Mosquito diseases are prevalent in over 100 countries including the United States.  In fact, diseases brought about by mosquito bites are known to infect more than 300 million people, with around 1 million fatalities each year. Although advancements in medical science have led to the cure of known mosquito-borne diseases, the problem continues to prevail in high numbers.

Some of the deadliest and most prevalent mosquito-borne diseases are malaria, West Nile virus, dengue fever and yellow fever. A mosquito's natural feeding process can instantly transfer viruses in the blood stream; a single bite from a mosquito that carries the dengue virus, for example, can lead to infection that could sometimes prove to be deadly.  In addition to this, mosquito bites also have other serious physiological effects. Mosquito bites can lead to severe allergic reaction. Although these cases may be rare, people with high sensitivity to insect bites may suffer serious wheezing and swelling of the throat.

Mosquitoes don't feed on everyone. They have the natural ability to evaluate their victim's scent through the chemicals in their sweat and their exhaled carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes are particularly attracted to the individuals with type O blood. Men and overweight people are also at higher risk than others.

Insecticides and mosquito repellents can have adverse effects on the skin and the person's overall health. The most effective mosquito repellents have high concentrations of DEET as their most active ingredient. The compound has been marketed since 1956 and is being used by more than 50 million people each year. DEET is used to make lotions, aerosols, and creams that are formulated to ward off mosquitoes and has been promoted to be both effective and safe to use. But a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that 5 deaths have already occurred which have been caused by DEET poisoning.

There had also been a few studies investigating the toxicity levels of DEET and whether its toxic side effects can be absorbed through skin application. Studies on human participants showed that 9 to 56 percent of DEET can pass through the skin, in which 17 percent can reach the circulatory system. Hence, the use of products that contain DEET should be avoided at all costs.  The good news is, there are natural ways to get rid of pesky mosquitoes. Planting mosquito-fighting herbs, for example, can be a fun option for people who loves to grow and keep a garden.

Plant Mosquito-Fighting Herbs

Rosemary, thyme, catnip, garlic, citronella grass and marigolds can be planted in the garden to help repel mosquitoes. The insects are particularly sensitive to different scents including that of popular garden herbs. These herbs have stronger insect-repelling power than DEET. The herbs can be planted in a garden or in a pot for indoor use and are relatively easier to keep than other herbs. Oils derived from these plants have also been found to be effective mosquito skin repellents. They can be applied on exposed skin or used as an essential oil for burn spots.

Remove sources of standing water

Mosquitoes thrive and leave their eggs in stagnant water deposits. A small puddle in the backyard, pond, water spouts, bird baths, flower vases and other containers with water can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Swimming pools that have low chlorine levels and which have not been cleaned for a long time can also serve as home to these pesky insects. Cleaning these breeding spots and removing any unnecessary water deposits will help reduce the population of mosquitoes in your area and prevent mosquito-borne diseases. It is not necessary to totally remove water from small ponds and bird baths. Just remember to change the water every now and then.

Use Natural Candles with Citronella Oil

Citronella is a popular herb with a similar scent and taste as lemon grass. Mosquitoes hate the scent of citronella oil. Burning candles scented with citronella when outdoors can help ward off mosquitoes.

Apply Lemon Balm on Exposed Skin

Lemon balm is a perennial lemon scented herb that is a native of Southern Europe. It has a delicate lemon flavor and scent which makes it valuable for cosmetic, culinary and medicinal applications. Fresh lemon balm sprigs can be used as a garnish for dishes and salads and a top for drinks. Dried lemon balm leaves are used as an ingredient for potpourris while the oil is used in perfumes. Lemon balm is also an effective mosquito repellent when applied on one’s exposed skin.

Note that essential oils are intended to be applied directly on the skin, but at times, they can cause skin irritation. Sensitive skin types may also have allergic reactions to highly diluted essential oils so make it a point to consult your physicians when using essential oils in getting rid of mosquitoes. Before using essential oils for skin application, try to apply a small amount on the skin and wait for any symptom of irritation to appear. 

Aside from the four tips mentioned above, there are other natural ways to help mosquitoes stay away.

• Wearing light colored clothes can make you look unappetizing to mosquitoes.
• Increased carbon dioxide release, wearing fruity and floral perfumes can also attract the attention of mosquitoes.
• There have been some indications that the odor released by the skin after taking vitamin B-1 helps in repelling mosquitoes.
• When hiking, it is better not to wear any strong-scented deodorants or body sprays to reduce mosquito bites.
• Wearing a bandana around your head or neck with mosquito-repelling herbs like rosemary, thyme, catnip, garlic, citronella grass and marigolds can also help repel mosquitoes. Make sure to crush the herbs to release their scent.
• Incandescent lights attract more mosquitoes than fluorescent.
• Eating garlic-rich foods causes a small amount of garlic oil to seep through the pores and create a natural skin barrier on the skin. For people who don't like eating too much garlic, diluting 1 part of garlic juice in 5 parts of water and spraying it on exposed skin, or hanging crushed garlic bags in strategic areas, can be a good option.

Sources
cmcd.org
mayoclinic.com
planetgreen.discovery.com
gomestic.com
planetgreen.discovery.com
ca2pr.com