Yahoo Expert Advice on Insect Repellent
Does vanilla extract stop mosquitos?
Skin expert Dr Ross Perry shared his advice on natural insect repellent for Yahoo!life.
Mosquitoes are a summertime nuisance, their bites causing itchy red bumps that can be quite irritating.
So, what can you do to protect yourself from these pesky insects? While chemical repellents are an option, there are also a number of natural methods you can try.
TikTok users have been discussing and sharing vanilla extract. @itscontrarymary shared her experience saying
“I have bought every single commercial product you could for mosquito repellency because I get eaten alive because I have delicious blood apparently and nothing works. Let me tell you, I mix some water with some vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon and sprayed it everywhere. Not only do I smell like a delicious snack, a delicious baked good out here in the summer heat, but it works. “
The video has had over 728,000 likes and 14,000 comments, where people have raved about the method. When one person commented asking if it was sticky, Mary replied that there was “no stickiness, probably because it doesn’t have sugar in it”.
Expert skin and health expert Dr Ross Perry
Dr Ross Perry, GP and medical director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics agrees that vanilla extract is known to be an effective natural mosquito repellent. He explains:
“It works by blocking the human biological scent markers to which mosquitoes are attracted to. It’s important to add though that this needs to be natural vanilla extract without any added sugar which will only do the opposite and attract mosquitoes.”
He also suggested cinnamon as an alternative home remedy to deter insects:
“Cinnamon is known to repel mosquitoes and other insects, and can also kill any eggs, and as again it’s natural you can easily make the at home remedy.”
Why are some people mosquito magnets?
If you’ve ever noticed that you seem to get bitten by mosquitoes more than other people, there’s actually a scientific reason for this. Mosquitoes are attracted to a number of factors, including:
- Body heat: Mosquitoes are drawn to warm bodies, so if you tend to run hot, you may be more likely to get bitten.
- Carbon dioxide: We exhale carbon dioxide, which mosquitoes can detect from a distance.
- Sweat: Mosquitoes are attracted to the lactic acid and other chemicals in sweat.
- Blood type: Some studies have shown that people with type O blood are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.
Dr Ross Perry explained:
“One type of mosquito is more favourable to the common O blood type and another is more attracted to blood type AB. As humans a proportion of us produce a secretion which signals to the insects what blood type we are.
“Mosquitos in particular are attracted to carbon dioxide, people that emit higher levels of CO2 are more attractive from a distance such as those that are exercising or others that have a higher resting metabolism, such as larger individuals. So the more we exhale the more desirable we become, when you see large groups of mosquitos in packed places, this can make you more desirable due to the volumes of carbon dioxide.
“Some studies also suggest insects are more attracted to the smell of bacteria and sweat, due to the fact it creates a sweet fragrance, therefore the feet, neck, and inner thighs make those areas a prime spot for insect bites.”
Tips to Avoid Mosquito Bites
In addition to using natural repellents, there are a number of other things you can do to avoid mosquito bites.
Dr Ross Perry recommends:
- Cover up with long clothing in the summer months. Mosquitoes can bite through tight-fitting clothing, so opt for loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton.
- Reapply mosquito repellent regularly in line with the instructions. It needs to be refreshed in the same way way as you’d reapply sunscreen
Other suggestions:
- Cover up at dawn and dusk: Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so be sure to cover up or use repellent during these times.
- Eliminate breeding grounds: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Get rid of any standing water around your home, such as in birdbaths, flower pots, or clogged gutters.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from mosquito bites and enjoy the outdoors without being bothered by these pesky insects.
Source
Dr Ross Perry’s advice was published at https://uk.style.yahoo.com/vanilla-extract-mosquito-repellent-115706786.html.
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