Why is an insect repellent important when travelling?
Taking a trip with friends in the height of summer and forgetting mosquito repellent is not something most people are in a hurry to repeat. Whether you’re camping, hiking through dense vegetation or just living in a humid location, repellent can be the difference between having a great time and an itchy night’s sleep.
Natural insect repellent is a great way to protect yourself from creepy crawlies if you don’t want a chemical-heavy solution. Preventing a bite also stops you catching anything nasty that insects like mosquitoes carry. Be prepared for your next getaway and take a look at our list of the best natural mosquito repellent remedies.
What is the best natural mosquito repellent?
Citronella
Unlike Deet, the chemical used in most factory-produced mosquito repellent, Citronella oil has a beautiful floral smell that won’t leave you reeling. It’s one of the most well-known natural bug repellents and is highly effective. It has been in use since 1948 and is one of the only natural bug repellent solutions that is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States.
Research conducted in a laboratory setting concluded that topical application of Citronella could be 100% effective against several variations of mosquito for up to two hours. However, be aware that this natural bug spray evaporates quicker than Deet so doesn’t have the longevity and high concentrations can cause skin irritation.
Thyme
Next time you are on the hunt for one of the best natural mosquito repellent remedies, simply open your spice rack. The humble herb, Thyme, is excellent for short-term protection against mosquito bites.
Studies have shown it to be effective against malaria, filarial, and yellow fever carriers for periods between one and three hours. You’ll need to concentrate it down into oil form, which can be done very easily by just sun drying thyme and then heating it up in a pan. For best results, add other ingredients like edible oils and vanillin.
Cloves
The aromatic flower is used in a variety of baking recipes but has been a staple of Asia and South American medicine for a long time. Typically, it is used to manage pain, and when ground up, it works excellent for toothache and headaches.
Cloves also make for a great homemade insect repellent. Cloves essential oils mixed with coconut oil have been shown to protect against mosquito stings for up to 96 minutes. If you already have a bite, you could try using the powdered cloves to reduce pain symptoms.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass has a whole host of uses that range from being used as a medicine to treat stomach ache and digestion issues, to tasting delicious in teas and Asian food. Lemongrass essential oil is a good option for a natural mosquito repellent.
It works best as a natural mosquito repellent when combined with olive oil. A 2015 study found that it provides 98.8% protection for up to 170 minutes when applied to the forearm of volunteers. Other research has shown that it could also be used as an effective repellent against stable flies.
Peppermint
Not only does it taste delicious in tea, but peppermint can be used as a homemade mosquito repellent when used as an oil. Research from 2011, showed that it could be useful for up to three hours on its own or eight hours when combined with vanillin. The data showed that mint oil was nearly 100% effective at stopping disease-causing mosquitoes. It also works against bugs and other insects.
Although, another study in the same paper found Japanese mint to be just 41% effective at preventing bites. Also, there has been conflicting evidence on its longevity with some other sources saying it lasts only 45 minutes.
Basil
Take a break from cooking your Italian dishes and instead use the basil as a mosquito repellent. A 2017 paper found that basil is an excellent natural insect repellent and is 100% effective for up to two hours on adult mosquitoes. Over the three-hour test, only two bites occurred which came after the two-hour mark. It was used in essential oil form and applied topically to a human arm.
A 2011 review, also found it to be 100% effective against yellow fever mosquitoes for up to 6 hours.
Using any of the natural mosquito repellent remedies discussed is a sure-fire way to keep yourself bite free. It is also worth noting that just because something is listed as a natural mosquito repellent, it doesn’t automatically mean it is safe. As the study concludes, Deet has been rigorously tested and found to be safe for humans. The same robust scrutiny has not been applied to the natural bug repellent solutions, so make sure to read the instructions before using anything new.
