How to repel mosquitoes naturally?
MOSQUITOES, FORGET ABOUT THE CHEMICALS PRODUCTS!
Mosquitoes are one of our (rare) summer nightmares: on the terrace during a dinner with friends, during hot nights, on holiday in a tent... they are everywhere! We have only one idea in mind: to keep them away from our home, our fragile skin or children skin, and for good! Unfortunately, even today, the insect repellent market is still monopolized by chemical products: 80% of the market!
Most repellents contain highly chemical substances (DEET, IR35/35, Icaridine or KB3023) which are not insignificant (irritations, neurotoxicity...). Moreover, they are probably not as effective as we thought and hoped! Indeed, English researchers* have shown that if Aedes eagypti, a very widespread mosquito, is repelled during its first contact with a DEET-based repellent, only three short hours later, it does not seem to be bothered by it at all.
According to the English researchers, this sudden disregard could perhaps be explained by a decrease in the sensitivity of the olfactory receptors located on its antennae. As if the mosquito was getting used to the smell, thus making the insecticide completely ineffective. A discovery that once again raises the limits of chemical insecticides. The solution? Use natural plant-based insect repellents such as ones that contain oil of Java lemongrass, geranium and lemon eucalyptus.
MOSQUITO REPELLENT
To keep mosquitoes at bay Diffuse into the air Java citronella and/or geranium and/or lemon eucalyptus essential oil – must-haves for summer evenings and tropical holidays. 10 drops of essential oil of Java lemongrass + 5 drops of essential oil of geranium + 90 drops (about 3 ml) of essential oil of lemon eucalyptus.
INSECT STING
The spike lavender (its name comes from the asp viper) has always been considered as the anti-venom plant. To cure the sting Apply 3 to 4 drops of essential oil of lavender aspic, three to four times a day. For children, dilute 1 drop of essential oil for 3 drops of calendula vegetable oil.
BEST ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST MOSQUITOES
- Java Citronella
- Lemon Eucalyptus
- Geranium
- Spike Lavender
*English study published in the magazine Plos One (February 2013)
Use plants and Essential Oils with care. Before any use, read the information and precautions for use carefully.
Extracts from 'Aromatherapia' by Isabelle PACCHIONI, Aroma Thera edition, 'Top Santé's Guide '48 Essential Oils which every home needs to be healthy', Anti-Pollution Guide for a Healthy House' by Isabelle PACCHIONI.
