THE MEDICINE CABINET
The Score Is: Me-1 Bugs-4
By Jean Sutherland
mexico4us@yahoo.com

      With thanks to Peter Finch...I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore. Mosquitoes are bugging me! They are not only a nuisance—their bites can cause serious complications including the transmission of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, and West Nile virus (WN) to humans and animals.
      It’s time to fight back. There are over 2,500 different species of mosquitoes throughout the world with about 200 species in the United States. But enough of fascinating facts. The idea of DEET every day, although effective, just turns me off, so I went looking for something easier and just as effective.
      While there are many ways to deter mosquitoes from biting you, some are more toxic than others. The following suggestions give you easy ways to repel these pests. Use Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets—just wipe on and go. Don’t eat bananas during mosquito season. Mosquitoes love bananas! Now I love bananas but it does give one pause. There is something about how your body processes the banana oil that attracts these female sugar-loving insects.
      One of the best natural insect repellents is Vick’s Vaporub, but that appeals to me about as much as DEET. Might be interesting to try an open jar beside the bed at night. I sure wouldn’t want to explain wearing Vaporub on a date. Planting marigolds around your yard works great as a bug repellent because the flowers give off a fragrance bugs do not like. Maybe the garden club could raise some money with that idea. You don’t often see marigolds in the yards here.
      Campers and fishermen agree that the very best mosquito repellant is Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil mixed half and half with rubbing alcohol. Avon is available here. I last saw an Avon book at Café en Acali, just down from the Lake Chapala Society.
      One of the best natural insect repellants, and it’s dirt cheap here, is made from the clear liquid vanilla that is sold right here in Mexico. It is reported to work great for mosquitoes and ticks, and spreading a little vanilla mixed with olive oil on your skin smells great. So I get a two for one benefit with this. The dogs and I are going to smell really great.
      Citronella soap is a product that started in the Bahamas and Belize. The soaps are made with olive oil for moisture and great lather, Aloe Vera to soothe the skin, and citronella oil to repel mosquitoes. For high intensity protection you can burn citronella incense. Mosquitoes avoid citronella and they hate the smoke.
      Electronic repellents utilize one to two sound frequencies to simulate dragonflies and other male mosquitoes, creating a competitive environment for the blood-sucking female. These devices come with Velcro bands for wearing on your wrist or ankle, or on your pocket or belt. Now this one sounds a little strange and I doubt we can get them here, but you never know.
      When all else fails—get a frog!