Latest news with #repellent
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Forget garlic, experts say use DEET to fight off mosquito bites
(NewsNation) — If you are looking to avoid mosquito bites this summer, scientists say eating garlic or rubbing it on your body won't help. While studies in recent years have found that applying essential oils to skin, including garlic oil, can briefly deter mosquito bites, experts say there are far more effective repellents. 'As a repellent, I think it's extremely mild at best,' Daniel Markowski, a technical adviser for the American Mosquito Control Association said in an interview with The Washington Post. Senate megabill marks biggest Medicaid cuts in history According to the AMCA, a chemical mixture known as DEET has been considered the gold standard of mosquito repellents for more than 50 years. It can be applied directly onto skin or clothing and is available in a variety of formats, including liquids, sprays and lotions. In 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency conducted a review of DEET and did not identify any risks of concern to human health. It is important to note that DEET can cause skin irritation, so experts advise against using it in excess, inhaling it or using it on skin that is already irritated or has wounds. Former FDA chief: Ultraprocessed foods are 'addictive' like drugs The AMCA notes that there are more than 3,000 different species of mosquitos throughout the world, 176 of which are recognized in the U.S. While most mosquito bites result in small, red, itchy bumps, experts advising seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen as mosquitos can spread illnesses like the West Nile virus and Zika. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Washington Post
6 days ago
- Health
- Washington Post
Garlic as a mosquito repellent? Here's what the science says.
Is it true that eating garlic or rubbing it on the skin can repel mosquitoes? It sounds plausible that garlic — a plant known for its pungent odor — would repel mosquitoes. Eating garlic, for instance, might seem like an easy way to ward off the pesky insects. 'But it doesn't quite do what you would think garlic would do, with it being so smelly,' said Daniel Markowski, a technical adviser for the American Mosquito Control Association.
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 20p kitchen staple that mosquito-proofs your body & stops you getting bitten
A MOSQUITO expert has revealed a 20p hack to ensure the pesky critters stay away from you this summer. Now that summer is finally upon us, and with temperatures set to ramp up again next week, many of us are likely making plans for camping trips or visits to countryside cottages. But there's nothing worse than sitting outside on a warm summer 's night, only to be attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes. Although thankfully, mosquitoes in the UK do not carry malaria, they are still prone to biting humans, which can be itchy and cause swelling. Shop-bought repellants can be an effective method of keeping mozzies at bay, but these contain harsh chemicals, and can be expensive. Thankfully, Shannon Harlow-Ellis of Mosquito Joe has revealed that you can banish the beasts with the help of a 20p kitchen staple. The mosquito-busting expert revealed that a simple trick is to use vinegar mixed with essential oils. Vinegar is something most of us will have lying in the back of the cupboard, but if you don't have any you can pick it up from the supermarket for as little as 20p. The expert recommends mixing your vinegar with essential oils such as lavender or cinnamon. These are also a budget-friendly buy, and can be picked up from Amazon for just £3.95. To try out the hack, all you need to do is mix the two ingredients together in a spray bottle and then spritz your body before going outside. And if you're worried about smelling like a fish and chip shop, don't worry, as the essential oils will mask the vinegar's scent. 'These miracle bags should be in every home,' says mum who created a cheap hack to prevent flies from entering your home The purse-friendly hack works by masking your natural odour, which mosquitoes look for when hunting. "These essential oils are found to be a mask for the odours that female mosquitoes are attuned to when searching for a blood meal," Shannon told Martha Stewart. "Sweat, body odor, CO2, and sometimes even your blood type can emit smells that attract these bloodsuckers." Mosquitos also hate the smell of vinegar, so will be sure to keep well away if they get a whiff of the kitchen essential. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. The pesky insects are most active in the early morning and at night, so make sure to be vigilant with spraying yourself at these times of day. They tend to stay away in the middle of the day, as warmer weather can dehydrate them. Make sure to regularly reapply to avoid being bitten, as once the fragrance is gone, the repellent won't work anymore. It is also a good idea to avoid wearing bright coloured clothing as this can attract mosquitoes. Many pest control experts also claim that coffee grounds are the key to keeping them away. Experts at WW Gardening recommend drying the coffee grounds out and then placing them on a fire-resistant container like a metal tray. You can then light the grounds with a match like you would incense to keep the pests at bay.
