Fresh basil, coconut, eucalyptus… three natural solutions to avoid mosquito bites

Les moustiques détestent l'odeur du basilic, ce qui en fait un excellent répulsif naturel. Егор Камелев/Unsplash

Les beaux jours peinent à arriver, mais les températures sont, elles, assez clémentes pour marquer le retour d'un insecte particulièrement redouté en été : le moustique.

If we are particularly concerned about tiger mosquitoes, which carry viruses, the bites of the most harmless mosquitoes can cause itching, redness, or even temporary swelling that is particularly annoying on a daily basis. Here are three natural solutions to keep them as far away from your home as possible.

A pot of fresh basil

Basil not only adds flavor to summer dishes, it is also considered an excellent mosquito repellent, and for good reason, mosquitoes hate the smell of the aromatic plant. However, it is not a question of smearing it on yourself, nor of eating pizzas and other basil-based dishes in excess to keep mosquitoes away.

On the other hand, it is advisable to install pots of fresh basil, or failing that bouquets, in the rooms of your home, or on the window sills; which will allow you to avoid all the inconveniences linked to mosquito bites. Note, basil is also known for its antiseptic properties; which allows it, by simply rubbing the leaf on the skin, to soothe itching.

A coconut scented soap

Some attract the attention of mosquitoes while others repel them without even lifting a finger…hellip; Something that could be due to the soap used by everyone. This is the observation made by a team of American researchers who were interested in the effect that certain perfumes could have on these small insects. Published in the journal iScience, the study tells us that coconut-scented soaps would keep mosquitoes away and therefore reduce the risk of bites, although each individual has a specific profile. unique smell.

This research also highlights the fact that soaps with perfumes of plant origin or imitating plants would, on the contrary, attract mosquitoes which, contrary to popular belief, do not only feed on blood, but plant nectar. It would therefore be a question of these undesirables confusing perfumed skin with flowers of all kinds.

Eucalyptus diffusion

We know the virtues of essential oils of lemongrass and geranium to keep away many insects, but eucalyptus oil also helps to keep insects away. avoid having itchy skin all season long. While there are ball-on or roll-on applicators that allow the product to be applied directly to the skin, it is also possible – and recommended – to diffuse a few drops of oil. eucalyptus in the atmosphere to spend peaceful nights.

Also note that certain variants, such as lemon eucalyptus essential oil, help soothe mosquito bites, to limit itching and redness. However, it is not recommended to use these oils during the first three months of pregnancy, as well as in children under 6 years old.