Mosquito bites during the summer, discover three simple and natural tips to scare them away

Fresh basil and coconut are effective natural repellents to keep mosquitoes away during the summer. nechaev-kon/Getty Images

Itching, redness, swelling… Mosquito bites are particularly feared in summer, whether they come from tiger mosquitoes, which carry viruses, or from perfectly harmless insects. Fortunately, there are many natural solutions to repel them, or at least keep them away, like basil and coconut, two essentials.

In the form of a candle, essential oil, room fragrance or plant, citronella is undoubtedly the best-known natural repellent for fighting mosquitoes. But it is far from being the only one: there are many tips, accessible and just as natural, which allow you to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Here are three to adopt this summer.

L'eucalyptus

We therefore know the virtues of lemongrass essential oil to keep away a number of insects, but eucalyptus oil also helps to avoid insects. Have itchy skin all summer 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.

Fresh basil

Basil perfumes our summer dishes, but not only that… it is also considered an excellent mosquito repellent, and for good reason, the latter 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.

It is rather advisable to install pots of fresh basil, or failing that bouquets, in the rooms of your home, or on window sills to keep mosquitoes at bay. 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 soap

Why some people are eaten by mosquitoes while others don't even attract their attention ? According to a team of American researchers, this could be due to the soap or shower gel used by some. Published in the journal iScience, their study suggests that coconut-scented soaps could repel mosquitoes and therefore reduce the risk of being bitten, although each individual has a different mosquito 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.