According to a survey conducted by Consumer Reports, 75 percent of adults in the U.S. are more uneasy about the diseases mosquitoes and ticks carry than they are about the damage chemical repellents may cause to their skin. Most name-brand insect repellents include the chemical DEET, which is bad for you and worse for the environment. However, there are quite a few natural alternatives in the form of essential oils that keep pests away without any potentially hazardous side effects.
Citronella
Citronella oil is composed of different types of lemongrass. Though it can be helpful in warding off mosquitoes and other pests when applied to the skin, citronella’s power is short-lived. The oil form of citronella only repels pests for around 20 minutes. However, citronella candles provide up to 50 percent extra protection for as long as they burn.
Catnip
Research conducted at Iowa State University showed that catnip oil is 10 times more effective than DEET at fighting off mosquitoes. Catnip oil’s protective powers last for two to three hours after application.
Tea Tree
Field research has shown tea tree oil is an effective deterrent against biting midges, bush flies, and mosquitoes. Tea tree oil not only helps prevent bug bites, but it can treat them as well. Mix a few drops of the oil into your face wash to prevent bug bites, or apply directly to affected areas to treat bug bites.
Neem
Recent studies have shown that neem oil can reduce the chance of a mosquito bite by 70 percent for three to four hours. Neem oil mixed with coconut oil was shown to reduce the risk of a mosquito bite by 100 percent over the same period of time.
Lavender
Massage lavender oil into areas of your body that are prone to being bitten, such as ankles and wrists. The smell of the lavender oil drives insects (especially mosquitoes) away. Even more potent than the oil of lavender are the fresh flowers themselves. Crush the petals, and apply the paste to exposed skin.
Thyme
Mix four or five drops of thyme oil with a tablespoon of vegetable oil, and apply to bite-sensitive areas of exposed skin for a 91% reduced risk of mosquito bites. If you are camping, burning thyme leaves will also drive mosquitoes away from the campfire.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon oil is like Kryptonite to mosquitoes. It repels the adult insects while killing the eggs and larvae. Studies have shown cinnamon is better at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. It is also a much safer and healthier alternative.
These oils don’t have to be used one at a time. You can make a concoction using several different essential oils mixed with a carrier oil, such as vegetable oil or olive oil. Try a few different combinations and find the blend that works best for you.
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[Source: Daily Herald, Good Housekeeping, Healthline, Time, WebMD, TrendHunter]
