Natural Mosquito Repellent

In most instances, mosquito bites are primarily annoyances, but, given the possibility of the spread of West Nile Virus, they can also be dangerous.  DEET, a chemical formulated by the U.S. army to protect its soldiers from insects in tropical areas during warfare, is a highly effective repellent that has been commonly used by civilians since the 1960’s.  However, many people have sensitivities to this chemical, and some studies have indicated it may be a weak neurotoxin.  Fortunately, it may not be necessary to weigh the potential side effects and decide if using a DEET-based mosquito repellent is worth it.  Lemon eucalyptus oil, a natural, plant-based insect repellent, has been proven highly effective against mosquitoes.

Lemon eucalyptus oil, derived from eucalyptus leaves, is frequently featured in natural mosquito repellents.  It has been approved as effective and safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is recommended by the CDC as a means to prevent West Nile infection.  One brand containing lemon eucalyptus oil, Repel, has been tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be more effective than mosquito repellents containing the low concentrations of DEET (about 7% DEET) deemed safe for children.  While higher concentrations of DEET are more effective against mosquitoes, they’re also more likely to cause negative health effects, especially in sensitive individuals.  Therefore, lemon eucalyptus oil, which is proven more effective than insect repellents containing lower concentrations of DEET, might be a better choice for people sensitive to DEET or children.  Lemon eucalyptus oil based insect repellents can be found where other repellents are sold, and they are comparable in price.  Some consumers have found lemon eucalyptus oil to have a noxious smell, but “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”; others might like the tangy smell, finding it reminiscent of the hundreds of other plant-derived oils used in incense and perfume.  In situations calling for bug spray– when people are out in the open and probably already sweating and slathered in sunscreen– it may not be relevant whether the product’s odor is pleasant or not.

While DEET does have its benefits, many consumers prefer to go the natural route.  If this is your decision, lemon eucalyptus oil, being tested and approved as safe and effective, is a good product to start with.

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