As we welcome spring and summer, we prepare to take in the warm weather and fresh air. However, along with enjoying these perks comes the worry about West Nile Virus and other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks.
Prevention From the Inside Out
Low immunity may increase susceptibility to the West Nile Virus and infections. To boost and build your immune system, eat adequate amounts of protein and supplement with antioxidant vitamins, zinc and green foods. A whole food diet rich in local and unprocessed choices is your best natural defence.
Avoid refined carbohydrates, alcohol, sweetened drinks, and packaged and processed baked goods such as many breads, muffins, bagels, chips and crackers. These items can adversely affect blood sugar regulation and insulin levels, which in turn depress the immune system.
Biting insects are generally attracted to body odors as they include lactic acid and carbon dioxide. They are most strongly attracted to perfumes and other scents applied to the skin.
Chemical Insect Repellents
DEET, or N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, is the active ingredient in many insect repellents. The chemical was developed by the United States Army during World War II. Side effects from exposure to DEET can include tremors, slurred speech, staggered gait, coma, and seizures. Since DEET concentrates in fat tissues, it is particularly dangerous for women and children.
Most manufacturers of products containing DEET advise against applying it directly to the skin. The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions parents not to apply DEET-containing products on infants and discloses that products containing 10 to 30 percent DEET would be considered safe for use on children. Many commercial insect repellants contain much higher concentrations. Although a low concentration of DEET in a product may deter biting insects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 30 to 50 percent DEET to prevent the spread of pathogens carried by such insects.
External Prevention
There are several ways you can avoid attracting mosquitoes around you and your home.
- Empty uncovered containers, kiddie pools and bird baths because mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water.
- Plant geraniums around your outdoor seating areas—mosquitoes don't like them.
- Avoid cedar trees and bushes.
- Citronella oil is a popular insect repellent and is available in many combination blends at your local health food and some grocery stores. Examples include Druide, which is is a popular brand containing 10 percent citronella, and Buzz Away, which has 5 percent citronella.
- Various insect-repelling natural scents include sweet basil, lemon, pennyroyal, rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender and peppermint.
- Purchase a bat house to attract bats, which can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes per hour per bat.
- Avoid strong perfumes, deodorants, hairspray and colognes.
- Wear light-coloured clothing that blends with the environment. Biting insects are attracted to sharp contrasts of light and dark colors.
Natural Homemade Repellent Rub
Natural oils can be very effective in keeping the biting bugs at bay. The following insect repellent is effective and simple to make. Combine the following ingredients in a small, dark glass spray bottle:
- 3 drops lavender oil
- 4 drops geranium oil
- 3 drops eucalyptus oil
- 2 drops lemon oil (do not add lemon if you will be out in the sun; it increases chances of burning)
- 1 drop peppermint oil
- 1 drop clove oil
- 1 ounce of carrier oil (grape seed or jojoba are best)
All oils should be pure essential oils. It is best to store the mixture away from light and heat.
Insect Bite Relief
Nobody likes an itchy bug bite. When a mosquito lands a snack at your expense, there are several natural ways to relieve that unrelenting itch.
- Witch hazel is popular for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply 30 drops (1 tsp) to a piece of gauze and press on the bite for 30 seconds. Re-apply every 30 minutes or as needed until itching subsides.
- Lavender is a calming essential oil. It also has antiseptic and healing properties, and it is used to relieve itching and stinging from bites and scrapes. Apply 1 to 2 drops directly on each bite.
- For a quick home remedy, apply freshly squeezed lemon juice to the bite.
- Topical homeopathic preparations are quite effective at relieving itching, swelling, stinging and burning without harmful additives.
- Other products: Apis Gel by Boiron includes ledum palustre (for added relief); Ssssting Stop, distributed by Boericke and Tafel, is made for Nature’s Way; Florasone is distributed by the same company and very effective for itching, rashes, and inflammation. Some of these formulas contain citronella.
Please read labels carefully before applying. All products referenced above should be available at Whole Foods Markets. Always consult a qualified professional before using any new remedies, especially if you have an underlying medical condition, or if applying to young children less than two years of age.
