When it’s nice and sunny out, it’s hard to stay indoors. How can you, when the sun is shining, the poolside is beckoning and the Barbie is just waiting to get fired up? Everything about spending a sunny day outdoors would be perfect, except for one tiny thing that could ruin the whole thing: mosquitoes.

It’s quite ironic that such tiny and fragile critters could cause so much irritation, and how many people would find it easier to just stay indoors than keep the pesky pests off their skins. One of the main reasons for this is because more and more people are becoming aware of the harmful chemicals contained in mosquito repellents and are steering clear of them. DEET, a chemical that is usually the most active ingredient in insect repellents, has long been found to be a skin irritant, toxic to some wildlife and a solvent to materials like plastic, rayon, leather, spandex and other painted or varnished surfaces. With such risks involved, it’s not all that surprising some would opt to skip the repellents and just stay indoors.

But there are many other natural ways to keeping mosquitoes away that involve no harmful chemicals whatsoever. Below are some easy and effective dos and don’ts to keep those bloodsucking bugs at bay, the natural way.

Mosquito Repelling: Dos and Don’ts

Don’t: Stay outdoors after working out vigorously or doing any strenuous physical activities. Your body will still be giving off a significant amount of sweat, carbon dioxide and lactic acid, all of which lure mosquitoes.

Do:Cool down after strenuous physical activities before staying outdoors. Try taking a shower or resting first before stepping out.

Don’t: Leave still water sources outside. Puddles, pet water dishes, birdbaths, wading pools, moist plants and other sources of moisture attract mosquitoes and serve as their breeding grounds.

Do: Try to keep all outside containers and surfaces that could hold moisture dry and turned over so as not to collect further moisture. If this is not possible, have these standing water sources changed at least a couple of times every week.

Don’t: Wear dark clothing, strong perfumes or scented body creams and lotions. Mosquitoes are highly attracted to these things.

Do: As much as possible, wear light-coloured, unscented clothing when spending the day outside.

Also, be wary of the fabric softeners and dryer sheets you use as their scent might also attract mosquitoes. Opt for fabric softener brands available in the market today that contain mosquito repelling chemicals.

More Easy Things to Do

There are plenty of other simple things you can do to keep mosquitoes away, such as:

• Lighting candles. Candles, bonfires and even the coals of your grill can keep mosquitoes away. Lighting a citronella candle or adding rosemary and sage directly to your coals would make them even better as natural repellents.

• Using garlic. Garlic effectively fends off mosquitoes. Simply cut a clove in half and rub on your skin, or mix one part of its juice with five parts water and spray on. If you can’t stand the smell on your skin, soak a towel or dish cloth in the solution and hang outside.

• Stay near a fan. Fans are sure to blow mosquitoes away and keep them from landing on your skin.

• Stay indoors during sunrise and sunset. Mosquitoes are most active during these times.

• Plant natural repellents. There are certain plants with smells that mosquitoes simply cannot stand, such as catnip, rosemary, cinnamon, citronella, lavender and peppermint. Having these plants in your garden will help repel mosquitoes.

• Use essential oils. Essential oils are natural insect repellents that have some moisturising properties and leave skin with pleasant aromas.Essential oils like Citronella oil, Lemon Eucalyptus oil, Cinnamon oil, Castor oil, Rosemary oil, Lemongrass oil, Cedar oil, Peppermint oil, Clove oil and Geranium oilwork well to keep mosquitoes away for long periods of time, just make sure to reapply often and not to mix it with body creams and lotions as this will make them less effective.

If you don’t have access to natural oils, or feel apprehensive with mixing up your own natural mosquito repellent, then try checking out Crusoeden Body. Crusoeden Body provides Natural Body Products, Natural Moisturiser and Organic Skin Care Products . Their range also includes Buzzz Natural Insect Repellent Roll-on. This natural repellent contains only all natural mosquito repelling ingredients like pure Eucalyptus essential oil, natural Tea Tree oil, Rosemary pure essential oil and Citronella pure essential oil, combined in just the right formulation to give you hours of mosquito-free fun under the sun.