Take This One Vitamin to Repel Mosquitoes All Summer Long!

Summer is the time of year for outdoor relaxation. A time of picnics and gardening, of fresh air and warmth after being shut up indoors all winter long. As wonderful as summertime is, there are downsides to the season. Nothing can ruin your summer fun faster than the presence of mosquitoes.

These annoying pests can disrupt even the best of days with their buzzing and biting. There are many different natural remedies out there to help repel mosquitoes and other biting bugs utilizing everything from coffee grounds to Vicks VapoRub.

Each home remedy works by amaking you smell unpleasant to mosquitoes in order to keep them from nibbling on your skin. But did you know that there is a vitamin you can take that works the same way as rubbing some stinky goo all over yourself?

Even better, unlike other remedies, the scent produced is only detectable to mosquitoes, not by your friends and neighbors!

Learn more about this vitamin and other ways you can spend your summer mosquito-free.

1.) B1 Vitamin

What is this vitamin that can keep these annoying pests away? It is vitamin B1, also known as thiamine. Though not yet proven scientifically to be effective in repelling mosquitoes, there are many people out there that are adamant that B1 does in fact work. Given all the health benefits that are already associated with the vitamin, there’s really nothing to lose if you give it a try.

B1 supplements can be found at your local pharmacy or health care store. Typically it is recommended that you take 25-50 mg three times per day. For those that want to take a more natural route to adding B1 to their diet, there are many foods you can eat that will produce the same effect. Kale, broccoli, beans, whole grains and sunflower seeds are just a few examples of foods high in B1.

Why is B1 vitamin so go for you?

B1 helps convert sugar to energy that the body can use. It is also a strong antioxidant that helps slow aging. The benefits don’t stop there. Organic Facts says you can learn how vitamin B1 also helps to keep skin, hair, eyes, the liver and the nervous system healthy and functioning properly. It even helps the body handle stress better.

2.) Think Ahead

Check your calendar regularly to plan for any holidays or outing that are on your schedule. According to Love to Know, you should begin taking B1 supplements at least two weeks ahead of events. This will allow vitamin levels to build up to quantities needed to repel mosquitoes.

As a water soluble substance, it does not take very long for B1 to get flushed from the body. By regularly taking supplements and eating foods rich in B1, you can keep your stockpiles full and reap all the rewards this vitamin offers.

3.) Limit Bug Spray

While there will be times that bug spray is necessary to repel mosquitoes, it should not be the go-to remedy. As seen on Love to Know, most bug sprays use chemicals such as DEET or permethrin to be effective. Once sprayed on your skin, these chemicals seep into your bloodstream. Unless there are reports of disease-carrying mosquitoes in your area, a natural remedy is the better option.

4.) Homemade Repellents

If the mosquitoes are behaving especially annoying and you don’t want to reach for harsh chemicals, you can make your own natural repellent. David Wolfe recommends this recipe that uses a mixture of apple cider vinegar and fresh parsley.

Not a fan of vinegar? Then try this recipe and it’s delightful blend of essential and olive oils. When using this method, be careful to dilute the essential oils and follow the usage instructions so as not to irritate skin. If you have sensitive skin, try the oils on a small area first to see if irritation will occur.

5.) Get Rid of Breeding Grounds

As explained by Pediatric Insider, mosquitoes like to breed in standing water. This can be anywhere from a birdbath or gutter to an empty flowerpot. Mosquitoes don’t travel far from their breeding grounds, so by eliminating sources of standing water, you lessen the population in your yard.

Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as yellow fever and malaria. If you plan to take a trip where mosquito-spread illnesses are a concern, consult your doctor for the best advice on keeping them at bay. In areas where mosquitoes have not tested positive for disease, defending yourself from them does not mean you have to coat yourself in chemicals.

Natural repellants coupled with elimination of breeding grounds can prove to be an effective combination. Regular consumption of the B1 vitamin is not only a great way to repel these pests, but will also benefit your overall health.

Please SHARE this amazing remedy with all your friends!