Lemon eucalyptus oilThe 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.
Citronella candles are great for setting a mood, but they're not so great for the very thing they're advertised to do: repel mosquitoes. At a distance of 1 meter, DEET and oil of lemon eucalyptus sprays reduced mosquito attraction by 60%.
Here are the natural scents that help repel the mosquitoes:
- Citronella.
- Clove.
- Cedarwood.
- Lavender.
- Eucalyptus.
- Peppermint.
- Rosemary.
- Lemongrass.
DEET is the active ingredient in most common insect repellents. Some people experience rashes or irritated skin after using DEET, and it can irritate eyes if you spray it too close. More alarming, there have been rare reports of seizures associated with DEET.
DEET is the most widely available and tested repellent. Products containing DEET are very safe when used according to the directions. Because DEET is so widely used, a great deal of testing has been done.
The CDC — along with six of our experts — recommends DEET as an effective tick repellent. “The EPA suggests that any product with DEET should have a concentration between 20 and 30 percent of the active ingredient,†says Molaei.
Fill a spray bottle 1/2 full with distilled or boiled water. Add witch hazel to fill almost to the top. Add 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin. Add 30 drops of essential oil, or to desired scent.
Lemon eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves of a tree native to Australia (Eucalyptus citriodora). It is used as a natural insect repellant because it contains para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), a compound that makes it harder for mosquitoes and other bugs to pick up on your skin odor.
Likely Effective forLemon eucalyptus oil is an ingredient in some commercial mosquito repellents. It seems to be about as effective as other mosquito repellents including some products that contain DEET. However, the protection offered by lemon eucalyptus oil doesn't seem to last quite as long as DEET.
The 4 Best Eucalyptus Oils
- Eucalyptus Globulus: The strong, medicinal-like aroma of this variety is instantly recognizable because it's widely used in personal care products.
- Eucalyptus Radiata: This is a slightly lighter version of the familiar eucalyptus scent with refreshing and energizing properties.
Mix 1 part oil of lemon eucalyptus or lavender essential oil with 10 parts witch hazel in the bottle. (For each drop of oil, use 10 drops of witch hazel.) Shake gently to mix. Spray to apply.
Citriodiol® is a truly unique active ingredient. This lemon-scented active ingredient is made from Eucalyptus citriodora oil through a simple process that is environmentally sustainable.
There are plenty of natural pest control tips for the garden that will get rid of ants at the source. A simple eucalyptus oil solution or a concentrated garlic spray have both been known to put ants off and the best part it is this won't harm your harm your plants, or you!
These aromatic compounds give eucalyptus a minty, camphorous scent that is sharp and highly pungent. Like mint, inhaling eucalyptus opens your sinuses and clears your head. However, the aroma also contains some hints of the forest, which some people describe as sweet and similar to honey.
Lemon Eucalyptus is high in cleansing citronellal and citronellol, making this essential oil ideal for surface and skin cleansing. In addition to its topical cleansing benefits, Lemon Eucalyptus can be used to clear and refresh the air. Keep Lemon Eucalyptus on hand when in need of a revitalizing boost.
- Proven Insect Repellent Spray.
- Coleman SkinSmart DEET-Free Insect Repellent Spray.
- Cutter Backwoods Insect Repellent.
- Off. OFF! Deep Woods Insect & Mosquito Repellent VIII, 2-Pack.
- Ben's. Ben's 30 Insect Repellent Spray, 2-Pack.
- Sawyer Products. Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent, 2-Pack.
- Off. OFF!
- Off. OFF!
A combination of half apple cider vinegar (although normal vinegar works just as well) and half water in a spray bottle works perfectly to repel those pests. This concoction can be sprayed around the perimeter of your home, on the legs of tables that have food served on them or even around a screen house or tent.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMDRepellents with this active ingredient are stable for long periods and probably won't have an expiration date on the bottle.
And it's quite safe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved DEET for use in people of all ages, including children. Some people experience rashes or irritated skin after using DEET, and it can irritate eyes if you spray it too close.
Mosquito testing both are safer than DEET, and Consumer Reports tests found they protect against mosquitoes and ticks for at least seven hours.
Active Ingredients
| Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus* | 30.0% |
|---|
| Other Ingredients | 70.0% |
| Total | 100.00% |
| *Approx. 65% p-menthane-3,8-diol |
There have been sporadic reports over the last several decades of an association between excessive use of repellents containing DEET and adverse effects. These effects included seizures, uncoordinated movements, agitation, aggressive behavior, low blood pressure, and skin irritation.
Ticks hate the smell of lemon, orange, cinnamon, lavender, peppermint, and rose geranium so they'll avoid latching on to anything that smells of those items. Any of these or a combination can be used in DIY sprays or added to almond oil and rubbed on exposed skin.
Oil of Lemon EucalyptusThe evidence suggests that this ingredient, a synthetic version of a chemical derived from the lemon eucalyptus plant, is safe for use on those age 3 and older. But it's not approved for younger children, in part because its safety hasn't been well-studied in them.
Baby oil is a mineral oil with added fragrance. Many parents use it to moisturize their baby's skin. Though creamy baby oil is not advertised as a mosquito repellent by Johnson & Johnson, many people say that it effectively keeps mosquitoes away. This non-greasy cream is fast absorbing.
Purchase EPA-registered insect repellent that has DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus as the active ingredient. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends products with up to 30% DEET for children over 2 months old. Do not use products containing DEET on children younger than 2 months old.
The study found that fatty acids derived from coconut oil had long-lasting insect-repelling properties against flies, ticks, bed bugs and mosquitoes. Lead researcher Junwei Zhu notes that compounds extracted from coconut oil – not the oil itself – were found as an effective repellent, according to a USDA release.
Wristbands are marketed as safe mosquito repellents because you don't have to rub or spray anything on your skin. However, a test by Consumer Reports found mosquito repellent wristbands are ineffective. The FCC said the company's claims of protection against mosquitoes were not backed by scientific evidence.
Using insect repellents safely with childrenRead the entire label before use – look carefully at the level of DEET or picaridin in the product (see tables below), and use the repellent only as directed by the manufacturer. Roll-on preparations are preferable to sprays. Apply sparingly to exposed skin.
A great way to keep mosquitoes from coming near your baby is to drape a fitted mesh net over the baby carrier, stroller, or car seat. Purchase netting that has small enough holes to block the mosquitoes from entering. Mesh netting is available at most home improvement and outdoor stores.
Preventing mosquito bites on your baby
- Dress appropriately. When you're taking your little one outside, dress them in clothes that cover their skin as much as possible.
- Apply insect repellent.
- Use mosquito netting.
- Keep the windows closed.
