There's nothing more annoying than the sound of mosquitoes buzzing in your ears in the evening, and the mosquitoes biting all over your body, right? Not only are they annoying, but they also spread diseases like dengue and chikungunya. So there's nothing we can do to avoid these annoying creatures. Many people are a little afraid to use chemical mosquito repellents, especially in homes with small children. So today, let's talk about what natural and safe ways we can use to get rid of these mosquitoes.
Why do mosquitoes bite us?
Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes bite some people more than others? There are several reasons for this. Simply put, mosquitoes come to us for our scent.
- Smell: Mosquitoes are attracted to the scented soaps, perfumes, and sweat we use.
- Clothing color: Mosquitoes prefer dark colors, especially black and blue.
- Body heat: Mosquitoes are easily attracted to our body heat.
A mosquito repellent doesn't kill mosquitoes. It makes them "invisible" to us, or "smelly" to us. So they avoid us and avoid us.
How do you choose the repellent that suits you?
There are many different types of mosquito repellents on the market. Before choosing one, you should consider these things:
- How long have you been outside?
- How many mosquitoes are there where you live?
- Is there a risk of mosquito -borne diseases (like dengue) spreading in your area?
- Are you concerned about what you put on your skin?
Most of the mosquito repellents we see contain chemicals like DEET or Picaridin . However, there are now natural alternatives derived from plants.
If you live in an area where mosquitoes are not a big problem, an herbal mosquito repellent may be a good option. However, if you live in an area with a high mosquito population, such as one with a dengue epidemic, or if you are constantly bitten by mosquitoes , a product containing a higher concentration of DEET or Picaridin will provide the most protection.
It may be a little scary to put these chemicals on your skin. But remember, it's better to be safe than sorry. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), repellents containing DEET and Picaridin are completely safe for children over 2 months of age and adults when used correctly.
What are the best natural mosquito repellents?
If you don't like chemicals, here are some natural alternatives you can try. Some of these are now available in Sri Lanka.
| Natural material | Description and what to know | Protection period (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) | This is a natural, plant-based oil. It has been found to be as effective as DEET at low concentrations. Important: Only buy products labeled as insect repellent (OLE). Do not use those labeled as "Pure essential oil". Not suitable for children under 3 years of age. | Up to 2 hours |
| Geraniol (found in rose oil) | Citronella oil, which we know well in Sri Lanka, contains these. Although it helps repel mosquitoes, the protection is only temporary. It doesn't last as long as other repellents. | Short time |
| Cinnamon Oil | Our cinnamon oil also has the ability to repel mosquitoes, providing protection for a little longer than other natural oils. | Up to 1.5 hours |
| Catnip Oil | This is an oil obtained from the plant Nepeta cataria. | Up to 7 hours |
| IR3535 | This is considered "natural" because it has a structure similar to a naturally occurring chemical. It is contained in some insect repellents. | Up to 2 hours |
Other natural substances that are under research
In addition to this, research is currently being conducted on many other natural substances.
- Fennel
- Thyme
- Clove oil
- Celery extract
- Neem oil
More research is needed to confirm their safety and efficacy.
Importantly, the American Academy of Pediatrics points out that eating garlic or taking vitamin B1 pills does not provide protection from mosquitoes . So don't be fooled by such myths.
There are other ways to avoid mosquitoes!
Besides applying repellent, there are many other things we can do to protect ourselves from mosquitoes.
Cover your body well.
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when you go outside. If possible, tuck your shirt under your pants and your pants under your socks. This will prevent mosquitoes from crawling under your clothes. This is difficult to do in the heat, but it is one of the best ways to avoid mosquitoes without using chemicals.
Use a fan.
Imagine, if you turn on a fan while you're sitting on the porch, that wind makes it difficult for mosquitoes to get close to you. Mosquitoes don't like to come to a place where there's wind.
Eliminate waterlogging areas
This is the most important thing! Mosquitoes lay their eggs and breed in places where there is clean water. Look around your garden for these places:
- Empty buckets, cans
- Coconut shells, plastic wrap
- Unused flower pots
- Garbage can lids
- Rain tracks
Make sure to clean such places. If you have water bowls for birds, change the water once a week. Keep water tanks at home well covered. This is the best and number one step to prevent dengue.
Stay home in the evening and early morning.
Mosquitoes are most active around 6 p.m. after sunset and early in the morning after sunrise. Mosquitoes also bite during the day, but the risk is much higher during these two times.
Be careful when using mosquito repellent.
When using a repellent, follow these safety instructions.
- Do not use products that contain DEET and sunscreen mixed together. This is because you will need to apply the sunscreen more often than the repellent. If you are using both, apply the sunscreen first, then the repellent.
- Do not apply repellent to small children's hands. They may put their hands in their mouths. Have an adult apply repellent to small children.
- Do not apply repellent to areas with skin wounds or scratches.
- Follow the instructions on the product label exactly. Do not overdo it.
- If it's a new product, first do a patch test on a small area of your skin to see if you have an allergy.
- After coming home from outside, wash the areas where you applied the repellent thoroughly with soap.
Take-Home Message
- The most important and best way to avoid mosquitoes is to keep your home and surroundings clean and destroy mosquito breeding sites (places where water accumulates).
- If you are in an area where there is a risk of diseases such as dengue, it is wise to use a more effective repellent such as (DEET) or (Picaridin).
- For general situations, natural options like lemon eucalyptus oil (OLE) or cinnamon oil can provide good protection.
- Read the label carefully and follow the instructions before using any mosquito repellent, especially on children. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) is not suitable for children under 3 years of age.
- If you experience severe itching, redness, or other allergic symptoms after applying mosquito repellent, wash the area immediately and see your doctor .
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