Mosquito bites are annoying and can even transmit diseases such as malaria, Zika, and dengue fever. While we can use insect repellents, there are also natural ways to repel mosquitoes. One way is by incorporating certain foods into our diet.

In this article, we will discuss ten foods that can help repel mosquitoes.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful herb that can repel mosquitoes. The strong odor and slightly bitter taste of garlic make it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their targets. Consuming garlic can also help boost your immune system.

You can add chopped garlic to your meals or take garlic supplements. You can also crush fresh garlic and rub it on your skin.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that not only adds flavor and color to food but also repels mosquitoes. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, which has insect-repelling properties. You can add turmeric to your dishes or take turmeric supplements.

You can also make a paste of turmeric and water and apply it on your skin.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are rich in Vitamin C, which can alter the natural scent of your skin, making it less attractive to mosquitoes. You can eat citrus fruits or drink fresh citrus juice.

You can also rub the peels on your skin or place them around your outdoor living space.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is another herb that can repel mosquitoes. It contains citronella, which is commonly found in insect repellents. You can make a tea of lemongrass and drink it or add it to your dishes.

You can also crush fresh lemongrass and apply it on your skin. You can also burn lemongrass candles or oil lamps.

Peppermint

Peppermint not only smells great but also has insect-repelling properties. The strong scent of peppermint can mask the scent of your skin, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their target.

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You can add fresh peppermint leaves to your salads or make peppermint tea. You can also rub crushed peppermint leaves on your skin.

Basil

Basil is a herb that can repel mosquitoes. The strong scent of basil can mask your scent, making it less attractive to mosquitoes. You can add fresh basil leaves to your dishes or make basil tea. You can also rub crushed basil leaves on your skin.

Ginger

Ginger is a popular spice that can help repel mosquitoes. The sharp odor of ginger can interfere with the mosquito’s sense of smell. You can add ginger to your dishes or make ginger tea. You can also crush fresh ginger and rub it on your skin.

Onion

Onion is a vegetable that can repel mosquitoes. The strong aroma of onion can mask the scent of your skin, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their target.

You can add onions to your dishes or chop them up and place them around your outdoor living space. You can also rub onion juice on your skin.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can be used for many purposes, including repelling mosquitoes. The strong scent of apple cider vinegar can interfere with the mosquito’s sense of smell.

You can dilute apple cider vinegar with water and use it as a spray or wipe it on your skin.

Cumin

Cumin is a spice that can help repel mosquitoes. The active ingredient in cumin, cuminaldehyde, has insect-repelling properties. You can add cumin to your dishes or make cumin tea. You can also crush cumin seeds and rub them on your skin.

By incorporating these foods into your diet or applying them on your skin, you can reduce your chances of getting mosquito bites.

However, these natural remedies may not be as effective as insect repellents, especially in areas with high mosquito populations or during peak mosquito activity hours.