Many commercial insect repellents can make us unappealing to mosquitoes, but if you don't have any around, try using Vicks VapoRub.

Let’s face it, getting bitten by mosquitoes and putting up with the itchy welts is a pain.

There’s plenty of commercial insect repellents and sprays that can help make you unappealing to pesky mosquitoes, but if you’re caught unprepared and don’t have any on hand, here’s an equally effective method using Vicks VapoRub.

How to use it: Just rub a little on your skin and clothes. You don’t have to rub it all over so just focus on dabbing it on your ankles, wrists, neck, and inner elbows.

Why it works: Vicks VapoRub contains cedarleaf oil, which is a natural insect repellant.

If it’s too late to prevent mosquito bites, rubbing VapoRub on the bumps will also relieve your itching.

Why? The itching is caused by an anti-bloodclotting agent from the mosquito’s stinger (this keeps your blood flowing instead of clumping up so the mosquito can drink). The menthol and camphor in the VapoRub will boost blood circulation and help break up this bloodclotting agent, thereby relieving you of the annoying itch.

Note: If you don’t have VapoRub on hand, other menthol/camphor rubs and ointments like Tiger Balm, Watkins Menthol Camphor Ointment etc will work just as well. Just check the ingredient labels for menthol and/or camphor.