Repel mosquitoes with a eucalyptus-based spray.
Biopesticides, derived from plant, animal or mineral sources, can rival synthetic products to repel pests. Oil of lemon eucalyptus, drawn from the eucalyptus, protects you from mosquitoes when used in a spray or lotion. Does this Spark an idea?
Significance
Oil of lemon eucalyptus is one of three active ingredients the Centers for Disease Control cites as effective protection against mosquitoes. The others are DEET and picaridin. The efficacy of oil of lemon eucalyptus products is comparable to DEET-based products.
Identification
Oil of lemon eucalyptus is derived from the leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus. Used as an insecticide since 1948, it started to be included in mosquito repellent sprays and lotions in 2002. It will not harm humans due to low levels of toxicity, but can irritate eyes and should not be used on children younger than 3 years old.
Time Frame
Repellents with oil of lemon eucalyptus as the active ingredient provide six to eight hours of protection when used at a 20 percent concentration. Some oil of lemon eucalyptus repellents have a 10 percent concentration and provide fewer than six hours of protection.
Warning
The only essential oils the EPA has registered for use against mosquitoes are oil of lemon eucalyptus and oil of citronella. Other oils, marketed as effective, have not been tested. The oil of lemon eucalyptus recommended for mosquito repellent is synthesized; do not use pure oil of lemon eucalyptus, as it has not been tested for safety.
Tags: lemon eucalyptus, against mosquitoes, been tested, derived from, hours protection, percent concentration, when used