Discover the simple trick a mom swears by to eliminate mosquitoes from your yard – without compromising your health!

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.'


compressed-bonfire.jpeg
Nicole Railsback showed one simple trick to keep mosquitoes at bay during outdoor trips. Image Credit: Instagram/Nicole Railsback


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.
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!
 
Sponsored

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×