I can’t imagine anyone who isn’t excited for summer. With summer comes vacations, hanging out at the beach, outdoor BBQ, brunching on the patio and shall I dare to say it, ugh I have to. Yes, those pesky little critters, mosquitoes.

This article is a little different because we will focus on a healthy lifestyle more than nutrition. 

For the last three years, my son has been working at a summer kids camp. Before those years, he was a junior leader and a camper. Being out in the woods, especially at sunset, brings on those hungry critters. I want to make sure he is protected from the mosquitoes without harming his health.

Mosquitoe Repelent

In my home, using natural bug repellent is very important. Here’s why. A lot of store bought products have a chemical called DEET (N-diethyl-m-toluamide) DEET causes brain cell death and behavioural changes in rats after frequent and prolonged use. This exposure causes neurons to die in regions of the brain that control muscle movement, learning, memory, and concentration. When a child’s brain is still developing I would not want to hinder, cause damage because of exposer to neurotoxins

I don’t want to take this lightly because having an infected mosquito bite is very serious. It is important to take precautions.

A Few Helpful Tips Against Mosquitoes: 

• A long time ago I read that carbolic soap helps repel mosquitoes. 
• Eating bananas, peanut butter and chocolate attracts mosquitoes.
• Wear light colour clothing can be repellent.
• At sunset, even if it’s still hot, wear long sleeves and long pants (get some nice cotton fabrics).
• Deficiency in certain B vitamins. This is controversial. Taking extra B vitamins is a good thing to do anyway. 

Do you have some natural remedies that have worked for you? Feel free to share your tips with me. 

Here is something that I use at home or when we as a family have found ourselves in the great outdoors at sunset. I put together a few drops of citronella, lavender, tea tree essential oils in water in a spray bottle. I don’t just spray us. I’ll spray the ground and chairs around where we are sitting. 

One last thing, as a Nutritionist and a Registered BIE practitioner, I am not just about diets and meal plans. I’m about balancing your body’s systems and creating a lifestyle that works right for you. Don’t let the aches and pains (or the bugs) stop you from having fun this summer. Click here to get in touch and gather more information. 

Okay, one more last thing… Get out there and enjoy your summer!