Contents
Sprays, creams and the world – there are many ways to fight mosquitoes. What if we do not want to use popular chemicals, but we do not intend to get bitten by the ubiquitous mosquitoes? There are quite a few effective natural methods. Many of them are scientifically proven to work.
The summer season is not only about the beach, rest, trips and fun, but also mosquitoes annoying evening life. They are literally everywhere, and recent years have shown that they are doing great and it is difficult to find a place free from biting insects. How to effectively protect yourself from itchy bites? There are quite a few natural methods that will work well in the garden and on vacation. You can prepare most of the natural mosquito repellants yourself.
Nine natural ingredients that effectively repel mosquitoes
1. Eucalyptus oil (from lemon eucalyptus)
Lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the best known and most frequently used natural mosquito repellants. It has even been officially approved as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent. Scientists have proved that the mixture of 32 percent. Lemon eucalyptus oil provides over 95% protection against mosquitoes for three hours after application.
How to use?
You can make your own anti-mosquito mix. Mix one part lemon eucalyptus oil to 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel oil. The preparation is not suitable for children under 3 years of age.
2. Lavender
To scare away mosquitoes, you can use lavender oil or its fresh crushed flowers. Lavender produces fragrance and oil that repel mosquitoes. It also has analgesic, antifungal and antiseptic properties. This means that in addition to preventing mosquito bites, its fragrance allows you to relax and care for your skin. Lavender flowers grown on the balcony or in the garden by the porch or on the terrace can also scare away uninvited guests.
How to use?
Lavender can be grown in an open-air garden or in pots in the apartment or on the balcony. Crush the flowers and apply the oil to bite-sensitive areas of the body such as the ankles, arms and neck.
3. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon is more than just a great addition to apple pie. It will also help scare away mosquitoes. According to scientists, cinnamon oil can kill mosquito eggs. It can also act as a deterrent to adults. Taiwanese scholars especially recommend it as a deterrent to the tiger mosquito found in Asia.
How to use?
Add a few drops to water, use a spray bottle and spray it on your skin and clothes. The oil has a rather intense scent, it is better to use it diluted.
4. Thyme oil
When it comes to deterring malaria mosquitoes, thyme oil is one of the best all-natural remedies. During the research it was shown that 5% thyme oil applied to the skin of hairless mice provided 91 percent. protection.
How to use?
To make a homemade stock, mix four drops of thyme oil with a teaspoon of jojoba oil or olive oil. You can also prepare a spray. In a spray bottle, mix five drops of thyme oil for every 30 ml of water.
You can also throw thyme leaves into the fire. According to scientists, smoking thyme leaves provides 85 percent of the protection for 60 to 90 minutes.
The rest of the article is available under the video.
5. Greek catnip oil
Nepeta parnassica is a plant of the mint family, related to the well-known catnip. Leaf extract and oil can repel mosquitoes.
Studies have shown that the oil from the plant can effectively repel mosquitoes for two to three hours. Catnip has also been proven to be 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes.
6. Soybean oil
According to specialists at the University of Florida, soy-based repellants can provide long-term protection against mosquitoes.
How to use?
Make a homemade mixture of soybean oil and lemongrass essential oil. This combination has been successfully tested on various species of mosquitoes.
- If you are bitten by a mosquito nevertheless, reach for the Mini-Click, which relieves the symptoms of insect bites, which effectively reduces the feeling of itching, thus inhibiting the urge to scratch.
7. Cytronella
Citronella is another popular and well-known essential oil that works against mosquitoes. It is also an ingredient in many commercial mosquito repellants. Outdoor citronella candles can improve protection by an additional 50%. effectiveness.
A properly prepared citronella product is as effective as DEET, according to experts, and can provide protection for up to two hours. Poorly prepared it can evaporate quickly.
8. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a popular essential oil from Australia. It is primarily known for its antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It turns out, however, that tea tree oil can be an effective insect repellent.
According to specialists, tea tree oil repellants are effective against mosquitoes, bush flies and biting flies.
9. Geraniol
Geraniol is derived from vegetable oils such as citronella, lemongrass, and rose. As a component of mosquito repellent, it works for two to four hours. Avoid using this remedy on sensitive skin and do not apply it to the eye area.
MUGGA Spray 9,5% DEET against mosquitoes and ticks for children and adults provides up to six hours of protection against insects. You will find it at an attractive price in Medonet Market.
Are mosquito repellent essential oils effective?
Most of the essential oils with hydrated efficacy do work when tested. It is a good alternative to chemicals, especially when protecting against bites in our country. When traveling to countries with a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases, it is better to use the recommended agents containing the appropriate concentration of DEET.
Essential oils also affect the skin and can cause adverse reactions. Follow some important rules if you want to use them:
- Never apply essential oils directly to your skin. Always dilute them beforehand. You can dissolve the essential oil in a base oil, such as almond oil. For 30 ml of base oil, add three to five drops of essential oil.
- Buy oils from trusted sellers or in pharmacies.
- If you intend to travel to places where mosquitoes carry diseases such as malaria and yellow fever and the Zika virus, use the recommended chemical to reduce the risk of contracting a dangerous disease. Also remember about the recommended and required vaccinations.
- Essential oils can also trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Before using, make a small test on the skin and wait at least an hour.
DEET – chemical deterrence: advantages and disadvantages
DEET is the name of an insect repellent chemical, its full name is N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide. DEET is the active ingredient in various repellants such as lotions, lotions and sprays that you will find in stores and pharmacies. Properly used, they do not pose a health risk – always follow the instructions on the label, especially regarding the child’s age. However, like all substances, DEET can also cause unwanted symptoms in some people:
- irritation, swelling or redness / rash – if left on the skin for a long time,
- vomiting, nausea, or other stomach problems after accidental ingestion
- burning, itching and problems with eyesight – if you accidentally rub your eyes.
We encourage you to listen to the latest episode of the RESET podcast. This time we devote it to epigenetics. What is? How can we influence our genes? Do our elderly grandparents give us a chance for a long and healthy life? What is trauma inheritance and is it possible to somehow oppose this phenomenon? Listen: