Natural Mosquito Repellents
Natural Mosquito Repellents, have you heard about them? I absolutely detest mosquitoes….and they LOVE me. Would they consider me as their favorite meal, their Number One blood bank, and the absolute mosquito magnet? I hear them, feel them, and fear them. The animal which kills the most amount of humans on the planet is not a crocodile, hippos, or sharks…..it is these tiny awful little creatures.
Apparently, people are usually prone to mosquito bites due to a combination of scent, light, heat, and humidity. I am tired of having itchy bumps and dancing like a Gumboot dancer. I have tried all sorts of natural repellants and nothing works for me…… so I spray myself with chemical repellents from tip to toe, to protect myself. But DEET products have the potential to cause health and environmental problems. I have Baygon too, and even a gadget that kills mosquitos through electric shocks…I have electrical appliances with the little mats in all the rooms, and coils in the spaces I like (kitchen 😊). It is almost a miracle I am still alive.
One might choose to avoid using these chemical products unless visiting places that have a high risk for mosquito-borne diseases like Zika, Dengue, Malaria or Chikungunya. DEET (diethyltoluamide) is recommended for people at risk for mosquito bites carrying any disease.
But if you’re doing things like hiking, gardening or lounging around on your veranda, or taking a camping trip, natural repellents might be a better option. This can be especially true for children, who are more sensitive.
Below is a list of recommended natural repellents which work best according to researchers. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the active ingredients in essential oils. Before you use any new product, spot-test the product on a small section of your skin and wait an hour or two to make sure that hives or burning sensations do not occur.
1. Lemon eucalyptus oil
A recent study showed that a mixture of 32 percent lemon eucalyptus oil provided more than 95 percent protection against mosquitoes for three hours.
DIY: You can create your own mixture with 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil to 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel. Not for children under 3 years of age.
2. Lavender
Crushed lavender flowers produce a fragrance and oil that can repel mosquitoes. Lavender has analgesic, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities. This means that in addition to preventing mosquito bites, it can calm and soothe the skin.
DIY: You can grow lavender in an outdoor garden or in indoor planters. Crush the flowers and apply the oil to bite-sensitive areas of the body, such as your ankles and arms. Also, drop some lavender oil on a clean cloth and rub it onto the skin.
3. Cinnamon Oil
According to a study conducted in Taiwan, cinnamon oil can kill off mosquito eggs. It can also act as a repellent against adult mosquitoes.
DIY: To make a diluted 1 percent solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon (or 24 drops) of oil for every 4 ounces of water. You can spray the fluid onto your skin or clothing, around your home, and onto upholstery or plants. Be careful when applying cinnamon oil, as a concentrated dose can irritate your skin.
4. Thyme Oil
When it comes to repelling malarial mosquitoes, thyme oil is one of the best at providing protection. You may also want to throw thyme leaves into a campfire. Research shows that burning thyme leaves offers 85 percent protection for 60 to 90 minutes.
DIY: For a homemade brew, combine 4 drops of thyme oil to every teaspoon of base oil, such as olive or jojoba oil. For a spray, mix 5 drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water.
5. Catnip
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.
Researchers at Iowa State University also found catnip to be 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. Not available in Mauritius…yet
6. Soybean Oil
Apparently even with a 2 percent soybean oil mixture, it could provide long-lasting protection from mosquitoes.
DIY: In addition to soybean oil, you can also add a little lemongrass oil to your home mixture.
7. Citronella
Citronella is a 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.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil or melaleuca oil is a popular essential oil from Australia. This oil is is great for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. But recent studies also suggest that tea tree oil may be an effective insect repellent, especially for mosquitoes.
9. Geraniol
Geraniol is a type of alcohol used as a fragrance or flavor. It’s from plant oils like citronella, lemongrass, and rose. As an ingredient in mosquito repellent, it’s known to be effective for two to four hours, depending on the species.
Keep away from your eyes and try to avoid use if you have sensitive skin. Geraniol may cause eye and skin irritation.
10. Neem Oil
Although neem oil is advertised as a natural alternative, there are mixed results about its effectiveness. A recent study states the effectiveness of neem oil in Ethiopia and found that it offered more than 70 percent protection for three hours.
Neem oil is not approved as a topical repellent because it can cause skin irritation.
DIY: To repel mosquitoes with neem oil, dilute 50 to 100 milliliters of neem oil in water, oil, or lotion. It’s also important to choose extra virgin, cold-pressed neem oil.
I heard this:
You can cut lemon, stick cloves in it, and place it in rooms, and these act as mosquito repellants. I am going to try this! Don’t forget to share any tricks you have tried, tested and that worked for you – #sharingiscaring
Potential Risks to remember:
- Essential oils should never be put on the skin directly. They are always diluted in a carrier oil such as almond oil. The recipe is usually 3 to 5 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil.
- Essential oils are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so it is possible to buy a faulty product – it is recommended to always buy from a reputable source.
- If you are going to be traveling in an area where mosquitos are known to carry life-threatening diseases, doctors advise a chemical mosquito repellant to reduce the odds of contracting a dangerous illness.
- And again – before you use any DIY products, spot-test the product on a small section of your skin and wait an hour or two to make sure that there is no bad reaction.
Treating Mosquito Bites:
Even with mosquito repellent, you may get itchy, painful mosquito bites. To treat mosquito bites at home, you can try rubbing apple cider vinegar on the site of the bite or put a slice of raw onion or freshly cut garlic on the bite to provide relief and guard against infection. Calamine lotion or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help as well.
If you do develop an infection or allergic reaction due to a significant amount of mosquito bites, take note of your symptoms and contact your doctor. An elevated temperature, pus or bleeding where the bite is, or scabs that won’t go away could be a sign of a problem.
Thankfully, I have never had a problem after the billions of bites I have had over the years.
CONCLUSION!
There is significant research suggesting that natural ingredients are an effective way to repel mosquitos. 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 repellant that’s unique to you is a fun way to stay safe from mosquito bites.
Most insect-repelling plants do so with their natural fragrances, which keep annoying mosquitoes away and introduce wonderful scents throughout your garden. If you don’t want to douse yourself or your garden in chemical bug sprays you can grow some of these plants to help keep mosquitoes away naturally. Plant these plants in areas where you will be often such as by a seating area or a doorway.
Plants to Use as a Natural Mosquito Repellent: Lavender, Marigolds, Citronella Grass, Catnip, Rosemary, Basil, Scented Geraniums, Bee Balm (Monarda or horsemint), Mint, Floss Flower, Sage, Allium
Don’t forget to share any great natural anti-mosquito repellant tips!
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