These can make good alternatives to the popular sprays that contain synthetic and toxic chemicals, like DEET.
Plus, they almost always smell better.
Quite often, products that contain these oils need to be applied oftenat least once every hour.
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Note: Oil of lemon eucalyptus and lemon eucalyptus oil arenotthe same thing.
confirm any product you use as a repellent contains oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Mosquito repellents that contain this combination of essential oils, such asRepel Lemon Eucalyptus, are effective.
Early studiesconcluded that the Repel product provided 120 minutes of protection from mosquitoes.
The one problem that some people have with these products is the odor.
However, the fresh smell of lemon and eucalyptus is probably not as obtrusive as many non-natural repellents.
However, it is one of the more common essential oils in natural repellents.
One of the best-known brands to use geranium is Bite Blocker.
Citronella
Citronella is a well-known natural mosquito repellent.
The oils from the plant are used to make lotions, sprays, and candles.
In some studies, citronella-based repellents have been found to be as effective as DEET.
Newer findings have discovered that combining it with vanillin can slow down the evaporation.
Patchouli Oil
Concentrated patchouli is one of the most effective essential oils.
There are no noted hazards in applying it to your skin.
Nonetheless, it’s best touse a carrier oilwith any essential oil.
Thyme oil must be diluted because it can cause skin irritation.
One study found that burning thyme leaves offers 85% protection for at least an hour.
Peppermint Oil
Numerous studies have found peppermint oil to be very effective as well.
The undiluted essential oil was shown to be an effective repellent for 45 minutes.
No skin irritations were noted for peppermint.
Cedar Oil
Cedar is part of the Pinaceae family which includes other pine trees.
These have long been used as insect repellents.
The essential oil of cedar has also been shown to be among the most effective oils.
However, there are allergy concerns for some people.
Neem Oil
An extract from the tropical neem tree,neem oilhas insecticidal compounds called azadirachtins.
Garlic
When rubbed on the skin, garlic oil comes off as effective protection against mosquitoes.
As mentioned, some of the oils may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oil of lemon eucalyptus is the most potent natural mosquito repellent.
Incense sticks, cones, and coils marketed as mosquito repellents typically contain citronella as the main ingredients.
Other active ingredients may include lemongrass, rosemary, peppermint, cedarwood, lavender, or geranium.
The smoke from burning incense may also serve as a deterrent to mosquitoes and other insects.
Patel RV, Shaeer KM, Patel P, et al.EPA-registered repellents for mosquitoes transmitting emerging viral disease.Pharmacotherapy.
2016;36(12):12721280. doi:10.1002/phar.1854
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing West Nile.
Consumer Reports.Do ‘Natural’ Insect Repellents Work?
againstPochazia shantungensisChou &Lu.
newly recorded pest.Sci Rep. 2017;7:40902.
2011; 10(Suppl 1): S11.10.1186/1475-2875-10-S1-S11 doi:10.1186/1475-2875-10-S1-S11
