8 natural repellents to protect your home from mosquitoes

Getting rid of mosquitoes is no easy task. Rain or shine, there they are always interrupting everyone’s life. Repellents are usually the most used alternative in the fight against these small enemies.

But a Duke University study showed that the main ingredient in commercial repellents leaves more than a bad odor. They damage brain cells and can cause behavioral changes, as well as the risk of dangerous interactions with other medications.

Another study also showed that up to 15% of these repellents are usually absorbed through the skin and fall directly into the bloodstream. Among the toxic effects caused are reproductive disorders, mutations of genetic material and disorders of the central nervous system.

For all these reasons, an alternative to getting rid of mosquitoes without suffering long-term health consequences is to choose an effective natural repellent. See some tips:

1 – Cat’s Grass

Catnip, better known as Cat’s Weed, is a medicinal and aromatic plant. Once harvested and dried, it is widely used as a toy stuffing for felines. Research from the University of Iowa in the United States concluded that the essential oil found in the Catnip herb is about 10 times more effective than a traditional repellent.

2 – Citronella

Very used by those who have small children, precisely because it is natural. The tip is to use only the pure essential oil, not the fragrance oil. If the idea is to use the product directly on the skin, look for health food stores. Oils purchased in bulk for burning are not suitable for application to the body.

3 – Garlic

If you eat a lot of fresh garlic, your body will give off a strong garlic aroma, which also repels mosquitoes.

4 – Lavender

Lavender essential oil smells great and is an effective repellent, especially if diluted in another oil like apricot kernel, sweet almond, or coconut oil.

5 – Neem or Neem Seed Oil

According to a study by the US Research Council, this oil is more effective than a traditional repellent. The results were confirmed by scientists at the Malaria Institute of India, as neem is a plant that grows in the country.

6 – Soybean oil

It’s cheap and easy to find. Plus, it’s a great body moisturizer. Another benefit, pointed out in research cited in the Journal of Medicine in England, is that if used in the body, there is an ingredient in soy that slows hair growth. Give preference to organic soy oil, which is not genetically modified.

7 – Lotus

It is not only effective as a repellent, but also helps to kill mosquito larvae. As the lotus grows in water, it is a good choice as a natural repellent in ponds and vases.

8 – Black Pepper

Black pepper oil, according to research, is yet another effective alternative to repel mosquitoes.

General tip:

Mix 30 drops of Catnip, Citronella, Lavender, Neem and Pepper essential oils (six drops of each oil) in about 30ml of an unscented natural oil or moisturizer. Rub a little on the skin before exposing yourself outdoors. Another tip is to mix 30 drops of essential oils into organic soybean oil for extra protection. But always do a skin test at least 24 hours beforehand to make sure you are not sensitive to any of the oils.