It seems like some people have all the luck. Especially when it comes to getting bitten by mosquitoes. The lucky few who seem to repel the buzzing, biting marauders of summer swear their repelling power is associated with what they eat and/or drink. We’ve all heard the myths that eating and/or drinking certain foods and beverages will deter mosquitoes from using us as a buffet. Well, despite what our grandmother, neighbor, or the Internet tells us, nothing we eat or drink will keep the pesky insects from feasting on us and our loved ones. So, it’s time to sort out the facts from the fiction so we can all enjoy the outdoors – eat and drink what we want – without downing a gallon of pickle juice first.
Mosquito Myth
Most of us are hesitant – and for good reason – to apply gallons of insect repellant each summer so we can enjoy the outdoors. We’re all anxious to find a more natural way to keep mosquitoes from biting us. Here’s a list of the foods most talked about as mosquito repellants.
Garlic and Onions
Two of the most common foods touted as natural mosquito repellants are garlic and onions. While these foods can work wonders at keeping your spouse, significant other, and the occasional blood-sucking vampire away, they have no effect on mosquitoes. Mosquitos don’t really care how bad our breath smells. So, if garlic and onions are on the menu at the next BBQ, enjoy! Just don’t expect them to keep the mosquitos away.
Hot Peppers
Another common myth related to mosquitoes and dietary choice is the one about hot peppers. Rumor has it, hot peppers – especially jalapenos or habaneros – will keep mosquitoes away. Wrong. Visions of a mosquito bursting into flames after biting us because we consumed a healthy portion of peppers is simply not true. The only way these hot foods will keep mosquitoes from biting is if we take off running in search of the nearest glass of water to put out the fire in our mouth.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is great for a lot of things. However, preventing mosquito bites is not one of them. So, unless you’ve grown accustomed to the bitter, face-puckering taste of apple cider vinegar, skip it and spare yourself the discomfort.
Mosquito Facts
While there are no foods that will keep mosquitoes away, there are some things we can do to minimize our attraction to these flying pests during cookouts or other outdoor activities.
Avoid Beer (insert sad face emoji)
Yes, studies have shown that drinking beer can make people seem more attractive. Well, the same holds true for mosquitoes. The odor of beer attracts mosquitoes as does the rosy appearance of our face as we become flush from the alcohol consumption. This gives the term, “getting a buzz on” a whole new meaning. So be aware and drink responsibly.
Apply Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a fantastic, natural mosquito repellant. Bonus fact – it’s also good for muscle spasms and osteoarthritis. So, if mosquitos aren’t the only thing bugging you, rubbing a little lemon eucalyptus oil on your skin just might help take the sting out of what’s ailing you.
As long as there are mosquitos there will be myths about how to prevent them from making a meal out of us. Fortunately, when it comes to mosquitos, Mosquito Joe knows what’s up. They know the difference between fact and fiction and can help make the outdoors fun again!
So Why Do Bugs Love Me but Never Bite My Spouse or Kids?
Ever wonder why you seem to spend an endless amount of your outdoor time swatting at mosquitos, but your kids or spouse can enjoy the outdoors without getting bitten? Well, there are a few factors at play.
Blood Type
People who have Type O blood are twice as likely to be bitten by mosquitoes. They are also more likely to produce a secretion that tells mosquitoes what blood type they are. So, if your spouse or kids don’t have these risk factors, chances are, mosquitos don’t find them as tasty.
Clothing
Darker colors are much easier for mosquitoes to see and zone in on when they are hungry. If you are someone who always wears blue or black, you are much easier for them to see. This is especially true in the evening or late afternoon when mosquitoes are the most prevalent.
There are more factors that come into play when determining how appetizing you are to a mosquito. But there is still one sure-fire way to keep mosquitos away, Mosquito Joe! So as you’re planning your next barbecue, garden party, or just want to make outside fun again, contact your local Mosquito Joe today!.
