5 of 15

Write now Article Tools

Everyone knows that mosquitoes come out in full force when the weather gets warm, especially in the southern states around dusk and dawn. As someone who grew up in Florida and then moved to North Carolina as an adult I have had my fair share of encounters with ravishing mosquitoes. I have a plethora of scars around my ankles from picking and scratching (I know, that's horrible, but what are going to do?).

I learned at a young age that DEET was a miracle, even if it was bad for you. Then there are Citronella candles and torches. Wonderful things as long as you are with in just a few inches of them. And as this is not only unrealistic, bit can also be very uncomfortable uncomfortable (hello flaming hair!). Skin So Soft from Avon is a magnificent alternative if you, like me, are not too found of using DEET, especially with children. This is a gentle repellent that smells pleasant and works great. It also, like the name says, keeps your skin moisturized and soft.

But lets face it, there are times when you don't have a bottle of repellent handy or just plain don't feel like dousing yourself right there outside your neighbor's house. For me, the latter proved true one evening last July when my husband and I joined our buddies at a friend's house. We were grilling burgers and hanging outside. The wives chatting and the guys drinking beers. As the sun set the inevitable happened and we all started slapping ourselves and scratching. I apparently have very sweet blood am and always the 'prime target' where as my husband can be moderately comfortable. One of our buddies said he has the same problem as me, but he wasn't slapping or scratching. I was intrigued. He told me that he used dryer sheets. I thought, 'Are you serious? It's that simple?' I had never used dryer sheets before but thought it was a wonderful time to give them a try! My husband and I immediately went out and bought dryer sheets the next morning. Low and behold, at our next evening gathering we were considerably less itchy and were able to have a wonderful time. I couldn't believe it. They worked! Apparently, mosquitoes (and other bugs for that matter) don't like the scent and feel that they leave cloths with. And talk about convenient! I don't know about you, but I'm usually already wearing cloths when onslaught begins. No more 'Where did I leave that spray?", "Eww, now I smell horrible!", or "I thought you said you kept some in the car!".

Since I will probably be living in the south for quite some time all I can say is 'Good to know'.

Learn more about this author, Melinda Ralph.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Keep mosquitoes at bay?
We want to hear your view. Write now!