Most mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk, but there are also mosquitoes that seek hosts during the day.

This article will describe how you can avoid being bitten by making sure you aren’t attracting mosquitoes, using attractants to lure mosquitoes elsewhere or using a repellent, and avoiding actions that diminish the effectiveness of the repellent.

What attracts mosquitos ?
You should use this list as a rule of what you should avoid. You can also use these to lure mosquitoes away from you.

- Dark Clothing
Many mosquitoes use vision to locate hosts from a distance. Dark clothes and foliage are initial attractants.

- Carbon Dioxide
You give off more carbon dioxide when you are hot or have been exercising. A burning candle or other fire is another source of carbon dioxide.

- Lactic Acid
You release more lactic acid when you have been exercising or after eating certain foods (e.g., salty foods, high-potassium foods).

- Floral or Fruity Fragrances
In addition to perfumes, hair products, and scented sunscreens, watch for the subtle floral fragrance from fabric softeners and dryer sheets.

- Skin Temperature
The exact temperature depends on the type of mosquito. Many mosquitoes are attracted to the slightly cooler temperatures of the extremities.

- Moisture
Mosquitoes are attracted by perspiration because of the chemicals it contains and also because it increases the humidity around your body. Even small amounts of water (e.g., moist plants or mud puddles) will draw mosquitoes. Standing water also allows mosquitoes to reproduce.

What are the natural Repellents against mosquitos?
It’s rather easy to make your own natural mosquito repellent. These natural products will repel mosquitoes, but will require more frequent reapplication (at least every 2 hours) and higher concentrations than a supermarket product. Because of the differences between types of mosquitoes, products that contain multiple repellents tend to be more effective than those containing a single ingredient. You can mix them up.

As you can see, natural repellents tend to be volatile plant oils :
- Citronella Oil (A classic, use this one)
- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil (This one is ranked most effective, it’s a must use)
- Cinnamon Oil
- Castor Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Lemongrass Oil
- Cedar Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Clove Oil
- Geranium Oil (This one is ranked second most effective)
- Possibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic

Another plant-derived substance, pyrethrum, is an insecticide. Pyrethrum comes from the flowers of the daisy Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium.

Things that Lower Repellent Effectiveness
* Many Sunscreens
* Dilution from Rain, Perspiration, or Swimming
* Absorption into the Skin
* Evaporation from Wind or High Temperatures

Keep in mind that ‘natural’ does not automatically imply ’safe’. Many people are sensitive to plant oils. Some natural insect repellents are actually toxic. Therefore, although natural repellents provide an alternative to synthetic chemicals, please remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these products.

However my advice is to gather quite a few of these oils, mix them up and use them on yourself.

Leave me comments as to how effective that was !

source : diverse sources and chemistry.about.com