Natural Mosquito Repellents That Work and Which Ones Are Rip-Offs!

Most think it is not good or healthy to judge.  It creates negative energy and is a waste of time.  But in this case, it is necessary because mosquitoes STINK!  Sure, they have their place in the ecosystem, and it’s not like we want them all to die.  But, it would be nice if they didn’t swarm us, bite us, and cause us to itch from head to toe!  If you are one of the unlucky people mosquitoes love, but don’t want to use harmful chemicals to keep them away, here is something all natural you can use that actually works…

According to Science Daily, “Researchers report that nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents.”

Researchers put groups of 20 mosquitoes in a two-foot glass tube, half of which was treated with nepetalactone.  After 10 minutes, only an average of 20 percent, about 4 mosquitoes, remained on the side of the tube treated with a high dose (1.0 percent) of the oil. In the low-dose test (0.1 percent) with nepetalactone, an average of 25 percent, 5 mosquitoes, stayed on the treated side. The same tests with DEET (diethyl-m-toluamide) resulted in approximately 40 percent to 45 percent of mosquitoes remaining on the treated side.  At the time of the article, no animal or human tests were scheduled for nepetalactone; therefore, it could not be stated that it is safe for people.  You may want to be on the lookout for research about this in the near future.

In the mean time, here is a list of natural products that repel mosquitoes: Citronella Oil, Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Castor Oil, Rosemary Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Cedar Oil, Peppermint Oil, Clove Oil, Geranium Oil and possibly oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic.  Here’s one important point:  Just because something is “natural” does not mean it is safe.  This is a BIG misunderstanding a lot of people have.  For example, rattlesnake venom is all natural, as is poison ivy.  Be very careful what you rub on your skin or ingest regardless of it being “all-natural” or synthetic.

Tags: mosquitoes, nepetalactone