Natural Mosquito Repellents
1. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil:
Lemon eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the lemon-scented gum eucalyptus plant, also known as Eucalyptus citriodora or Corymbia citriodora. Used since the 1940s, lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the more well-known natural repellents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved eucalyptus oil as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent. A recent study showed that a mixture of 32 percent lemon eucalyptus oil provided more than 95 percent protection against mosquitoes for three hours. It works just as well at preventing mosquito bites as products that contain lower concentrations (6.65%) of DEET.
Ex: Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent and Coleman DEET Free Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Naturally-based Insect Repellent
1. Lavender:
Lavender is best known for its positive effects in terms of relaxation and sleep, but what many people don’t know is that it is also an effective essential oil for bug bites and mosquito bites. Crushed lavender flowers produce a fragrance and oil that can repel mosquitoes. An animal study on hairless mice found lavender oil to be effective at repelling adult mosquitoes. Lavender has analgesic, anti-fungal, and antiseptic qualities. This means that in addition to preventing mosquito bites, it can calm and soothe the skin. Moreover, the distinct lavender scent can also be used as an alternative of mothballs to keep moths and other insects away. You can also spray the lavender oil to cleanse bruises, cuts, and wounds, as well as treat skin irritations. Out of all the essential oils, lavender is considered to be the most versatile oil as it offers a lot of other benefits.
Ex: Rooted Earth Farm All Natural Insect Repellent Lavender and Angel Oils Inc. Pure Lavender
1. Greek Catnip Oil:
Nepeta parnassica, a member of the mint family related to catnip, can ward off mosquitoes. The white and pink flowers grow up to 18 inches, but it’s the extract and oil from the bruised leaves that’s the most valuable. One study found that oil from the plant could repel mosquitoes effectively for two to three hours. Researchers at Iowa State University also found catnip to be 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. It may offer mosquito protection for seven hours, according to the EPA.
1. Citronella Oil:
Citronella is a common natural and effective essential oil that works against mosquitoes. Made from a mix of herbs, it’s an ingredient in many mosquito repellents. When outdoors, citronella candles can provide up to 50 percent extra protection. Research says that the formulation of citronella is important to how effective it is. When the product is formulated correctly it’s as effective as DEET, and can protect you for up to two hours. If the formula isn’t right, citronella can evaporate quickly and leave you unprotected. Oil of citronella is the active ingredient in many of the candles, torches, or coils that can be burned to produce a vapor or smoke that repels mosquitoes. These are only useful outdoors when the wind isn’t blowing. These products are less effective than repellents applied to the body.
Ex: 100% Pure Citronella essential oils
1. Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is a popular essential oil from Australia. This oil is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. But recent studies also suggest that tea tree oil may be an effective insect repellent. Field testing shows that repellents containing tea tree oil are effective against mosquitoes, bush flies, and biting midges.
Takeaway
There is significant research suggesting that natural ingredients are an effective way to repel mosquitoes. This is good news for people looking to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, especially young children and pregnant women. Experimenting with different ingredients to create a blended, all-natural mosquito repellent that’s unique to you is a fun way to stay safe from mosquito bites.
Article Link: https://medium.com/treeusable/does-mosquito-spray-do-more-harm-than-good-f8bc721d66cc
