How to prevent mosquito bites without repellent

The thought of mosquitos buzzing around your head while you're enjoying the great outdoors is enough to send most people running for cover. While a personal insect repellent is the most effective way to prevent mosquito bites, there are things you can do to prevent mosquito bites without relying on repellent. The following steps can help keep those pesky blood-suckers at bay:

1. Wear light-coloured clothing

Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours, so wearing light coloured clothing will help reduce the number of mosquitoes that land on you.

2. Wear long sleeves, pants and socks

Wearing long sleeves, pants and socks can provide a physical barrier against mosquitoes. Mosquitoes have difficulty biting through clothing and they won't be able to get to your bare skin underneath.

Pants that are made from tightly-woven fabrics are best for this purpose, but even cotton pants will help keep mosquitoes away. Long sleeve shirts and sweaters are another option if you prefer not to wear pants or if it's too hot outside for them.

Long socks, especially woollen socks can help block the bites of mosquitos around your ankles. If you're wearing loose pants, tuck your pants into the sock before putting on your shoes so that no skin is exposed around your ankles which are a mosquito hot spot.

3. Avoid shady, wet spots

Mosquitoes are attracted to dark and damp areas, so avoid shady spots if you can. They also like to lay their eggs in standing water, such as puddles or ponds. If you're out in the yard or at a park with your kids, try to avoid dark, damp areas but don't forget to be conscious of the sun, especially during our hot Aussie summers! Tip out any stagnant water sources, including trays under pot plants to prevent mozzies from breeding around your home.

4. Check the insect screens on your windows

If you want to keep mosquitoes out of your house, the first thing you should do is check the insect screens on your windows and doors. If they are damaged or torn, repair or replace them immediately. Mosquitoes can fly through the smallest holes in these screens, so even small tears will allow them to get inside and bite you while you sleep.

In addition to repairing or replacing any damaged screens, be sure to close them at night and at mozzie hotspot times such sunrise and sunset.

5. Stay inside during dusk and dawn

Mosquitoes are generally most active during dusk and dawn which is why it's important to keep your windows and doors closed during these times. It's also a good idea to avoid going outside during these hours if you can help it!

6. Use products in your home that repel mosquitoes

If you don't want to use a personal repellent, there are a few repellent products you can use in and around your home to help keeps the mosquitoes at bay:

• Mosquito candles like the Good Riddance Tropical candle, which contains the same essential oils as our Tropical insect repellent and helps to keep mosquitoes away.
• You can also try using a mosquito zapper. These devices work by attracting and killing mosquitoes (and some other insects) with an ultraviolet light source. They may be scent-free but they still require electricity so keep that in mind before purchasing one!
• If you don't want to use synthetic insect repellent sprays in your home, try diffusing essential oils instead! Aromatherapy is all about using scents to help with wellness—and it turns out some scents, like the Good Riddance Tropical essential oil, may help do just that when it comes to keeping those pesky mozzies at bay!

7. Choose an insect repellent that doesn't feel like a repellent

Personal insect repellents are always going to be the most effective way to prevent mosquito bites. Many people searching for ways to stop mosquito bites without a repellent do so because they're trying to avoid the unpleasant smells and stickiness of traditional mosquito repellents. One way around this is to choose a repellent that doesn't feel like a repellent!

Good Riddance is a natural formula that is based on a moisturiser. That means it's great for your skin and doesn't have that awful, sticky (or drying) feeling that you get with most insect repellents. The formula has also been designed to smell (really!) great. That means this summer you'll be repelling mozzies, not Aussies!

There you have it: we hope these tips help you to enjoy your summer without being bothered by mosquitoes!