The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finally admitted that products using oil of lemon eucalyptus can provide longer lasting protection against mosquitoes, just as the toxic chemical bug repellent DEET does.
A study by the US Department of Agriculture compared four synthetic mosquito repellents and eight natural mosquito repellents and found that Repel Lemon Eucalyptus was the most effective repellent, more so than a 7% DEET repellent.
In a 2010 study, three species of eucalyptus (E. staigeriana, E. citriodora, and E. globulus) were tested for use with the blood-sucking sandfly, lutzomyia Lutzomyia longipalpis. Researchers found the eucalyptus essential oils were more effective against L. longipalpis than DEET.
Side Effects of DEET
DEET is an effective mosquito deterrent, however, despite the Environmental Protection Agency’s seal of approval to spray the stuff on our bodies, there are some serious concerns about the potential side effects of this chemical.
Side of Effects of Overusing Deet
Skin irritation
Rashes
Burning lips
Headaches
Nausea
Difficulty in concentrating
Dizziness
Other Natural Mosquito Repellents
Clove oil
Two studies have found that undiluted topical clove oil is active against mosquitoes. However, like thyme oil, clove oil should not be applied undiluted to skin as a homemade repellent.
Pine
If you love camping but despite using Deet or other chemical bug sprays, pine is your perfect companion. A natural repellent against mosquitoes, pine will also keep you smelling fresh as the forest!
Thyme
In one study, carvacrol and alpha-terpinene, two compounds derived from the essential oil of thyme, were found to have significantly greater repellency than a commercial DEET repellent. Spray made with 2% alpha terpinene is a promising natural mosquito repellent. However, don’t try to make a thyme oil repellent at home- it is too irritating and strong-smelling to be used at effective concentrations above 25%.
How to use Essential oils to repel insects?
-Distill the essential oils with water and rub over the body (this will last for 30-60mins)
-Showering – Mix essential oils with body shampoo
-Direct rub essential oils on body
-Use Diffuser – put the diffuser next to your bed
Sources:
1-http://www.homemadehints.com/homemade-mosquito-repellent/
3-http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-it-true-that-the-deet/
4-http://www.thealternativedaily.com/use-this-100-non-toxic-mosquito-repellent-instead-of-deet/
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