Planning the right meals during mosquito season is a natural way to prevent these pests from feasting upon you and your family. Mosquitoes mostly rely on their keen sense of smell to identify their favorite food source, people. What you eat can influence the chemicals and scent that your body releases. Certain fragrances created by your diet may repel mosquitoes, mask your natural aroma and make it harder for them to find and feast upon you. Below are some easy methods to keep mosquitoes at bay, without having to cover yourself in unappealing chemicals:
- Garlic and onions: Probably the most well-known food linked to deterring mosquitoes, garlic produces a sulfur gas known as allicin, which is released through your pores after you consume it. Allicin interferes with your natural scent, helping to mask you from persistent pests. Onions and other members of this plant family, such as leeks, shallots, and chives, also emit allicin when consumed, so they can be used interchangeably. Because allicin depletes the longer it is exposed to heat, many people suggest that this repellent method works best when these foods are cut into slivers and consumed raw. However, if you’d rather not eat uncooked garlic and onions, both make a great addition to your favorite pastas and tomato-based dishes, stir-fry, rice, and baked chicken! Rubbing garlic or onion over your skin can also help to keep mosquitos away.
- Apple cider vinegar/white vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural mosquito repellent for many years. It works by altering your natural scent and making you less appealing to mosquitoes, but won’t affect the way you smell to other people. Many claim that consuming an undiluted tablespoon of apple cider vinegar three times per day helps to keep mosquitoes away for good. For a more pleasant experience, you can mix the dose with honey or add apple cider vinegar to soups, homemade salad dressings, cocktails and other beverages. Moistening a cotton ball with white vinegar and rubbing it all over your exposed skin may also help.
- Lemongrass: Contains an oil known as citronella, a popular natural bug repellent that is generally applied to the skin or used in other forms. Eating lemongrass has been shown to provide similar protection, since this fragrant plant helps to conceal your natural scent, making it harder for mosquitoes to identify you. Lemongrass is frequently used in many styles of Thai cooking and makes a great addition to soups and curries.
- Chili peppers: Contain capsaicin, a compound known to act as both a natural insecticide and remedy to stop the itchiness of bug bites. This potent, heat-producing compound is the active element of the chili pepper which produces it’s signature spiciness. Capsaicin is an irritant for many species, causing a burning sensation when eaten. Because it is an irritant for many types of bugs, capsaicin is already used as a natural insecticide in many parts of the world. Mosquitoes are also repelled by the smell that you release upon eating capsaicin-containing foods. Chili peppers add some heat to food and are often used in chili, hot sauce, Pico de Gallo and other salsas, as well as many other tomato-based dishes.
- Tomatoes: One of several foods rich in thiamine (vitamin B1). Many people suggest that a diet rich in thiamine can be very effective at deterring mosquitoes and some other bugs, though this has been debated in recent years. Thiamine-rich tomatoes make you less enticing to mosquitoes and prevent them from biting. If you still get bit, rub the juices from your leftover tomatoes on the affected area to stop the itching! Add tomatoes to your daily meals: tomato and vegetable soups, curries, freshly tossed salads, pasta with tomato sauce (add some garlic and onions!), omelets, casseroles, etc.
- Grapefruit: An excellent source of vitamin C and health-boosting antioxidants, grapefruit has been linked to deterring mosquitoes and is also effective against ticks. It may repel other insects, like bed bugs and head lice, as well. This is because of a compound in grapefruit called “nootkatone,” which is used as both an insecticide and natural pesticide. Citrus fruits make a great addition to your daily meals. Eat half a grapefruit for breakfast before starting your day, or combine it with other citrus fruits to create a fresh fruit salad.
- Beans and lentils: An excellent source of protein, high in vitamin B1 (thiamine). Thiamine produces a smell which wards off bugs, so add hummus to your camping shopping list or make some yourself. Like tomatoes, beans and lentils are rich in thiamine and release a smell that repels bugs after being consumed. Beans and lentils can be added to just about anything to add flavor or texture. Whether you use them as a side dish to complement your entree, create spreads such as hummus, or add them to your favorite spicy foods such as chili or burritos, these popular legumes are a great way to enhance meals and shield you from mosquitoes.
- Orange and lemon peels: If rubbing onion all over you doesn’t appeal to you, try something fresher like orange and lemon peels. Mosquitos and gnats both have a great distaste for this scent.
- Vanilla: Mix 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract with 1 cup of water and wipe the mixture all over your exposed skin. You’ll smell like a bakery, and mosquitoes, ticks, and flies will stay clear of you!
What to avoid: These foods can make your body’s scent more appealing to mosquitoes, causing you to become a prime target for unwanted feasting:
- Alcohol: Abstaining from alcohol can help keep mosquitoes at bay when you’re outdoors. Consuming even small amounts of beer, such as a single 12 oz. bottle, can invite lots of bites.
- Salty foods: These types of food produce high amounts of lactic acid, which has been shown to attractmosquitoes. This is the same reason that you’re more prone to mosquito bites during exercise.
- Sweet/sugary foods: Consuming foods with high sugar content may make your skin sweeter and more appealing to mosquitoes, although this hasn’t been proven. If you plan to spend a lot of time outside, you might just want to cut your losses and skip the sugary foods.
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