Effective repellents have been used since before recorded history. Romans and Egyptians used the smoke from smudge fires to keep mosquitoes away. The options back then were limited. You now have more choices because of many innovations in the battle against mosquito-borne diseases.
The Types
In this modern time, you can repel mosquitoes by applying lotions and sprays on your skin. You can also light aromatic candles and mosquito coils. There are also vaporizers and incense sticks available. Repellents confuse a mosquito’s senses. They either overstimulate or block the senses of these insects. DEET and other repellents like it work at a molecular level. Scientists still do not know why DEET and other repellents like it keep mosquitoes away.
Testing These Repellents
All effective repellents undergo various tests in both field and in laboratory settings. The tests are necessary to see if and how well they work. Simple tests may involve placing a volunteer’s treated arm into a cage of at least 25 mosquitoes. The volunteer would wait for the first mosquito to bite.
Another test for effective repellents is placing a person and mosquitoes in a slow-flowing wind tunnel. Scientists would place a citronella candle or a repellent device between them. Effective repellents would make mosquitoes fly away. Others would allow mosquitoes to move toward the person.
Ineffective Mosquito Repellents
Many pharmacies and department stores sell mosquito repellent wristbands and watches. They can be made of leather, plastic, or rubber. But these are not effective repellents at all. You wear them on your wrist. Even if they are soaked in repellents, they cannot shield your whole body from bites. Mosquitoes will find other areas away from the wrist to get their blood meal.
Other products that present themselves as effective repellents are ultrasonic devices. They don’t work either. There are plug-ins that are watch-like or free-standing products that promise to release high-frequency sounds. These items are said to keep mosquitoes away by imitating the sound of bats. Scientific evidence shows that these devices are not effective repellents against mosquitoes. Researchers tested them in the lab, and the results showed an increase in the wearer’s attractiveness to mosquitoes.
Some manufacturers claim that dietary supplements, such as garlic and vitamin B, repel mosquitoes. But these substances are not effective repellents. It’s the same with light-based devices like colored light bulbs. The yellow light does not attract mosquitoes. But they are effective on stink bugs, moths, and beetles.
Effective Mosquito Repellents
The most effective repellents against mosquitoes are DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, and specific essential oils. If you are interested in using your own mix of essential oils, please note that these oils may cause skin irritation in high amounts. Scientists recommend using repellents that contain DEET in areas with a high incidence of mosquito-borne diseases. Plant-based essential oils are for low-risk areas. But you must reapply them constantly.
Finding the Right Repellent
Below are some tips on how to choose the right repellent:
- Find out how long you will be exposed to insects
- Specify the active ingredient you need
- Know the target
- Determine the period of protection
Effective Natural Mosquito Repelling Methods
Here are some naturally effective repelling techniques to consider:
- Use essential oils (oil of lemon eucalyptus, geranium, or lemongrass) to relieve mosquito bites. Doing so can prevent future bites.
- Surround your home with mosquito repellent plants (lemon balm, lavender, and marigold are good examples)
- Use strong outdoor and indoor fans. They prevent mosquitoes from landing on you.
- Clean out gutters and pour out stagnant water. Always keep the shed and patio clean.
- Cover water storage containers. Empty your plant pot trays.
- Use citriodiol spray. It makes you unappetizing to mosquitoes.
- Invest in a mosquito net. Treat it with a natural mosquito repellent before using.
- Dry out your used coffee grounds and then burn them. This method is effective and environmentally friendly.
- Install your very own bat box. These flying mammals can swallow 600 mosquitoes in one hour.
- Make homemade mosquito repellents. You can find DIY repellent recipes online.
Effective repellents against mosquitoes can save you and your household from mosquito-borne diseases. Finding the ones that fit your budget and needs is worth your time and money. Preventing bites is better than treating them.