Mosquitoes are the worst thing about summer. The tiny insects bite and buzz all the time, and let’s not forget that they transfer malaria, dengue, West Nile virus and other diseases. Researchers have confirmed that you can use essential oils and repellents to keep mosquitoes away from you. According to the CDC, lemon eucalyptus oil is as effective as DEET.
Bug repellents
DEET is an insect repellent that’s commonly added to bug sprays. It doesn’t dissolve in water and has no color. In 1946, the US developed DEET to protect their soldiers in insect-infested areas. DEET was available in 1957.
It’s believed that chemicals in DEET disguise our natural chemicals and bugs can’t detect you.
Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that we use the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents External when buying insect repellents. EPA-registered repellents are effective and safe for use in everyone including pregnant and nursing moms.
The following ingredients are deemed safe:
- DEET
- Picaridin (KBE 3023 and icaridin)
- IR3535
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
Extra options
If you like to use other products, we suggest that you try the following:
- Crushed lavender flowers
- Cinnamon oil
- Thyme oil
- Soybean oil
- Tea tree oil
Dilute essential oils with carrier oils such as almond oil. The FDA doesn’t cover most oils, so make sure you buy your product from trusted sources.
Final words
Find a healthy alternative to your toxin-packed mosquito repellents. Use herbs, spices and pretty much everything that has the power to keep these nasty bugs away from you.
