Mosquitos can carry diseases
A mosquito bite can produce more than an annoying bump and itch; mosquitoes also carry diseases such as West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Malaria. The most powerful mosquito repellents contain DEET, a chemical that that some people are concerned about using on their skin. Given these facts, many people are looking for an effective, but natural, mosquito repellent. An all natural mosquito repellent with lemon oil is one repellent that is safe and effective.
About Lemon Oil
The lemon oil that is effective as a mosquito repellent doesn't come from lemons; it comes from the lemon eucalyptus plant (Corymbia citriodora). Oil of lemon eucalyptus has been registered with the EPA as an insecticide and miticide since 1947. In 2000, it was registered as a mosquito and deer tick repellent. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is an essential oil extracted from the leaves and twigs of the lemon eucalyptus plant.
Lemon Oil Mosquito Repellent Recipe
The CDC recommends that a mosquito repellent consist of a minimum of 10 percent and a maximum of 50 percent of the active repellent ingredient. The remainder of the repellent will consist of inactive ingredients. If you'd like your repellent to have the consistency of a lotion, you could use a cooking oil such as olive, corn, safflower or canola oil. If you prefer a lighter repellent that isn't greasy, you could use witch hazel or vodka as your inactive ingredient. If you'd like the repellent to be the maximum of 50 percent active ingredient, you'd use 1/2 cup of oil of lemon eucalyptus and 1/2 cup of olive oil (or whichever other inactive ingredient you'd like) to make 1 cup of repellent. Store the repellent in an airtight jar out of the reach of children.
Using Lemon Oil Mosquito Repellent
Although the ingredients in this mosquito repellent are all natural, you should still take precautions when using it. The CDC and EPA specifically state that oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than 3 years old. Apply a thin film of the repellent on exposed skin, avoiding areas near the eyes and mouth. As with all mosquito repellents, don't use it over open cuts or sores or other skin irritations. Make sure to wash thoroughly when you go inside for the day, removing all traces of the repellent from your skin. If you develop a rash or irritation after using the repellent, stop using it and contact your health care provider.
Tags: lemon eucalyptus, carry diseases, eucalyptus plant, inactive ingredient, inactive ingredient like