Natural insect repellent is simple to make from essential oils.
Natural insect repellents are a good alternative to use when considering the chemical compounds involved with commercial products. Insects such as mosquitoes are disease carriers, so some sort of repellent is necessary. Nature tends to provide both the problem and the cure, with insects it is no different. Certain plants repel certain bugs. Create your own spray using essential oils and reduce the worry about harm to your health and the environment. Does this Spark an idea?
Citronella
Citronella is the most recognized repellent and is used in commercial products as well. Citronella is a type of grass with coarse, grey green leaves and cane-like stems. The oil that is distilled from the plant itself is highly aromatic and well documented in repelling mosquitoes. The effectiveness of the citronella is not only from the scent of the oil, it's properties make mosquitoes incapable of detecting carbon dioxide, which is how they locate a host to bite.
Tea Tree
Tea Tree is a pungent oil with antiseptic properties. Effective for repelling mosquitoes, it also works to repel ants and lice, and can aid in the removal of ticks. A very strong oil, this should be used sparingly. It can be applied to insect bites as an antiseptic. Tea Tree is an excellent essential oil to carry both as insect repellent and as part of a natural first aid kit.
Lavender
Any pungent oil that has a strong scent can help to reduce the mosquitoes' ability to detect carbon dioxide molecules and find you. Lavender is excellent as a mosquito repellent. You can rub it on the skin either in pure form or diluted.
Tags: carbon dioxide, commercial products, essential oils, insect repellent, Natural insect