Herbal mosquito repellents utilize natural plant ingredients to discourage the pests.
Insects are often an annoyance and a nuisance, but some are more than that. Mosquitoes, for example, potentially carry diseases. Repellents help to control these insects and protect you from contracting such diseases as West Nile virus. Mosquito repellents are available in varying forms, some of which are herbal and nonchemical. Does this Spark an idea?
Lemon Eucalyptus
A number of commercial products use oil of lemon eucalyptus to provide protection against mosquitoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of products with active ingredients that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved. Oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-Methane-3,8-diol, which is the synthesized version, is on the EPA's list of approved mosquito repellents.
Citronella or Lavender Oil
Repellents with citronella provide protection against insects and mosquitoes for about 20 minutes or less. Products with lavender oil last slightly longer --- approximately 30 minutes or less. Citronella products have the potential to irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions in susceptible people. Neither lavender oil nor citronella should be applied to children 2 years old or younger.
Yard Control
Another option is to use herbal products to repel mosquitoes in the yard. Spraying garlic juice on the foliage in your yard, covering both sides of the leaves, provides a protective barrier against mosquitoes for about two weeks, provided there is no substantial rain. The garlicky smell becomes less noticeable to humans in a few hours; however, mosquitoes, with their highly developed sense of smell, will avoid these areas for a much longer period.
Treatment on Clothing
Permethrin is classified as a contact insecticide, which means that it kills insects that come in direct contact with it. Consequently, it is used only on clothing or other materials and not directly on the skin. Products with permethrin as an active ingredient are used on sleeping bags or tents as an effective mosquito repellent.
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