Natural Anecdotes to Fight the Bite

People are usually prone to mosquito bites due to a combination of scent, light, heat, and humidity. Different species of mosquitos like the ones that carry malaria, prefer bacteria and sweat. Others are attracted to carbon dioxide and certain hand odors. If you are a mosquito magnet, it’s time to break out the DEET. Or, not! DEET products have the potential to cause health and environmental problems. Natural repellents might be a better option, especially for children who are more sensitive. But before you delve into essential oils and homemade remedies, make sure you read the potential risks section at the end of this article. So, go on… take that hike, lounge in the backyard, camp out or throw an After 5 outdoor barbeque. But first, protect yourself.

Lemon eucalyptus oil
Used since the 1940s, The 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 3 hours. DIY – Mix 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil to 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel. Researchers from the University of Florida caution against using the mixture on children under 3 years of age.

Lavender
Crushed lavender flowers produce a fragrance and oil. An animal study on hairless mice found lavender oil to be effective at repelling adult mosquitoes. Lavender has analgesic, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities. DIY – You can grow lavender in an outdoor garden or in indoor planters. Crush the flowers and apply the oil to bite-sensitive areas of the body, such as your ankles and arms. Also drop some lavender oil on a clean cloth and rub it onto the skin.

Cinnamon oil
Cinnamon is more than just a holiday spice. According to a study conducted in Taiwan, it can kill off mosquito eggs and repel against adult mosquitoes, most notably the Asian tiger mosquito. DIY – Mix 1/4 teaspoon (or 24 drops) of oil for every 4 ounces of water. You can spray the fluid onto your skin or clothing, around your home, and onto upholstery or plants. Be careful when applying, as a concentrated dose can irritate your skin.

Thyme oil
Thyme oil is one of the best at providing protection. In one animal study, 5 percent thyme oil applied to the skin of hairless mice provided a 91 percent protection rate. You may also want to throw thyme leaves into a campfire. Research shows that burning thyme leaves offers 85 percent protection for 60 to 90 minutes. DIY – Combine 4 drops of thyme oil to every teaspoon of base oil, such as olive or jojoba oil. For a spray, mix 5 drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water.

Greek catnip oil
Nepeta parnassica, a member of the mint family related to catnip, can ward off mosquitoes. The white and pink flowers grow up to 18 inches, but it’s the extract and oil from the bruised leaves that’s the most valuable. One study found that oil from the plant could repel mosquitoes effectively for two to three hours. Researchers at Iowa State University also found catnip to be 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes.

Soybean oil
According to the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, soybean-based products like Bite Blocker for Kids (2 percent soybean oil) could provide long-lasting protection from mosquitoes. DIY – In addition to soybean oil, you can also add a little lemongrass oil to your home mixture. The combination has been tested to guard against different species of mosquitoes.

Citronella
Citronella is a common natural and effective essential oil that works against mosquitoes. Made from a mix of herbs, it’s an ingredient in many mosquito repellents. When outdoors, citronella candles can provide up to 50 percent extra protection. The formulation of citronella is important to how effective it is. If correctly blended, it’s as effective as DEET and can protect you for up to 2 hours. If the formula isn’t right, citronella can evaporate quickly and leave you unprotected.

Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is a popular essential oil from Australia known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies also suggest that tea tree oil may be an effective insect repellent. Field testing shows that repellents containing tea tree oil are effective against mosquitoes, bush flies, and biting midges.

Geraniol
Geraniol is a type of alcohol used as a fragrance or flavor. It’s from plant oils like citronella, lemongrass, and rose. As an ingredient in mosquito repellent, it’s known to be effective for two to four hours, depending on the species. Keep away from your eyes and try to avoid use if you have sensitive skin. Geraniol may cause eye and skin irritation.

Neem oil
Although neem oil is advertised as a natural alternative, there are mixed results about its effectiveness. A recent study in Ethiopia found that it offered more than 70 percent protection for 3 hours. Neem oil is not approved as a topical repellent because it can cause skin irritation. It’s still best to use DEET when traveling to a country that’s high-risk for mosquito-borne diseases. DIY – Dilute 50 to 100 milliliters of neem oil in water, oil, or lotion. It’s also important to choose extra virgin, cold-pressed neem oil.

Potential Risks & Warnings
Essential oils should never be put on the skin directly. They are always diluted in a carrier oil such as almond oil. The recipe is usually 3 to 5 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil. Essential oils aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It’s possible to buy a faulty product, so always buy from a reputable source. If you are going to be traveling in an area where mosquitos are known to carry diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, or the Zika virus, doctors advise a chemical mosquito repellant to reduce the odds of contracting a dangerous illness. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction from the active ingredients in essential oils. Before you use any new product, spot-test the product on a small section of your skin and wait an hour or two to make sure that hives or burning sensations do not occur.

Reference material taken in part from the following sources: healthline.com and goodhousekeeping.com

back