A couple of weeks ago, we wrote about local and nationwide information regarding the West Nile Virus, click here for that post.

In addition to knowing if your area is threatened by the West Nile, and when or if they are spraying your neighborhood, take further preventative measures against mosquitoes. Especially with peak activity for mosquitoes now upon us for August and September, it is good to know some natural ways to protect you and loved ones.

Our natural defenses

1. Take vitamin B via an increase in food containing vitamin B, but supplements can also be added. Referenced from the Mayo Clinic,  vitamin B changes the odor of a person’s body making them less desired by mosquitoes.
2. Skin so Soft body oil by Avon. This is our favorite to use, and it really has worked for us. Doesn’t get more natural than this!
3. Wear light-colored clothing because mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors
4. Place citronella candles around the patio and yard. It gets so hot in TX that I never even have to burn them to still get great results.
5.  We’ve also placed Patio Eggs around our house. They are DEET-free and work via an essential oil formula.

DEET is the most affective. However, having a 2 yr old, and being pregnant, I’m just not comfortable spraying us down with DEET. It can be toxic. Therefore, I try to take other preventative precautions, avoiding DEET, and thus far, I’ve been successful. Of course, I also try to stay indoors when mosquitoes are most prevalent which is early morning and evening.

If you do use a product containing DEET, make sure to read the label for usage. You do not want to over-apply, and use caution with pregnant women or younger children, or even use the DEET repellents made for kids. Check that all bug repellents have an EPA-approved label and registration number. DEET is a powerful chemical that can be harmful if used incorrectly.

Photo Credit

I would like to personally recommend the Patio Egg as a mosquito deterrent diffuser. Back in June, of this year, when we heard rumors of West Nile getting bad, we took as many natural precautions as possible. Setting out the Patio Egg around our backyard, patio and front yard is one of those precautions. We accepted no money for this advert for the Patio Egg. This is a 100% personal preference. We wisemommies wanted to share with our followers, because we have been happy with the outcome of this product. After placing these eggs out, we noticed hardly any mosquitoes buzzing around.

The Patio Egg is DEET-FREE containing oils: geraniol and lemongrass

You poor 25ml of oil into the egg every two weeks and set the egg in semi-enclosed areas. You’ll have up to 200sq ft of protection.

A couple of weeks ago, we wrote about local and nationwide information regarding the West Nile Virus, click here for that post.

Last year we talked about a natural sunscreen for children. Click here for that post. With the heat increasing, and hitting mid-summer, we thought we would briefly readdress the idea of creating a natural sunscreen.

If I know my children are going to swim midday for an hour or less, besides sporting a hat, I just make sure they have eaten certain foods which can augment a natural sunscreen within their own skin. Also, if we end up spending 3-5 hours outside, I feel good knowing their skin is protected naturally and I don’t have to rely solely on sunscreen or to keep reapplying sunscreen substances.

Natural sources of protection:

• Vitamin E
• Well known carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene 
• Omega-3 not only raises the natural UV protection against sunburns but it also helps protect skin against inflammation if one does get too much sun. So it’s a natural sunscreen and after-sun-healer. 

The following is a great list of healthy foods to add to your child’s diet to boost their skin’s natural sunscreen and help protect against sunburns.

• Tomatoes
• Guavas
• Watermelon
• Persimmon
• Asparagus
• Sweet potatoes & Carrots
• Red cabbage
• Kale, mustard greens, spinach, collards, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans
• Squash such as butternut, winter and summer squashes (excellent for those younger babies 6+months)
• Mangos (also excellent for babies 6+months)
• Dried Herbs such as Basil, Parsley, Sage, Cilantro, Thyme, Oregano
• Paprika
• Some berries such as strawberries and raspberries
• Kidney beans
• Wheat germ

These tips will help your kids to get the nutrition they need, even with the longest of heat waves.

• Stock your fridge with fruits: Keep slices of watermelon ready to eat, bowls of washed berries where kids can reach them.
• Offer small meals: Instead of pushing a full meal into your child, allow him to snack throughout the day. Include healthy foods such as, baby carrots, roasted turkey, slices of an orange and a frosted glass of milk. This will keep your kids energized throughout the day.
• Include protein into their ice pops: Freeze dairy smoothies in ice pop moulds. Or simply stab a wooden stick into a kids yoghurt.
• Limit juice: Yes, we know kids love their juice boxes, but during the hot summer months, try to swap juice for water instead.