The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved eucalyptus oil as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent. A recent study showed that a mixture of 32 percent lemon eucalyptus oil provided more than 95 percent protection against mosquitoes for three hours.
Do lemons repel mosquitoes?
Flavors. CITRUS: Citrus plants, as well as their crushed leaves and extracts made from them, naturally repel mosquitoes. Oranges, lemons, lavender, basil and catnip naturally produce oils that repel mosquitoes and are generally pleasant to the nose – unless you’re of the feline persuasion.
What insects does lemon eucalyptus repel?
Oil of lemon eucalyptus is the only plant-based active ingredient recommended by the CDC. Derived from oil obtained from the leaves of the Eucalyptus citriodora tree, this active ingredient repels mosquitoes and deer ticks for up to six hours.
Is eucalyptus oil mosquito repellent?
Using lemon eucalyptus oil for mosquito control works because of compounds like citronellal and p-methane 3,8-diol (PMD) present in this essential oil. Make sure you use only processed and purified lemon eucalyptus essential oil for your homemade mosquito repellent spray as PMD is present in it in trace amounts only.
How does lemon eucalyptus oil repel mosquitoes?
If you do choose to use lemon eucalyptus essential oil to repel mosquitoes or other bugs, follow the guidelines below:
- Always dilute lemon eucalyptus essential oil in carrier oil before applying it to the skin. …
- Test some diluted lemon eucalyptus essential oil on a small patch of skin before using it on larger areas.
What is the best homemade mosquito repellent?
Read on to see which natural repellents work best.
- Lemon eucalyptus oil. Used since the 1940s, lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the more well-known natural repellents. …
- Lavender. …
- Cinnamon oil. …
- Thyme oil. …
- Greek catnip oil. …
- Soybean oil. …
- Citronella. …
- Tea tree oil.
Does Vicks Vapor Rub repel mosquitoes?
The smell of the menthol in it will repel the insects away. … You can also rub it on any mosquito bites you may already have and it will relieve the itching.
What bugs does eucalyptus repel?
Scale insects such as aphids, whiteflies, mites, and earwigs are killed on contact with eucalyptus oil, says Pest Brigade. For these pests, combine 1 teaspoon eucalyptus oil with 1/2 teaspoon liquid hand dish detergent and 2 cups water. Shake well in a spray bottle and apply to plants.
Is Repel Lemon Eucalyptus safe?
Lemon eucalyptus oil is safe for most adults when applied to the skin as a mosquito repellent. Some people might have a skin reaction to the oil. Lemon eucalyptus oil is UNSAFE to take by mouth.
Do mosquitoes like eucalyptus?
EUCALYPTUS. Similar to citronella, eucalyptus has a powerful smell that interferes with mosquitoes’ delicate senses and can make it difficult for them to locate their food sources. The oil from these trees also repels other insects such as ticks, midges and sandflies.
How do you make eucalyptus mosquito repellent?
Mix 1 part oil of lemon eucalyptus or lavender essential oil with 10 parts witch hazel in the bottle. (For each drop of oil, use 10 drops of witch hazel.) Shake gently to mix. Spray to apply.
How do you use eucalyptus oil to repel mosquitoes?
Use lemon eucalyptus essential oil to keep mosquitos at bay by adding it to a spray bottle with water and spraying it when you want to keep mosquitos away. Alternatively, add a few drops to a diffuser or dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the skin.