Use Lemon Eucalyptus Oil as an Insect Repellent
Lemon eucalyptus oil, when used in conjunction with other types of insect repellents, offers natural and long-lasting protection from insect bites. Lemon eucalyptus can keep bugs away from you and your loved ones for up to 6 hours per application, which is much longer than other natural ingredients such as citronella oil.
Instructions
1. Use lemon eucalyptus oil as part of an effective insect repellent formula, along with DEET and other natural ingredients, for a longer-lasting product. Lemon eucalyptus oil serves to prolong the protection against insects for as long as 6 hours, which makes it very practical for use while fishing, camping and hiking. You can also dilute pure eucalyptus oil by mixing it with your favorite moisturizing lotion or sunscreen.
2. Purchase an insect repellent containing lemon eucalyptus oil to protect yourself against the West Nile virus, which is carried by mosquitoes. The Center for Disease Control names lemon eucalyptus oil, along with DEET and Picaridin, as among the most effective insect repellents in areas where the West Nile virus has been reported. Pure eucalyptus oil has been shown in studies to be as effective in repelling mosquitoes as commercial products containing up to 15 percent DEET.
3. Apply pure lemon eucalyptus oil to exposed areas of skin before you venture outdoors. Lemon eucalyptus oil is not nearly as greasy as some other types of oils that are commonly used as insect repellents. You might want to apply a small amount of lemon eucalyptus oil to your forearm as a test to determine whether you might have an allergic reaction, such as a rash, before you rub it all over your body.
4. Be cautious in using lemon eucalyptus oil with very young children, since it can cause skin irritations if too much oil is applied. In addition, some children have reported that the vapors from lemon eucalyptus oil can cause dizziness or nausea. Avoid getting lemon eucalyptus oil into cuts and sores as well.
5. Wash your skin thoroughly once you have returned indoors. Use hot water and soap to scrub the lemon eucalyptus oil from your skin. This is especially important with small children, who may accidentally ingest lemon eucalyptus oil by sticking their fingers in their mouths, noses and eyes.
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