Mosquito bites are unpleasant and can cause diseases such as dengue, Zika and Chikungunya, which can compromise health and well-being, so it is important to apply a repellent to keep these diseases at bay.
A good option is to use natural repellents daily, invest in plants that keep insects away and in foods that contain vitamin B1 which, when ingested, causes the body to release substances that keep mosquitoes away.
1. Foods rich in vitamin B1
One way to repel insects is to consume foods rich in vitamin B1, such as pork, sunflower seeds or Brazil nuts. This is a great natural repellent alternative, especially for people who are allergic to insect bites and industrial repellents, but in any case it is convenient to also use a natural topical repellent.
Another way to ensure your intake of vitamin B1 is to use a vitamin supplement advised by a nutritionist.
2. Essential oils that protect the skin
Another natural repellent option to apply to the skin is citronella, copaíba and andiroba essential oils.
- citronella oil: put between 6 and 8 drops of citronella oil in the bath water, or apply it directly to the skin, diluted with almond, grape or chamomile oil;
- Copaiba oil: add 6 drops of copaiba essential oil to 2 tablespoons of calendula oil and apply to the skin;
- Andiroba oil: apply the oil directly to the skin, until completely absorbed.
These oils should be used in conjunction with a diet rich in vitamin B1, to ward off mosquitoes and can be used in children over 2 months of age and pregnant women, without harming their health. It is recommended to apply these oils quite frequently to be effective, because essential oils evaporate very quickly.
3. Candles and plants that keep mosquitoes away
Citronella candles and potted plants that have more intense scents, such as mint, rosemary or basil, can not only be used to season food, but also help keep mosquitoes away. Therefore, always having potted plants at home that are naturally repellent can help maintain the Temples of the Egyptians away, protecting against diseases.
The use of these natural repellents is an excellent strategy for keeping mosquitoes away, without causing damage to the environment or health problems, and can even replace the use of industrialized insecticides that are generally used to combat mosquitoes and other insects indoors.
4. Repellent sticker
There are citronella stickers for sale in pharmacies, drugstores and on the internet that can be placed on top of the baby’s clothes, stroller or crib to keep insects away. They are safe to use and do not harm the environment. These stickers protect an area approximately 1 meter away and last for around 8 hours, but it is good to check the packaging of each product as it may vary from one brand to another.
5. Repellent bracelet
Another possibility is to use a bracelet with repellent action that contains essential oils that keep mosquitoes away. They work in the same way as stickers, lasting up to 30 days and can be used by people of all ages, including babies. However, you must be careful, because their effectiveness is lower than that of chemical repellents.
