Per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Zika virus (mainly spread by mosquitoes and in some cases are sexually transmitted) has arrived in the United States, but are currently not expected to be explosive or widespread. There are mosquitoes in South Florida spreading the virus that causes birth defects in babies born to pregnant women who are infected with Zika virus. Thanks to MOSCLEAN Mosquito Trap, it’s possible to be safe from deadly disease carrying mosquitoes.

MOSCLEAN Mosquito Trap really does work to deter these deadly creatures! I first discovered this amazing product recently at a sneak peak of ShowStoppers‘ latest and greatest products during CE Week a couple of months ago. MOSCLEAN Mosquito Trap, founded by Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc., captures approximately a dozen times as many mosquitoes than conventional traps that are currently out on the market. It attracts mosquitoes by using ultra violet LEDs that emit light in a targeted range.

The MOSCLEAN Mosquito Trap boasts of being the world’s most effective mosquito trap which sounded too good to be true, so my natural human instincts told me it’s probably another marketing ploy. My family and I love to stay at our summer house, relax on the balcony, deck and patio; however, due to the Zika virus epidemic this year, I was weary. Then I remembered the MOSCLEAN Mosquito Trap that I crossed paths with recently at CE Week. To my pleasant surprise, it’s so easy to use (simply plug it in) and it really works to keep mosquitoes away. I only had two mosquito bites so far this month, because I was out in the deck and didn’t have my MOSCLEAN Mosquito Trap with me. It’s easy to operate and so quiet, which is great to use in our bedrooms. The kids like it at bed time, because it keeps the room cool (it has a fan but it doesn’t blow debris in the air) and acts like a night light (thanks to its eco-friendly LED light). There’s no chemicals or refills needed, so it’s safe and cost effective.

I hope MOSCLEAN Mosquito Trap will be wireless next summer, so I can use it when the kids go to summer camp, beach, pool parties and/or picnics. For outdoor mosquito protection, I like to use homemade essential oils that one can purchase from The Vitamin Shoppe, which is a wonderful destination for a variety of all-natural products, such as essential oils. DIY essential oil insect repellent sprays are also a good alternative for all those who don’t want to use Deet (a great mosquito repellent, but it has strong chemicals that those with sensitive skin may not agree with) when outdoors. This is because Deet contains chemicals that can cause harmful side effects such as: burning or numb lips, dizziness, headaches, nausea, rashes, skin irritation. Some essential oils that naturally repel mosquitoes and insects are: lavender, lemon eucalyptus, lime, peppermint, tea tree, bergamot.

Below are easy steps on how you can make your own insect repellent spray with essential oils from The Vitamin Shoppe:

1. Fill spray bottle (4 or 8 ounces) half full with distilled or boiled water.
2. Add witch hazel almost to the top.
3. Add 25 to 50 drops of essential oils to desired scent. The more oils used, the more effective the concoction will be.
4. Shake the bottle, then spray onto skin and the air.

* Bevs Lim also contributes to Huffington Post.