Memorial Day weekend is a great time to connect with friends, families, our community and our past. It is a beautiful time for sunshine, grilling, fireworks, and celebration. But as with all things in life, there is the shadow side…. MOSQUITOS! Like a bad date, they leave your skin itching for days! So what can you do? I did some research to help you to protect your precious skin so that you can revel in the outdoors this weekend and not miss out on any of the festivities that are so good for your soul!

Here are some pros and cons of the choices out there:

If you are hosting at your house:

Get a Bug Zapper

Pros:

• Effectively reduces the population in surrounding radius
• Does not have any harmful chemicals

Cons:

• Kills other insects besides mosquitos
• Requires being plugged in to electricity

A Dynatrap is the ultimate bug zapper. It is much more expensive but quieter (uses a fan to kill insects rather than electric zaps).

Try a Bat Box

Pros:

• Small cost
• Is all natural…attracting mosquitos’ natural predators

Cons:

• Not good if you don’t like bats or bat droppings
• Needs to be placed in a good location to attract bats

Thermacell

Pros:

• Many reviews about effectiveness in reducing population
• Does not need to be plugged in…can even buy portable ones to take camping

Cons:

• Expensive…doesn’t last long until needs replacement
• Not to be used around food or some pets…therefore may be harmful to humans as well

Honorable Mention:

Plant lavender, lemongrass, citronella, and basil around your deck or patio.

If you are going out:

Apply Avon Skin So Soft

Pros:

• Includes sunscreen and makes your skin feel soft and not smelly
• Rave reviews for effectiveness

Cons:

• May become expensive if you apply liberally and use often
• May not work for everyone (especially if applied unevenly)

Spray your clothes with Permethrin

Pros:

• Keeps mosquitos from biting you through your clothes
• Lasts through a few washes so you do not need to reapply it to same clothes every time

Cons:

• One bottle does not last long
• Some people may have a reaction (make sure to follow instructions)

Honorable Mention:

Try a Thiamin (B1) supplement, eating garlic, or putting vanilla on your skin.

And the number one way to protect yourself from mosquitos outdoors…

Buy a Fan!

This is cheap, safe, and highly effective! The only thing it requires is an outlet and electricity. (oscillating, boxfans, ceiling fans–the more, the better). Plus it keeps you cool!

About the Author: Julie Glaser is a healer who creates sacred spaces for people to share, release, and grow. She’s in the habit of being in awe and wonder and writes to share her own experiences and learnings with other inquisitive souls in the process of transforming.