Bugs and pests are never embraced with open arms, but as the summer months pass, even the food you eat will attract mosquitoes.
When you have mosquito-attracting food on your plate, you know what happens. These vexing insects will try to find their way to you, bite your skin, and make you itchy.
So, which foods, particularly in the summer, are most likely to attract mosquitos? And, in order to keep them at bay, what do you eat instead?
Foods that Attract Mosquitoes
Sugary Food
Cakes, cherry pies, and candies have an odor that attracts all creatures, so indulging in them on a regular basis will turn you into a desirable bug host.
If you want to keep mosquitoes away in the summer, don’t eat sweets outside.
If you must carry sugary snacks to an outdoor party, make sure they are well covered to avoid mosquito bites.
Potassium-rich foods
Lactic acid is produced frequently by consuming potassium-rich foods like raisins, spinach, bananas, prunes, and potatoes.
So, if you’re going to spend a lot of time outside during the season when mosquito infestations are normal, try to avoid these foods as much as possible.
Beer
A backyard barbeque without a bottle can’t give you the coolest buzz for those of us who are used to drinking beer at an outdoor cookout. Even a small amount, such as 12 ounces, will make you vulnerable to mosquito bites.
To be sure, there is no connection between the presence of ethanol in the bloodstream or a rise in body temperature and the attraction of mosquitos. And scientists are still unsure what attracts mosquitos to beer.
For the time being, what we know is that mosquitoes are drawn to the aroma of good beer.
Snacks with a lot of salt
Lactic acid production is increased by a variety of foods, not just potassium-rich foods. Snacks high in sodium appear to produce similar results.
A fun afternoon spent outside is only possible if you avoid foods like roasted peanuts, French fries, and crackers.
Alcohol
Will you reject a frozen daiquiri or a white sangria? I doubt it. However, as relaxing as a glass of mixed drink or cocktail can be, studies show that alcohol can attract mosquitoes to your body.
Alcohol not only contains a lot of sugar, but it also increases the body temperature. Mosquitoes are drawn to warm blood because they like it.
What to Eat to Keep Mosquitoes Away
Summertime doesn’t have to be unpleasant just because you can’t consume foods that attract bugs. There are foods that you can consume before going on your next outdoor trip to avoid getting bug bites.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is great for summer because it contains citronella, a bug-repelling oil. This is a good choice for someone who enjoys Thai cuisine, and it can also be used in curries and soups.
Lemongrass is one of our favorite plants because it effectively masks your natural scent from mosquitoes, making it impossible for them to detect you.
Article: Do tomato plants attract mosquitoes?
Beans, Lentils, and Tomatoes
Corn, lentils, and tomatoes are helpful because they contain thiamine. Thiamine is present in around 0.04 milligrams per 100 grams of tomatoes and 0.22 milligrams per 100 grams of lentils.
A half-cup of beans will provide up to 27% of your daily allowance of the nutrient.
Thiamine allows the body to create a bug-repellent odor, which keeps mosquitoes away from you.
Onions or garlic
Garlic and onions, when eaten raw or cooked, cause your body to produce allicin, a compound that helps your skin repel mosquitoes.
Allicin quickly obliterates the body’s natural smell, transforming it into something repulsive only to bugs.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a natural mosquito repellent.
According to current studies, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with honey, homemade salad dressing, soups, or drinks can change the body’s natural scent in such a way that mosquitoes find it unpleasant.
Article: Things to know about mosquitoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Mosquitoes despise what smells?
Garlic, basil, peppermint, lemongrass, and neem are all repellent to mosquitos. These contain chemical compounds that modify your body smell in such a way that bugs find it difficult to approach you. As a result, consuming or applying them as guided is the most effective way to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Is it possible to find natural mosquito repellents?
Yes, there are a few natural ingredients that repel bugs effectively, and using them will keep you safe regardless of how much time you spend outside. Tea tree oil, lavender, lemon eucalyptus oil, and citronella are among the ingredients. These essential oils can never be used in their natural state. Before applying to your skin, you should dilute them as directed. To keep bugs at bay, use some DEET-containing lotion or mist. You can get the same results with eucalyptus or lemon oil. Bear in mind, though, that these sprays typically wear off after a few hours. If you intend to spend a lot of time outside, carry the spray with you and reapply as required.
What do you do to repel mosquitoes?
To keep bugs at bay, use some DEET-containing lotion or mist. You can get the same results with eucalyptus or lemon oil. Bear in mind, though, that these sprays typically wear off after a few hours. If you intend to spend a lot of time outside, carry the spray with you and reapply as required.
final thoughts
As you can see, some foods that would otherwise be a pleasant treat for an outdoor party can easily transform into a mosquito breeding ground. However, this does not imply that you can lock yourself away during the summer.
As previously stated, there are alternative foods that you can consume to keep mosquitoes at bay while still having a nice time outside. If you must consume foods and beverages that draw mosquitoes to your skin, invest in healthy bug repellents. If you’re going to use bug repellent, make sure it’s skin-friendly and just use it as directed.