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Stop the bites! Find repellent in your kitchen

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Discover the dangers of insects and how to protect yourself from them. Learn how to make natural repellents and what to do in an emergency.

 Our country is rich in diversity of insects, however, some of them can represent some kind of danger to your health and your life, if you are allergic to them.

A sting or simple contact could cause severe itching or shortness of breath.

There are places on the planet where insects can carry diseases such as: malaria, Dengue, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, River Blindness, Zika, Rocky Mountain Fever, among others.

Because the use of some commercial insect repellants creates long-term health risks due to the chemical with which they are manufactured, it is better to opt for a natural solution.

Natural repellants are easy to make and require few ingredients or there are even oils or essences that act as such by themselves, for example:

The oil of citronella essence candles It is known for its effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes, which offers two hours of protection or three if mixed with vanilla. In an article in the International Journal of Advanced Research, it was reported that it successfully repels the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. In addition, it can also be used to keep ticks away from pets and other livestock.

It is a safe oil, although it is recommended to use it mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive, or essential oils such as lemon, mint or vanilla and not directly on the skin, as it could cause sensitivity in it.

El clove oil scent is very effective in repelling insects. Mixing equal parts clove oil with a carrier oil has been shown to be effective for five hours. Also, you can put clove plants in your yard or garden to repel insects from your home.

However, one must be careful when using clove oil, because even a small amount is very strong; it is always advisable to dilute it before applying or ingesting.

If your concern is the little eight-legged ones, combine five drops of dishwashing liquid with five drops of essential oils, preferably citrus-based to keep spiders away.

Keep in mind that not all repellants work on all types of insects and that you should first try it on a small part of your body, because although they are natural, they could cause some irritation or allergy depending on your skin type.

What to do in case of emergency?

If you suffer from a strong allergic reaction to a sting, take an antihistamine first to lessen the effects, and proceed to seek immediate medical attention. Some serious reactions can cause shortness of breath beyond a simple local skin reaction.

If you are a very allergic person, you know that you must have emergency measures at hand, such as always carrying your epi pen. While for others the bite of scorpion when camping, or other insects such as wasps and bees, for example, do not have a bad time; in your case they can be fatal.

Other types of dermatological reactions to insect bites can be treated with soap and water, followed by calamine lotion to soothe the swelling.

Never experiment with plant repellants you don't know about. Many plants have harmful properties. Find out and choose products that do not harm your body or the environment.

Consult your doctor and encourage yourself to try natural remedies.

 

Frequently asked questions from our readers:

Some of the most sought after natural repellents to prevent bites are citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, apple cider vinegar and garlic. Read more here: https://www.equilibriumx.com/tips/alto-a-las-picaduras-el-repelente-se-encuentra-en-tu-cocina
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Last modified: March 21, 2024