Citrus-scented lotion provides some protection from mosquitoes.
Some plants have repellent properties and can effectively keep mosquitoes away. Generally, citrus mosquito repellents have low mammalian toxicity, but provide only short-term protection. Several repellent products use extracts from citrus plants as active ingredients. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
People use essential oils of citrus plants as mosquito repellents. Extracts from citrus oil such as limonene and linalool also work as repellents. They increase the sensory nerve activity of mosquitoes, causing lack of coordination, convulsions and paralysis.
Efficacy
Citrus plants don't have any significant repellent effects, but citrus-scented essential oils and lotions provide short-term protection against mosquitoes. However, repellents that use citrus oils tend to work less effectively compared to DEET.
Fun Fact
Crested auklets in Bering Sea islands release a pungent citrus odor to repel mosquitoes. Scientists tested a synthetic version of the seabirds' citrus-smelling substance and found it to effectively keep mosquitoes away, even at a 1 percent concentration.
Tags: citrus plants, effectively keep, effectively keep mosquitoes, essential oils, from citrus, keep mosquitoes