Are you a mosquito magnet? Do you attract these pesky blood suckers like moths to a flame? Unfortunately you're one out of 10 individuals who is highly attractive to mosquitoes, while the rest of humanity goes unscathed. In lieu of DEET-laced bug sprays and noxious chemicals, a natural fragrance oil can help fight off mosquitoes and the diseases that they carry.

BITTEN

Female mosquitoes are the ones that bite and crave blood, while male mosquitoes feed on nectar and sugar. 

The dengue disease-carrying mosquitoes breed 50 to 200 meters where there are people and areas for incubation, unlike other mosquitoes which live in swamps, creeks, or mangroves.

Dengue fever is an acute mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus. Transmitted through the bite of a dengue-infected mosquito, the virus causes high grade fevers, acute pain in the joints, rash, and headache. 

The dengue mosquito is active and bite only during daytime. They are distinctive because of the white markings on its legs and body. 

Mosquitoes are attracted to body odors, carbon dioxide, and heat emitted from humans and animals. 

BUG OFF

Once the rainy season begins, take steps to prevent mosquito bites. If you're a mosquito magnet use these tips to protect yourself.

Wear long pants and sleeves. When traveling to swamp areas, creeks, rivers, bush lands, or mangroves, tuck shirts in and pant legs into socks.

Sleep under bed nets or places that are screened, if not sleeping in an air-conditioned room. 

Use a bug spray or insect repellant and apply as needed or according to package instructions.

Place or spray anti-mosquito or insect repellants near possible entry way like windows and doors.

TERMINATE GROUND ZERO

Eliminate all accumulating stagnant water in your area which are potential breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Cover all water containers, wells, storage tanks tightly.

Do not block/clog drains.

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One of the natural proven and effective way to repel mosquitoes is the use of citronella oil. It is an essential oil obtained from the Asian grass plant known as Cymbopogon nardus which also belong to the lemongrass family. It has been used for centuries for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties.

Studies have shown that it can repel the Aedes aegypti or dengue-carrying mosquito which causes the spread of  the dangerous dengue fever. Use of repellants with citronella as the active ingredient wards of the bugs and keep them away for at least 30 minutes to an hour. 

Try: Blade Citronella Mosquito Repellant comes in an air freshener type container filled with citronella scented fiber pads. Put this anywhere in the car, office, home, or bathroom and fill the area with the aroma of citronella to ward off mosquitoes. It lasts up to 60 days