BBQ season is on its way, but unfortunately so are the mosquitoes and bugs. Shona Hind is the founder and CEO of Free Me, the UAE’s first locally produced mosquito repellent which uses organic essential oils to create a natural barrier against insects.
Here, Shona provides her top tips on how to protect yourself and your family from being eaten alive.
// Why do mosquitos love us humans so much?
The biggest attraction for mosquitos is the carbon dioxide that we emit. The female mozzies need our blood for nutrients to reproduce, whereas the male mozzies stick to plants only for their food source.
Mosquitos are cold blooded creatures. They cannot regulate their body temperature, so they are active and reproduce in an optimal temp of 25-30 degrees/80 F. This is why, in the UAE from October until May, we are swarmed with the little pests.
They lay their eggs near water once they have fed on us because the eggs need water to survive. Up to 100 eggs at a time are laid and hatch in seven to ten days. Hence the increase in the quantity of mozzies is constantly evolving during these months.
// Shona’s top tips:
Keep fans around when enjoying outdoor dining as this can help to repel mosquitos and flies.
Keep all exposed skin sprayed with mosquito repellent. If you live or are out and about by the lakes and water during the active seasons, the only thing you can do that will have any effect whilst caring for yourself, your family, nature and our planet, is barrier your skin with a natural plant-based repellent.
Data and market spend shows using a more natural repellent is safer for infants, adults, pets and the planet! Deet-free is also advised.
Look out for breeding hotspots…
// Breeding hotspots
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) is committed to mitigating the risks of mosquitos in our environment. It initially launched the anti-mosquito campaign in February 2022, and this will continue until May 2025.
The ministry asks residents to keep an eye on stagnant water bodies that can become mosquito hotspots. Sites can be reported to the ministry who will take action:
Small pools of water in discarded tires, cans, or flowerpots.
Containers such as barrels and buckets, if left uncovered
Ponds, marshes, swamps, and lakes
Construction sites often use pits, ditches, and tanks for collecting water temporarily. These areas need regular maintenance to avoid mosquitoes
Uncovered septic tanks
Unused swimming pools, decorative ponds, and fountains
Clogged storm drains, blocked gutters, and improperly maintained drainage ditches
// Why use essential oils?
Essential oils are mixtures of organic compounds secreted by plants to protect themselves from predators. Organic citronella and lemongrass are nature’s best organic repellents which both happen to smell fabulous.
// About Free Me
Free Me Naturally Kind Mosquito Repellent Spray is Deet-free and made with organic essential oils and no harsh chemicals. It's safe for use on infants and adults even with sensitive skin.
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