Alongside the advancements of progress, folk remedies for protection against mosquitoes still thrive. Many are familiar with “dymokur” from childhood—smoky fires into which herbs or branches were thrown. To deter mosquitoes, dymokur was made with wormwood, elderberry branches, or coniferous trees; such smoke is unpleasant for mosquitoes. Adding fir or cedar cones to the fire makes the smoke even more pleasant for people and more repellent for insects. Men who smoke tobacco are bothered by mosquitoes less, as they dislike the smell of tobacco.
While working in the countryside, pick several branches from tomato bushes and place them nearby; their scent repels mosquitoes. If walnut trees grow on your plot, freshly picked twigs from these trees can also be used for the same purpose. Effective protection against mosquito bites can be achieved by applying essential oils to exposed skin: clove, spruce, and eucalyptus oils. These oils are readily available and can be purchased at pharmacies and supermarkets. You can make a mosquito repellent lotion from clove bud decoction or vanillin. To do this, mix the fragrant decoction with vodka in equal parts and shake well (you can also mix in a blender).
Some people prefer to use a modernized folk remedy for mosquito protection—valerian root and tincture. There’s no need to spend time searching for herbs, digging, or drying roots. Ready-made raw materials and tinctures are available at any pharmacy. A cotton swab moistened with valerian tincture can be used to wipe the face and body. It’s convenient, quick, and provides a double effect: repelling mosquitoes and calming the nervous system. The smell of valerian is very persistent; savvy gardeners even soak their clothing in root decoction, creating garments with mosquito protection. To ensure the scent doesn’t dissipate, periodically spray yourself with tincture or decoction from a household sprayer.
If it’s not too hot, wearing layered clothing can protect against mosquito bites in the forest. The outer layer should be made of dense fabric with small gaps between the threads. The principle is that when in motion, the layers move relative to each other, preventing mosquitoes from biting. If the inner layer of clothing is made of bulky knit fabric, it will be difficult for mosquitoes to reach the skin. Secure the bottom layer of clothing to the neck, tuck the shirt into the pants, and tuck socks into trousers; sleeves should also snugly fit around the wrists. This measure will also protect against ticks. Cover your head with a hood, hat, or mosquito net (you can wear it under a cap).
New folk remedies for mosquito protection from household items are emerging. No, it’s not about toxic sprays. It’s much simpler. For example, it’s been noted that the well-known household cleaning powder Mr. Proper, which doesn’t even need to be rinsed off, not only protects your apartment from cockroaches living in a multi-apartment building but also serves as an effective means against mosquitoes and flies! If during cleaning you wipe window frames, sashes, and door frames with a rag dampened in a solution of the powder, insects won’t fly in. Even if a few individuals manage to enter, they won’t be a problem, even if you don’t catch them. After some time, they lose their activity and die within a day.