Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying, they can also spread certain illnesses like the Zika virus and Dengue fever, which has earned them the title of the second most dangerous animal in the world (after humans – sigh).

Unlike humans, mosquitoes can be killed with a single swat. However, if you’d rather not be woken up in the middle of the night by that pesky sound and the ensuing swatting battle, try one or several of these tips from Wendyl’s book Recipes For A Cleaner Life.

Natural Mosquito Solutions

Take some ribbons, douse them with citronella oil and hang them around doorways, windows that are open.

Taking vitamin B is said to repel mosquitoes, so take a B complex tablet. or eat lots of Marmite or Vegemite. (not sure that this one stops the noise, they just won’t enjoy biting you)

Burn citronella candles or oil burners with lavender essential oil in them.

Make an oil of 50ml sweet almond oil (or olive oil or any good base oil) and add 10 drops lavender essential oil and 10 drops rose geranium essential oil and apply to your skin – you’ll not only smell great but will keep the mosquitoes away.

Vanilla extract works well dabbed on ankles, neck and wrists.

Rub yourself with a garlic clove 🙂

Grab some basil from the garden, crush it and rub it on.

If you are bitten, try these remedies: Rub on a few drops of lavender essential oil or dab on some apple cider vinegar. Rub a peeled garlic clove on the bite, this is also good to prevent infections.