Mosquitos

I remember a quote from Mark Twain that goes something like:
"The only thing God ever created without a purpose was the mosquito."
Truly, his remark was made on the heels of consumerism and marketing revolutions.
Media is now seducing us with a gizmo that you can clip onto your clothes to repel the evil demon mosquito.
A few years ago, it was bracelets.
Keeping covered by your clothing is helpful, but not always convenient if you're out. (The summer hats with the mosquito screens will never be as attractive as they are functional. The screens at least roll up into the hats.)
Deet and non-deet products have been around forever. Be careful to not over do it !
There are genuine health concerns that should be addressed around mosquitos. Educate yourself and make the best choices for your situation.
I love the smell of citronella, but it may be as effective as mint. Both plants are delightful anyway.
Mint has a tendency to take over, so plan on often pruning it for tea or a chutney.
The best thing I have come up with is dietary.
Some 15 years ago, a beloved neighbor (check out 'brotherhug.com') told me that he stopped eating sugar and was left alone by them. (The sugar in alcohol must make us a tastie victim. NO . . . tequilla will not make a mosquito explode when they bite you.)
If you have Type 'O' neg blood you may be a more attractive victim.
This following remark, is a true statement: I don't believe that there can be too much garlic in most foods.

So, with that personal doctrine in mind, I have noticed, over the years, that mosquitos leave me alone and choose to feast on others.
There is a natural sulfur in garlic which is toxic to soft bodies inscets and helpful to us.
I will get a few bites every now and then, but I am also a HUGE fan of the 'After Bite Sticks,' when that happens.
They have some kind of ammonia base that is a terrific relief, neutralizing the bite site. **Make sure that there is no allergy to ammonia before use.**
For the $3+ cost, I have several of them easily accessible.

Some workable suggestions:
Do not let standing water serve as a breeding ground for them. This also means removing debris from gutters, and keeping bird baths cleaned with fresh water. (We have friends that purchased a solar powered bird bath that acts a a small fountain when the sun is out, which circulates the water.)
If you have a pond size water feature, put fish in it to keep the bugs eaten. Make sure that you have a clean, working pump and filter system.
With rain barrels, use a window screen over top openings, and periodically treat the water with a product called 'Mosquito Dunks'. The little 'Dunks' are available in every home improvement store's garden section.
If you have buckets, turn them upside down.
Old car tires ? Dispose of properly.
Oil based lubricants will keep larvae from hatching in water. This is not usually an environmentally supported practice, unless organically based (ie: Neem oil, garlic oil ...).
Check out on line a product called 'Mosquito Barrier.' I have not used it myself, but their ingredients and organic approach make good sense. (It is not inexpensive.)

Don't let them keep you inside ! ! !
It is beautiful out here . . . enjoy it and eat more garlic.