Say Goodbye to Mosquitoes: Ayurvedic Home Remedies That Work

Are you a mosquito magnet?

The one whom mosquitoes can’t resist!

Even if you are sitting in a crowd, they will hunt you down. 

Trust me, you are not alone in this!

Researchers say about 20 percent of the population are mosquito magnets. 

They get an above-average incidence of mosquito bites. 

But what is it that makes someone a mosquito magnet?

A young couple visited my clinic a few days ago. And the wife called her husband a ‘mosquito magnet’. They were in a jovial mood and revealed the husband’s affiliation with the mosquitoes. 

Wife: ‘We cannot go out camping or outing in the evening. In fact, we are a daytime couple, not the dawn or the dusk!’

Husband: ‘Whether you believe it or not, mosquitoes do have a thing for me!’

I laughed at their sweet banter, and explained to them the mind-blowing science of mosquito bites!

About 85 percent of why mosquitoes are attracted to you comes down to your genetics. 

And don’t blame them all. It’s only the female mosquitoes that bite. They need a particular protein that’s present in the blood to develop eggs. The male mosquitoes feed on nectar from the plants.

Also Read: Make your own ayurvedic mosquito repellent at home

Hunting the mosquito magnets

Mosquitoes are stimulated by many factors. 

• They are attracted to carbon dioxide that you exhale. 
• The second thing is body heat. 
• The third is the lactic acid in your sweat and the bacteria breeding on your skin.
• Then it’s the blood type, they have a thing for the O blood type.
• Pregnancy and alcohol also make you more attractive to the filthy fliers.

Here is a detailed breakdown of everything that may make you a mosquito magnet!

1. Blood Type

Of course, that’s what the mosquitoes come for! Research shows that people with O blood type attract mosquitoes more than any other blood type. Then its Type B blood followed by Type A. 

About 85 percent of people secrete a chemical signal that indicates their blood type.

2. Carbon dioxide

Mosquitoes locate their target by smelling the carbon dioxide emitted in their breath. In fact, they can detect CO₂ from a distance of 164 feet. But how do they differ from the CO₂? The smell of lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia helps them in locating the prey. 

So, people who have a higher metabolic rate, who exhales more tend to attract the mosquitoes.

3. Skin bacteria

Research reveals that the type and volume of bacteria on your skin can be a factor. Scientists said that having a large amount of a few types of bacteria can make your skin more appealing to mosquitoes. But having a diverse flora of bacteria makes your skin less attractive to mosquitoes. 

That’s why mosquitoes are drawn to your ankles and feet. That’s where most bacteria breeds.

4. Beer

Beer can enhance your attraction quotient!!! Yes, it makes you more appealing to mosquitoes. One study said that one 12-ounce bottle of beer makes you more attractive to insects.

5. Pregnancy

Research says pregnancy makes you more vulnerable to mosquitoes. A study said that pregnant women attract roughly twice as many mosquito bites as others. It’s because pregnant women exhale about 21 percent more carbon dioxide. Their body is also warmer than others.

6. Clothing Colour

If your granny told you not to wear dark coloured clothes in the evening then she had a point. Wearing dark coloured clothes like navy blue, black and red makes you an easier spot for mosquitoes. Studies revealed that dark colour clothes attract more mosquitoes than lighter colours.

7. Genetics

If mosquitoes are hunting you down, then blame your sweet genes! Genetic factors account for about 85 percent of the variability between people in their attractiveness to mosquitoes. 

Apart from these seven factors, here are a few things that might make you a mosquito magnet:

• Obesity 
• Sweaty skin
• Exercise increases the build-up of lactic acid and heat
• Avoiding showers. 
• Movement. It increases mosquito bites up to 50%.

An Ayurvedic doctor’s tips for tackling mosquito bites

1. Trust the ancient Tulsi and Turmeric

In Ayurveda, Tulsi and Turmeric are the ultimate cure. Crush a few basil leaves and add turmeric to them. Apply it to the mosquito bite. It’s a great antiseptic and prevents your wound from worsening.

Also Read: Anti-viral properties of Turmeric

2. Bring on a Banana peel 

Banana is great for your skin. Along with beautifying benefits, it has healing effects too. The inner skin of a banana peel is an anti-irritant. It helps relieve your discomfort, pain, and irritation.

3. Go grab the ice pack 

 Ice is anti-inflammatory. It relieves your swelling, redness, and itchiness. But don’t apply it directly. Wrap a few ice cubes in a towel or use a cold compress. Cover the mosquito-bitten area for 10-15 minutes. 

4. Bring on the Aloe Vera gel 

The cool and soothing aloe vera gel is a natural antiseptic. It brings relief to the itchiness, swelling, and inflammation. Chill the gel in the freezer for 10-15 minutes and rub the gel on your skin.

Also Read: Amazing benefits of Aloe vera

5. Rub a lemon 

Lemon is anti-inflammatory. It has mild local anesthetic properties. It will bring you immediate relief from swelling and pain. Cut a slice of lemon and rub it on the mosquito bite. You can also add basil leaves or mint leaves for a cooling sensation. 

6. See the magic of Onion 

Onion is a great antibiotic. It reduces swelling and soothes itching. Also, the strong aroma of onions keeps mosquitoes away. Apply minced onion on the affected area. Leave it on for a few minutes and wash off!

7. Grab some garlic cloves 

Crush a few garlic cloves and apply them for a few minutes. Garlic soothes inflammation and brings relief to the sore bite. Also, eating garlic can increase your resistance to mosquitoes.

8. Help yourself with Honey 

Trust the oldest natural anti-inflammatory agent to relieve your sore bites. Honey also has antibacterial properties that help in preventing infection. Dab some local, raw honey.  It will reduce your inflammation and reduce your temptation to itch. 

9. Say no to scratching 

Scratching increases swelling. It tears the skin and increases the risk of infection and bleeding. Plus, your nails might contain dirt which can contain harmful microbes. 

My advice to mosquito magnets!

A few precautions can save you from all the mosquito bites. So, if you are a mosquito magnet, then you must try the following tips:

• Go for a quick shower after exercise to wash away the sticky sweat.
• Pick light coloured clothing that gives maximum coverage to your skin.
• Avoid the outdoors during dawn and dusk. That’s when mosquitoes are most active. 
• Keep your home and surroundings clean. No mosquitoes mean no biting.
• Use a mosquito repellent.