Mosquitos are far from being just a nuisance – they can also transmit various deadly diseases. Some natural repellents may be beneficial in protecting people from mosquito bites if they seek alternatives to synthetic repellents. These items are also less hazardous to both humans and the environment. There are many ways of preventing mosquitos, but if you already have a mosquito infestation on your property, the best thing you can do is get the help of a professional agency such as Brooks Pest Control.
- Lemon eucalyptus oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil has been used as a natural repellant since the 1940s. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has authorized eucalyptus oil as a mosquito repellent component. A 2014 study found that a 32 percent lemon eucalyptus oil blend offered more than 95 percent mosquito protection for 3 hours.
- Citronella
Citronella is a popular insect repellent. Citronella is initially as effective as DEET in a dose-by-dose comparison. However, because citronella oil evaporates fast, it is only useful for a limited period. Furthermore, excessive citronella concentrations might cause skin irritation. In a laboratory context, a topical application of 100% citronella can give total protection against three varieties of mosquitos for up to 120 minutes, according to research.
People going to places where mosquitos spread illnesses may choose to use a synthetic repellent that is more efficient than citronella. Citronella candles and essential oils can be purchased online or at select shops.
- Lavender
Crushed lavender blossoms emit a fragrant oil that repels mosquitos. A 2002 animal research on hairless mice discovered that lavender oil efficiently repels adult mosquitoes. Lavender possesses antifungal, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. This implies that it can relax and soothe the skin and avoid mosquito bites.
- Clove
Many people use cloves in baking alongside cinnamon or as a fragrant accent to lemon and sugar cocktails. Cloves, however, may help avoid annoying mosquito bites.
In a 2013 study, researchers combined clove essential oil with olive and coconut oil bases, which participants applied to their skin topically. For up to 96 minutes, the clove oil mixes protected against yellow fever mosquitos. Another study implies that methyl eugenol, a component of cloves, may be carcinogenic. However, these assertions require further investigation.
- Cinnamon oil
Cinnamon is more than simply a delicious addition to applesauce or cereal. According to a Taiwanese study, cinnamon oil can destroy mosquito eggs. It may also repel adult mosquitos, most notably the Asian tiger mosquito.
- Peppermint
Another natural mosquito repellent is peppermint oil. A 2011 analysis showed that high doses of peppermint essential oil are beneficial, but no data on lower concentrations could be found.
