Discover the simple trick a mom swears by to eliminate mosquitoes from your yard – without compromising your health!
By
Danielle F.
- Replies 3
As the warmer months approach and we begin to spend more time outdoors, the presence of mosquitoes can turn a serene evening in the yard into a swatting frenzy. But fear not, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, because we've stumbled upon a nifty little trick that promises to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay, allowing you to enjoy your garden without the nuisance.
The scoop comes from Nicole Railsback, known as @thefithomesteader on Instagram, who shares snippets of her life and home online. In a post that has since gone viral, Nicole revealed her secret weapon against mosquitoes during backyard gatherings: rosemary.
In her video, Nicole is seen enjoying a lovely bonfire in a metal fire pit. With a flourish, she holds up a large sprig of rosemary and then tosses it into the flames. The caption accompanying the video advises, 'Add this plant to your next fire to keep the mosquitoes away.'
How it's working
Battling mosquito bites is an age-old summer challenge, but Nicole's method is a reminder that effective solutions can be found in nature. Mosquito dunks, for instance, are an inexpensive and targeted approach that only affects mosquito larvae, safeguarding both your family and the environment.
Nicole's use of rosemary taps into the broader practice of using plants and their essential oils as insect repellents. While research continues to evolve, some studies, including one published in the journal Nature, have indicated that certain natural substances, such as rosemary oil, can deter mosquitoes. The study also highlighted cloves and cinnamon as top performers in the realm of natural repellents.
These plant-based options might not always match the potency of synthetic insecticides, but they offer a gentler alternative. Conventional bug sprays often contain DEET, which, despite being approved for use on human skin by the EPA, can cause skin and lung irritation. Pyrethrins, another common repellent, have been shown to negatively impact beneficial insects and even pets.
Nicole's caption encapsulates the sentiment perfectly: 'You don't have to sacrifice health for convenience.'
Choosing the right insect repellent is crucial, not just for comfort but also for health. Mosquitoes are carriers of serious diseases such as West Nile virus and yellow fever, so keeping them at a distance is paramount.
What people are saying
The response to Nicole's rosemary trick has been overwhelmingly positive. Enthusiastic commenters have been quick to share their own natural remedies. One person suggested a homemade spray: 'I make a lemonade & eucalyptus spray for summer everyone loves & it smells great!!' Another chimed in with a tip about using fresh coffee grounds in the fire pit to repel pests.
We're all for these inventive and health-conscious methods to enjoy pest-free summer evenings. And let's not forget, these solutions are not only kind to our skin and lungs but also to our planet.
Join our free newsletter for more easy tips to save more, waste less, and live a healthier life while caring for the environment. And we'd love to hear from you – have you tried any natural mosquito repellents that worked wonders? Share your experiences in the comments below and let's help each other make the most of our golden years, mosquito-free!
The scoop comes from Nicole Railsback, known as @thefithomesteader on Instagram, who shares snippets of her life and home online. In a post that has since gone viral, Nicole revealed her secret weapon against mosquitoes during backyard gatherings: rosemary.
In her video, Nicole is seen enjoying a lovely bonfire in a metal fire pit. With a flourish, she holds up a large sprig of rosemary and then tosses it into the flames. The caption accompanying the video advises, 'Add this plant to your next fire to keep the mosquitoes away.'
How it's working
Battling mosquito bites is an age-old summer challenge, but Nicole's method is a reminder that effective solutions can be found in nature. Mosquito dunks, for instance, are an inexpensive and targeted approach that only affects mosquito larvae, safeguarding both your family and the environment.
Nicole's use of rosemary taps into the broader practice of using plants and their essential oils as insect repellents. While research continues to evolve, some studies, including one published in the journal Nature, have indicated that certain natural substances, such as rosemary oil, can deter mosquitoes. The study also highlighted cloves and cinnamon as top performers in the realm of natural repellents.
These plant-based options might not always match the potency of synthetic insecticides, but they offer a gentler alternative. Conventional bug sprays often contain DEET, which, despite being approved for use on human skin by the EPA, can cause skin and lung irritation. Pyrethrins, another common repellent, have been shown to negatively impact beneficial insects and even pets.
Nicole's caption encapsulates the sentiment perfectly: 'You don't have to sacrifice health for convenience.'
Choosing the right insect repellent is crucial, not just for comfort but also for health. Mosquitoes are carriers of serious diseases such as West Nile virus and yellow fever, so keeping them at a distance is paramount.
What people are saying
The response to Nicole's rosemary trick has been overwhelmingly positive. Enthusiastic commenters have been quick to share their own natural remedies. One person suggested a homemade spray: 'I make a lemonade & eucalyptus spray for summer everyone loves & it smells great!!' Another chimed in with a tip about using fresh coffee grounds in the fire pit to repel pests.
We're all for these inventive and health-conscious methods to enjoy pest-free summer evenings. And let's not forget, these solutions are not only kind to our skin and lungs but also to our planet.
Key Takeaways
- Nicole Railsback shared a hack on Instagram for keeping mosquitoes away by adding rosemary to a bonfire.
- Research indicates that certain plants and their essential oils, including rosemary, may act as natural insect repellents.
- Natural options may be slightly less effective than chemical insecticides but are healthier for people and the environment.
- Commenters on the post suggested other DIY insect-repellent ideas, such as a lemon eucalyptus spray and burning fresh coffee grounds.