Eating food to ward off skeeters is the next best thing if you do not want to apply mosquito repellents. Repellents are safe to use, but many people do not want to use them because some of them leave a sticky sensation on the skin. Mosquito-repellent bracelets and apps do not seem to be effective at all. That is why many people want to take in specific foods to repel mosquitoes.
What Attracts Mosquitoes
Before, tonic water contained quinine, which treated malaria. Today, tonic water does not have as much quinine anymore. So, even if you load up on tonic, you will not be safe from malaria. Studies show that beer can make you more attractive to female mosquitoes. Some experts say that it does not have anything to do with beer. It may be that they associated the smell of beer with people who cannot swat them.
Foods That Attract Mosquitoes
Studies show that lactic acid from exercising can attract mosquitoes. The salt in your body can help produce more lactic acid. If you eat salty foods, lactic acid production increases. Stay away from chips or salted pretzels before or during your walk or hike.
Consuming food to ward off skeeters does not involve. This beverage has also been reported to make humans more attractive to mosquitoes. About 350 ml is enough to make mosquitoes come to you. Beer increases the carbon dioxide that your body produces after drinking beer. It seeps out through your sweat.
Food to Ward Off Skeeters
Eating food to ward off skeeters is one effective way to prevent mosquito bites. Even if some people do not think so, the chemistry of bananas can likely change the way mosquitoes see you. Taking more vitamin B can also ward off mosquitoes. Many studies prove that taking vitamin B can protect you from mosquito bites. Below are more foods that can help prevent mosquito bites:
- Allicin-rich foods – These are food to ward off skeeters and you can find them in your pantry. Some common examples are shallots, garlic, leeks, chives, and onions. They have allicin, which can repel mosquitoes. The body excretes alliin through the skin pores. You can snack on them in their raw state or add them to salads. Others use the oil extracted from these foods and apply it to your skin.
- Lemongrass – This is an effective topical repellent. It can also repel mosquitoes in spray or candle form. It has geraniol and citronellol that disrupts the mosquitoes’ nervous system. You can also add lemongrass to your sauces, soups, and stir-fries. This may help repel mosquitoes around you.
- Apple cider vinegar – ACV or apple cider vinegar is easy to find and affordable. It can change your body’s odor and repel skeeters. Taking at least one tablespoon of this vinegar each day is effective. You can mix some maple syrup into it to make it easier to take. You can also add it to your hummus, dressings, rice, desserts, or hot drinks. It can be useful when you go camping.
- Chili peppers – Spicy foods are food to ward off skeeters are well. They are not friendly to mosquitoes. These dishes have capsaicin, which you excrete through your pores. This is believed to be an irritant to mosquitoes. Cayenne pepper, chili powder, habanero, pili-pili, and jalapeno are all spicy. Adding them to your spaghetti sauce, soups, salads, and sandwiches will allow you to ingest the chili better.
The Repellent Fruit
Apart from bananas, grapefruit can repel mosquitoes. This fruit has nootkatone. This food to ward off skeeters gives the distinct smell of grapefruit that many insects do not like. A biotech company wants to use nootkatone to create a repellent approved by the CDC. Eating this may repel mosquitoes as well. Grapefruit is also a refreshing fruit, full of vitamins and minerals.
Final Thoughts About Food to Ward Off Skeeters
Modifying your diet a little may help repel mosquitoes the natural way. Some repellent foods may taste unpleasant or strong, but eating them regularly can help tell mosquitoes to move on without touching you. Eating food to ward off skeeters might help protect your health.
