With the arrival of summer, we often look forward to spending time outdoors, enjoying the sunshine, and the warm weather. However, one frustrating aspect of summer is dealing with the incessant buzzing of mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes are not only an annoyance but also carry diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus.
While there are many mosquito repellents available in the market, some people prefer to use natural ingredients as a safer alternative. Let’s look at some of the most effective mosquito-repelling ingredients found in nature.
1. Citronella
Citronella oil is extracted from the stems and leaves of the citronella plant, which is a type of lemongrass. The aroma of citronella is known to mask or confuse the mosquito’s sense of smell, repelling them effectively.
Citronella candles and lamps are commonly used to keep mosquitoes away from outdoor areas.
Citronella is also used in different formulations such as lotions, sprays, and soaps. It is the active ingredient in many commercially available insect repellents, which are safe to use on humans and pets alike.
2. Lemon Eucalyptus
Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is obtained from the leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora, a plant native to Australia. It has a strong smell, which is unpleasant to mosquitoes.
The active ingredient in lemon eucalyptus oil is called citronellal, which is similar to citronella in its mosquito-repelling properties.
Studies have shown that lemon eucalyptus oil can be as effective as synthetic insect repellents such as DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) in repelling mosquitoes.
It is a natural and safe alternative to DEET-based insect repellents, which are known to have harmful side effects such as skin irritation and allergies.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint is a herb widely used for its medicinal and culinary properties. However, its strong smell also acts as a natural mosquito repellent.
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The oil extracted from the peppermint plant contains compounds such as menthol and limonene, which mosquitoes find repulsive.
Peppermint essential oil can be applied topically, diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil, to repel mosquitoes effectively.
Peppermint oil can also be used to make a DIY mosquito repellent spray, by mixing it with water and spraying it on exposed skin.
4. Lavender
Lavender is a popular essential oil and known for its relaxing and calming benefits. It is also effective in repelling mosquitoes as it contains compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which are toxic to mosquitoes.
The scent of lavender is pleasant to humans but not to mosquitoes. Lavender essential oil can be used in various ways such as applying it topically, using it in a diffuser, or adding it to a mosquito repellent spray.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the tea tree. It is a powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial agent, known for its healing properties. However, its potential as a mosquito repellent has recently been discovered.
A study conducted on the effectiveness of tea tree oil in repelling mosquitoes found that it was almost as effective as DEET in keeping mosquitoes away. Tea tree oil can be used by diluting it with a carrier oil and applying it topically on the skin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various natural ingredients that can be safely used to keep mosquitoes away. Citronella, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil are just a few examples.
However, it is important to test these natural ingredients on a small patch of skin before using them extensively, as some people may have allergic reactions to them.
It is essential to take precautions and protect ourselves from the harmful effects of mosquito bites, by using naturally sourced mosquito repellents such as those found in nature.
