Everyday Chemistry - All about natural mosquito repellents

Wonder why mosquitoes always attack you and not your friend wearing fewer clothes? Mosquitoes have complex methods of detecting hosts. Different types of mosquitoes react to different stimuli and you can avoid being bitten by making sure that you are not attracting them. Here is all that you need to know about mosquitoes and how to avoid them next time!

What makes you so attractive to them?

1. Dark Clothing - Most mosquitoes use vision to locate their hosts from a distance. Dark clothes and foliage are initial attractants for the mosquitoes.
2. Carbon Dioxide - Mosquitoes generally get attracted to people who discharge more CO2. So if you have been exercising and perspiring a lot, watch out for them!
3. Lactic Acid - If you exercise, eat foods that are salty or high in potassium, you are more likely to attract mosquitoes.
4. Floral or Fruity Fragrances - Do you use perfumes, hair products or anything else that emits strong floral fragrance? Be careful! Mosquitoes get attracted to such fragrances.
5. Skin Temperature and Moisture - Mosquitoes are drawn to people with slightly cooler temperatures and also to perspiration. Even moist plants or mud puddles are enough to attract them.

Hate the pungent smell of mosquito repellents available in stores? Make your own natural repellent!

Here are some easy suggestions to make your own natural mosquito repellent. But remember that you will be required to apply these natural repellents at least every two hours. Here are some of the oils that you can mix to prepare a natural mosquito repellent:

• Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
• Cinnamon Oil
• Castor Oil
• Rosemary Oil
• Lemongrass Oil
• Peppermint Oil
• Clove Oil

However, you need to remember that 'natural' does not automatically imply 'safe'. Many people may be sensitive to plant oils so make sure you test on a small area of skin before you use them.