Simple ways to avoid mosquito bites with available ingredients

The World Health Organization has announced the rapid spread of the Zika virus, which is linked to serious birth defects and is transmitted primarily through mosquito bites. The Zika virus can cause fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes and other symptoms within a week.

But it is particularly dangerous for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant because it increases the risk of giving birth to babies with microcephaly - incomplete brain development and an abnormally small head.

At a press conference on the morning of April 5, the Ministry of Health announced the first two cases of Zika virus infection in Khanh Hoa and Ho Chi Minh City.

Currently there is no vaccine for Zika virus, so people need to take necessary measures to prevent mosquito bites and protect themselves.

1. Homemade mosquito trap using a soda bottle

2. Repel mosquitoes with lemon and cloves

Mosquitoes hate the smell of cloves and anything citrusy. Here is one of the simplest mosquito repellent recipes to help you keep mosquitoes away indoors and outdoors:
- Cut 3 lemon slices
- Insert 10-15 cloves
- Put on a plate and leave in the corners of the room

3. Types of essential oils that repel mosquitoes
Insect repellents containing synthetic chemicals are always a concern for people and you can replace them with natural essential oil scents. However, note that natural mosquito repellents require more frequent use than chemical products.

- Lemon eucalyptus essential oil: Used since the 1940s, lemon eucalyptus essential oil is one of the most popular natural repellents.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approved lemon eucalyptus essential oil as an effective mosquito repellent. A recent study found that 32% lemon eucalyptus essential oil provided up to 95% protection against mosquitoes for three hours.
Note: University of Florida researchers warn against using this essential oil blend on children under 3 years of age.
- Lavender essential oil: Crushed lavender into perfume or essential oil can repel mosquitoes. You can use lavender essential oil to spray the room or massage on sensitive areas of the body that are susceptible to mosquito bites.
Additionally, lavender essential oil has analgesic and antiseptic properties. This means that in addition to preventing mosquito bites, it also soothes the itchy pain of mosquito bites.
- Cinnamon essential oil: According to a study conducted in Taiwan, cinnamon essential oil can kill mosquito eggs. It can also act as a repellent against adult mosquitoes, especially against Asian tiger mosquitoes.
However, cinnamon essential oil is too concentrated and can cause skin irritation, so be careful. 24 drops of 1% cinnamon essential oil should be diluted with 120ml of water. You can spray it on your skin or clothes, around your home and garden.
- Thyme essential oil: When it comes to repelling mosquitoes, thyme essential oil is one of the best essential oils. In one study, hairless mice sprayed with 5% thyme essential oil were protected from mosquito bites by up to 91%. You should dilute 5 drops of thyme essential oil with 60ml of water for indoor spraying.

Lemongrass essential oil: Lemongrass has a special aroma that makes mosquitoes unable to orient themselves. Therefore, they are used as an extremely effective insect repellent.
You can add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to the water used to clean the floor to help the scent of lemongrass repel mosquitoes effectively. In addition, you can directly apply a little lemongrass essential oil to clothes, blankets, etc.
4. Spice plants 'Thạch sanh' repel mosquitoes in the house
In the natural world, there are many types of plants that emit scents that keep mosquitoes away. And among them are familiar houseplants that you can completely grow from discarded leftovers.
- Lemongrass: The scent of lemongrass lingering around the house and garden will make mosquitoes uncomfortable and not dare to come too close.

- Garlic

Garlic releases a scent that repels mosquitoes. If you eat garlic, it will release a scent that repels mosquitoes. You can also place sliced ​​garlic on your windows to keep mosquitoes away.
In addition, you can grow garlic right in the house and place it in the corners around the house. You not only have a spice plant to supplement your daily meals but also repel mosquitoes 24/7.

- Basil

Basil is also known as dog basil or pig basil. People love to use fresh or dried basil to add flavor to their dishes, but mosquitoes and flies do not. The basil that repels mosquitoes best is the western basil.

According to Webtretho