catmint) is a member of the mint family and grows in the wild. But the cultivation doesn’t have any special requirement. It is easy to care for and if you have free space, let it grow for natural protection against mosquitoes. It provides up to 8 hours of protection against malaria-causing mosquitoes. The best and easy way to use it is by crushing the leaves and twigs and applying them to your clothes and exposed areas.

You can dilute catnip essential oil with a carrier oil (olive oil). Boil and cool it, and then apply it to exposed surfaces.