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Next up is my thorough review of the popular Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent. With so many consumers worried about chemical exposure these days, Repel has become a favored pick for mosquito abatement. This is due to the fact that this repellent is regarded by many as somewhat safer than DEET and other chemicals, and is less damaging to gear and people.
This products main ingredient is Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus which is taken from the leaves and twigs of the lemon-scented eucalyptus plant. This extract contains p-menthane-3,8-diol, also known as PMD, has been shown to offer protection against USA based mosquitoes. Although it’s effectiveness is substantiated, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus based repellents with 30% concentration offer about the same protection results as a DEET with only 10% to 15% active ingredient. And, sources claim that it has not yet been tested against mosquitoes which spread Malaria or other diseases found internationally. So for now, alternate repellents are recommended for areas where those diseases are a risk factor.
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent has a pretty strong smell which I would describe as cough drops mixed with citronella. It comes on strong but the odor seems to fade down with time. It is great for use just about anywhere and does not melt plastics like DEET based products do. One important note though; Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent is not for use on children under 3 years of age. So for the the little ones, an alternate product will need to be located.
>> READ MORE: Top Rated Mosquito Repellent Reviews
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent
Pros
- Comparable to low level DEET repellents without the risk of neurological damage.
- Although it is a registered pesticide, it is considered somewhat more natural than traditional chemicals.
- Does not have the hard chemical smell like DEET based repellents.
- Repels deer ticks (those that carry Lyme Disease) for up to 6 hours per the manufacturer.
Features and specifications
- Contains 30% Lemon Eucalyptus (Approx. 65% p-menthane-3,8-diol)
More restrictive than DEET, which should not be applied to children under 2 months of age, Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent must not be used on children under the age of 3. The FDA sets standards and guidelines as to which repellent products may be safely applied to children, and at what levels. Using a pesticide classified repellent, such as Repel, outside of the FDA recommendations can present health concerns and is considered unsafe.
While this product is regarded as much safer than DEET and some other chemicals, it is still a bio-pesticide and must be treated as such. Always follow the recommended dosage and be sure to adhere to all label warnings which at the time of this article, read;
WARNING. Causes substantial but temporary eye injury. Harmful if swallowed. Do not get in eyes. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, or using tobacco. After returning from outdoors, wash product from all exposed skin. Do not allow children to apply this product to themselves. Do not apply to the hands of children. Do not use on children under the age of three years. May cause skin reactions for some people. Discontinue if irritation or rash appears. Do not apply over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
Now with that in mind, if you are like me, most labels appear way scarier than they really are. I usually check out the full label and read reviews posted by others if I am contemplating trying a new repellent or any other chemical based product for that matter. And from what is available online, this product has thousands of mostly positive reviews and ratings. And that is a definite plus in my book.
- Pleasant odor and no risk to plastic or other gear.
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent has an agreeable smell and is far from stunning blast of chemical fragrance usually associated with DEET based products. This one has a slight lemon fragrance for most users, others say that it smells a little like diluted citronella. In either case, it’s pretty easy on the nose.
Another plus to this repellent is that there is no risk that it will destroy valuable gear or other plastics. Many people have already had an unpleasant experience with DEET, which makes them a little leery of using EPA registered bio-pesticides. Never fear, this product does not melt plastic. And as a matter of fact, I am not aware of it melting anything for that matter. So, you should be perfectly fine applying to most surfaces.
REPEL LEMON EUCALYPTUS NATURAL INSECT REPELLENT
[repellemon]
Great For Adults and Kids Over 3 Years of Age
If your kids are older than toddler age, this repellent might make a great addition for your next camping trip, hiking run or just plain outdoor activities. The FDA has given the green-light on this product for all children over the age of 3 and it carries less of the stigma attached to so many DEET based products.
Protects Against Zika and Other Mosquito Borne Viruses
A recent study conducted on 10 popular mosquito repellents found that other products containing lemon eucalyptus shielded mosquitoes for just about as long as picaridin and kept the Aedes mosquitoe (the one the is making national headlines as the ‘Zika Mosquito’) blocked for up to 7 hours. Additionally, Repel outperformed repellents containing the chemical IR3535, found in many repellents.
Key Features
Safe for use on kids over 3 years of age. An additional repellent (at an additional cost) will be needed to protect kids.
Swivel applicator allows for easy application.
Protects against mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus (Aedes mosquitoe).
Does not melt plastics of valuable gear.
Capacity
4 oz. pump spray bottle.
Cons
Can NOT be used on children under 3 years of age. see CDC statement.
Once size fits all 4 oz. container not practical for extended use or families needing extended coverage.
It is classified as a biochemical pesticide.
Isolated reports of skin irritation.
Conclusion
I enjoyed reviewing this Repel product and am rating this product at a 4.0 mainly due to the fact that, while it is an excellent repellent, it fell slightly behind DEET in some studies. Also, some of the issues users had with rashes came into play in my decision making process. I realize no product is perfect, but the whole purpose of my blog is to help find the ultimate repellent that will really provide the blocking capabilities you are searching for, all without harmful side effects. Personally, I have tried the repel and find it to work well for it’s intended purpose. I think it is a solid performer and will definitely protect you against bites for a long time. As for the younger kids, depending on what outdoor activity you are planning, you may wish to go with the best all natural mosquito repellent or one of the harder chemical based insect repellents if mosquito borne diseases are a risk.
>> READ MORE: Best All Natural Mosquito Repellents