How to keep the mosquitoes away in Houston... recommendations from parents, pediatricians and obstetricians.

With the combination of the Houston summer, the overwhelming rains and the Zika virus, the mosquito have me on edge. The Zika virus, plus being pregnant all summer long, has me especially concerned. And mosquitoes love me. They think my kids and I are delicious (and completely ignore my husband).

So, I asked my obstetrician and I asked my YOU for your recommendations... and this is how to keep the mosquitoes away in Houston. (And tell us what else to try!)  Affiliate links included.

• Bug Spray with Deet:  I don't like it, but I like it better than Zika. My obstetrician recommended I wear it all summer, because of the Zika virus concerns. And from my own research, 20% Deet is what one study showed was effective. Here is another study. (If you are pregnant, ask your doctor for his or her recommendation!)
• Mosquito Joe:  Not cheap, but they specialize in removing mosquitoes and come back every few weeks during the summer. (Houston moms say this works well... And I know from experience that a general Terminix mosquito spray does not work for more than a few days.)
• Dynatrap:  These mosquito traps get mixed reviews on Amazon, but some Houston moms swear by them. They attract and trap the bugs.
• ThermaCell:  This device repels the mosquitoes (and gets good reviews on Amazon).
• All Clear Mosquito Mister: Spray the yard before doing yard work or going out to play. The protection should last for hours.
• Ki Bug Repellent Candles:  These all natural candles have been recommended by Houston parents with allergies.
• Herbal Armor: Deet Free or low-percentage of Deet for kids. Reapply often.
• Avon Mosquito Repellent Wipes:  Use the wipes (for convenience) or the cream. Several parents recommended these and say their pediatrician recommended them as well. If you are looking for a Houston Avon Representative, talk to Christi!
• Vicks Vabor Rub: Rub on the back of the neck and behind the ears.
• Johnson's, Baby Oil Cream:  Apparently this keeps the bugs away!
• Essential Oils: Lemongrass, peppermint and lavender and TerraShield essential oils. Deffuse them outside or drop oil around the patio. Add lavender to the sunscreen. (Talk to Stacy if you have questions.)
• Lemon Eucalyptus Oil:  This recommendation comes from someone at the CDC in Puerto Rico who works on mosquito - borne disease... but reapply often.
• Victoria Secret's Amber Romance Body Splash:  This is the trick I am trying next! A parent recommended this and there are reviews online... this keeps the deep woods mosquitos away!
• Plants: Plant lemongrass and lavender around the patio.
• Bananas:  Some people swear that eating bananas will keep the mosquitoes away. (I eat a lot of bananas and his does not work for me... but maybe it will for you!)

If you do get bit, use Tea Tree Oil or Chiggerex to reduce the swelling! (I also recommend these!)