Summer provides amazing opportunities for spending quality time outdoor and having fun in the sun. As enjoyable as such activities may be, there’s one major annoyance to take care of – mosquitoes. Mosquito bites are incredibly irritating, not to mention the fact that certain health risks are associated with them.
Using a repellent is one of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away from yourself and your family. The market offers a wide array of options but chances are that you’re looking for something free from chemicals and synthetics. A natural mosquito repellent is an incredibly good idea because it will get the job done without causing skin irritation and other issues.
What’s the best natural mosquito repellent and what does it take to sort through the market options? The following guide will acquaint you with some of the best products, as well as the advantages of opting for a natural mosquito repelling option.
The Main Benefits of Repelling Mosquitoes Naturally
With so many products to choose among, it’s possible to feel a bit overwhelmed. There are so many insect repellents out there, why should you go the natural route? Even if you decide to do so, which natural product is the most potent one? This guide will provide the answers to all of your questions.
There are several reasons why natural insect repellents, particularly the ones targeting mosquitoes, are superior to chemical-filled sprays and creams.
Standard insect repellents rely on harsh chemicals that create a barrier against bugs. Most of them feature N,N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, a substance that’s called DEET for short. DEET repels a wide array of insects but it may have an adverse neurological effect, clinical studies suggest. Researchers also believe that DEET could potentially interact with other ingredients in a mosquito repellent and become more toxic.
Reports of systemic DEET reactions have been published in numerous journals. Repeated cutaneous (skin exposure) to DEET may potentially lead to seizures and behavioral changes, especially when children undergo such repeat exposure.
Apart from being a whole lot safer, natural mosquito repellents are also highly effective.
Studies suggest that some natural repellents that contain well-known ingredients are more effective than the ones filled with chemicals. Obviously, the composition of the product will be determining for the insect repelling effect. When the right formula is picked, you can enjoy reliable protection that will last for hours.
It may seem surprising but research suggests that some soy-based insect repellents work more effectively than the products that feature a low concentration of DEET.
Natural insect repellents are ideal for individuals who have sensitive skin and can’t afford to spray synthetics on it. Since many of these products are based on essential oils, they have a delicious scent. The essential oils have also been linked to an array of health benefits. Thus, apart from making your skin smell good, natural repellents could also produce an array of additional health benefits.
Are Natural Mosquito Repellents Suitable for Everyone?
Some people haven’t given natural repellents a try yet because they’re not certain whether such products are right for just about everyone.
Natural insect repellents are perfect for the people who have sensitive skin and the individuals suffering from dermatological conditions. In fact, many of the natural insect repellent options don’t have to be applied on the skin. As such, they’re ideal for kids, allergy sufferers and individuals that have conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Some may wonder whether natural insect repellents are safe for individuals who suffer from respiratory problems like asthma. The answer is “yes.”
As the name indicates, such repellents are free from chemicals and artificial fragrances. They may feature essential oils or plant extracts. While aromatic, these ingredients are completely natural and non-irritating. Their scent is really gentle, which is why they don’t cause irritation in people that suffer from respiratory disorders.
Natural insect repellents are also safe for babies and pregnant women. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents should not use DEET-containing products on babies. These should be used with caution on older children. The use of DEET with sunscreen is also a bad idea because the chemical lessens the effectiveness of the SPF. Thus, opting for a natural product that’s based on essential oils (or that doesn’t come in contact with the skin at all) is a much better idea.
Now that you’re familiar with the most important advantages and characteristics of choosing a natural repellent, let’s take a look at some of the best products out there. These will guarantee a mosquito-free summer and a lot of enjoyable outdoor time.
Anti-Mosquito Candles
Mosquito repellent candles look good, they smell good and they keep the insects away. If you’re looking for a decorative item that has a practical purpose, this natural mosquito repellent option will be the right one for you.
As already mentioned in the previous section of the guide, many natural repellents rely on essential oils that keep the insects away. This is true for the candles.
Mosquito repellent candles are free from chemicals and toxins. When lit, they emit a gentle scent that people find pleasant but that mosquitoes can’t go anywhere near. Depending on the size and the type of the candle, it can be particularly long-lived. Some of the best products out there have a life of up to 88 hours.
There’s one more benefit of opting for a candle – there are several possibilities to choose among.
The essential oils that deliver the best results in terms of getting rid of mosquitoes include eucalyptus, lemongrass and lavender. The candles are soy-based and free from DEET. They don’t contain pesticides and insecticides, providing a completely natural solution.
On top of being incredibly long lived, mosquito repellent candles are also reasonably priced. If you’re looking for a natural solution on a budget, you’ll be happy with the benefits this one brings to the table.
Mosquito Repellent Plants
The flowers and decorative plants in your garden could be offering reliable protection against mosquitoes and other insects. By purchasing certain kinds of plants and adding them to your garden, you’ll be making sure that insects keep a distance from your home.
Many plants can be used as a form of natural mosquito repellent.
Most of the plants that can be used for the purpose are aromatic. Their scent is once again the feature that will keep insects away. The plants come with an added bonus – they’re very easy to grow and they don’t require a lot of complex maintenance.
There are several plants out there that will do a much better job than others.
Citronella geranium can create one of the most potent barriers against insects. While it requires a lot of sunlight, the geranium can also thrive in partial shade. It’s a tall plant that can reach a height of up to 48 inches, creating a natural wall against pesky little “intruders.”
Lemongrass is another ideal garden additive. The decorative appearance of lemongrass makes it popular among garden owners, plus it’s easy to grow. Lemongrass isn’t a demanding plant and it requires more or less the same care as the citronella geranium.
Both of the plants have a citrus-like, zingy scent that insects can’t stand. When they are cut or the leaves are bruised, some of the essential oil will be let out of the plant. Spreading in the air, this essential oil will create a zone that insects will not come anywhere near.
It’s very easy to protect yourself against insects by planting the right species in your garden. When passing by, you can simply rub a leaf between your fingers to release the scent. Plant the species strategically close to the areas where your family spends the most time. It’s also possible to cut some of the leaves and add them to the floral arrangement on the table. This way, you’ll make sure that no mosquitoes are in sight while you’re enjoying an outdoor dinner.
Apart from the two options already mentioned, there are various other plants you can grow for the purpose of repelling mosquitoes. Lavender, thyme and lantana are just a few of the aromatic options to explore.
The good news is that the mosquito repellent plants have become very easy to purchase. All that you have to do is decide about the garden arrangement and the number of plants you’re going to need before placing an order.
Tips and Suggestions for Repelling Mosquitoes Naturally
Now that you’re familiar with some of the best natural mosquito repellents out there, it’s time to explore the best ways to make use of such products.
When growing a garden, be strategic about it. Choose the plants that will look good and that will offer you reliable protection. Lantana, for example, isn’t the perfect plant for all gardens. Some of the varieties produce a berry that’s poisonous. People who have young kids and pets will need to be careful with this plant. Picking the berries before they’ve ripened and throwing them away in a secure place is a good idea.
A smart idea would be to create an herb garden close to your deck. Lemongrass, thyme and lavender are popular herbs on top of being aromatic insect repellents. They can be used in cooking, the preparation of herbal teas and infusions. By opting for such plants, you’ll be accomplishing two goals simultaneously.
Plants can also be used throughout the house to give you peaceful evening hours without the mosquito buzz. All that you have to do is grow the right plants in containers and place them strategically in the living room, kitchen and bedrooms. Most of the mosquito repellent plants mentioned already can be grown in a container.
As already mentioned, some of the plants contain potent essential oils. To get the best possible protection against mosquitoes and other insects, you can cut a leaf and rub it on exposed body parts. Your body will be protected throughout the evening and you’ll enjoy the fresh, natural scent of the respective herb.
Plants are also completely safe for kids to play with. Teach them about the mosquito repelling properties from an early age. Show young children how to cut leaves and create aromatic herbal bouquets with them. Such activities can be both educational and incredibly entertaining for little ones.
When it comes to using candles for the purpose of getting rid of mosquitoes, there isn’t a lot you’ll need to do. The only consideration is determining the number of candles you’re going to use. The selection will depend entirely on the size of the area that you want to keep protected. It’s also a good idea to purchase a few candles for indoor and outdoor use. A couple of those scattered throughout the house and on the porch will be sufficient to create mosquito-free zone.
Final Verdict: Is Natural Better
If you do a bit of online research, you’ll come across the ongoing debate about whether getting rid of mosquitoes naturally is a good idea. The truth of the matter is that the answer depends on the quality of the insect repellent you’ve chosen.
Some natural repellents prove to be much less effective than products that feature DEET. Others will have to be applied multiple times in order to give you a sustainable outcome.
Opting for a product that features a high concentration of a bug repelling essential oil is the smartest idea. The concentration of the active ingredient is the one that will give your family hours of mosquito-free fun.
Growing your own candle and using candles are both simple possibilities that you’ll get to love. Many other people have tested these approaches already and they swear by the effectiveness. Designing the right garden and buying a sufficient number of candles will simply be required to get good results.
Repellents with essential oils from plants and soy-based candles are as powerful as DEET-containing products. Don’t hesitate to make the switch and try them out on your own. This is particularly important for families that have young children and people who want to reduce the risk of toxic exposure stemming from the extensive use of chemicals.