I’ve been spending a lot of mom time in the backyard lately. It’s summer and the kids have nothing to do but to amuse themselves playing outside. If you’ve read my fitness family posts, you’ll understand that I’d rather have them play outside (assuming it’s not that hot) all day and be active than just have them play video games inside. But then again, we only have a Wii so even if they choose to play video games, they will still be moving a lot, lol! Anyway, since they’re out a lot, I’m out a lot too. And I’ve been devoured by those pesky mosquitoes for God knows how many times already. My 5 year old has the same dilemma. For some reason, me and my 5 year old daughter just stands out from the crowd. I could have enjoyed the fame if I was able cash in from our popularity, or at least lost some pounds from being feasted on by these pests! But since I don’t see any of these happening in the near future, I don’t see why I would still want them in my backyard.
So I’ve been spending a lot of my mom time lately searching for some natural way to get rid of these bastards. If you’re like my hubby, you’re probably asking why I’m still complicating stuff when I can just dump toxic insecticides in my yard and will get rid of them in seconds! Well, I want to kill the pests, not slowly kill me and my family too, that’s why! Or why bother dumping toxic chemicals when I can just soak ourselves with OFF or DEEP? No, thank you. I’m not a paranoid mom for no reason. I’d stay away from those for as much as I can. I do have organic bug repellants that we can use if we really need to, but if it’s just the ordinary, everyday outside play, I’d rather be free of chemicals.
Anyway, here are some mom tips I’ve gathered from articles, radio, forums, and asking other paranoid moms like me. Now I haven’t tried any of these YET and is just in the process of starting so don’t you come back to me and blame me if it doesn’t work! I would appreciate, though, if you either provide “corrections” in a polite manner, or add more tips! But then again, I can just delete your comments if you’re too hostile! LOL!
Ok, enough ranting. Here you go:
- Spraying listerine on your surroundings (like in the deck) wards off these bugs for a few hours.
- Mosquitoes hate the scent of marigolds and lemongrass so surround your yard with these plants. Don’t know how much these costs though but I think I’m gonna try them.
- Hanging satchels of mint, bay leaves or eucalyptus helps gets rid of flies. I might start hanging some around the yard. It probably doubles as air freshener too!
- Now this I’m kinda hesistant, but I’ve read that sealing off the ants’ entry points with cayenne pepper, lemon juice, garlic, or mint leaves gets rid of ants! Don’t mix them up, do it one at a time.
- Used grounded coffee dumped on ant hills will piss them away. Now that’s a problem since I don’t drink coffee. I wonder if used green tea bags would work, instead? hhhmmm…
- Bounce anti-static sheets keeps mosquitoes off you. Now it wasn’t clear to me if carrying one is enough or you actually rub it on you. Don’t like rubbing so I’ll pass on this.
So there you go, my hot moms! What other mom tips can you add to our list?
[signature]
Related posts:
I am frequently feasted on by mosquitos as well!! So is my daughter. Some of those ideas are crazy! But some might work! Worth a shot!! That bounce idea is pretty funny, walk around with some dryer sheets-lol! I love being outside with the kids too!