Homemade Mosquito Repellent vs. Vampiric Pest Nature.

When both hot and rainy summertime comes, this happiness may be clouded by mosquitoes and their itchy bites.

Today, the pest control industry is offering tons of various solutions: from confusing mosquito's sensor candles to professional mosquito magnets.

However, each of them should be selected individually and used for good.

If you ask which method eliminates mosquitoes once and for all, the expert answer will be 'to kill every mosquito in an area'.

Only in this case, there won't be any more eggs laid.

To do this, you may have wanted the ideal mosquito trap.

Speaking of mosquito repellents, they are just another story.

What's Inside a Mosquito Repellent Bottle?

Actually, there are so many mosquito repellents on the shelves of supermarkets and drugstores, for any taste and budget. But it is useful to know that all of them are not created in a similar way. The effectiveness of majority owes to chemicals.

For example, such chemical of choice as DEET has been protecting the public since 1957. No wonder, why it is considered the most effective repellent on the market. Most formulas contain 10-30% of DEET, due to which their wearers are protected for up to 5 hours, the researchers state.

How safe will be a 'coat' of this kind? Well, DEET has a remarkable safety record, if not being overused. The pediatricians even recommend low concentrations of it (10% or less) for infants over 2 months old.

Apart from this well-known chemical, many alternatives are advised as well. Among the best are odorless Picaridin, used worldwide since 1998; and Metofluthrin, approved in 2006 and sold like hotcakes. For all those who do not want any chemical-based repellents, there is always a time-honored homemade mosquito repellent.

Homemade Mosquito Repellents, or 5 Natural Ways to Keep the Insects at Bay

Some people simply do not believe DEET & Co. is safe, preferring to use only natural alternatives. Others may also dislike the odorous and skin irritating commercial products. Indeed, why not get a homemade mosquito repellent if it is found extremely effective by pharmacists internationally?

• The essential oil of herbal catnip is regarded to be 10 times more effective compared to DEET.
• Neem oil, if mixed with coconut oil, is found to be helpful against malaria mosquitoes.
• Eucalyptus, cinnamon, rosemary, castor, cedar, lavender and peppermint oils have excellent repellent properties. Most people place them directly on pulse points.
• Thiamine or Vitamin B1 is another way to deter mosquitoes from biting.
• Garlic, whether consumed or as concentrated oil, works wonders too.

Recipe No.1

Combine the following ingredients in a glass jar and stir to blend. Then dab a few drops on either your skin or clothing:

• 10-25 drops of lavender/peppermint/cajeput/citronella/neem/coriander seed essential oil.
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or 1/4 cup water/organic apple cider vinegar.
• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel (it is optional).