Keep annoying mosquitos away from your family with a non toxic repellent.
Enjoy your outdoor space this year without being disturbed by mosquitos. You can keep your family safe from irritating insect bites as well as mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus by utilizing a proven repelling agent. Select a pest repellent that is safe for your children and pets by finding a non toxic alternative to commercial products containing DEET. Does this Spark an idea?
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Select a natural, non-toxic mosquito repellent with lemon eucalyptus oil as the active ingredient. Lemon eucalyptus oil and its synthetic, para methane 3, 8 diol (PMD) are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control as suitable mosquito repellents and may be effective at keeping ticks away as well. Lemon eucalyptus oil is only harmful if ingested in large quantities and should not be used on children under the age of 3. It has been shown to provide up to two hours of protection against mosquitos.
Essential Oils
Some essential oils such as that extracted from peppermint can repel mosquitos.
Popular non-toxic mosquito repellent sprays such as the National Geographic-endorsed Herbal Armor, contain a combination of natural oils reputed to keep biting bugs away. Peppermint oil, lemon balm or lemongrass and citronella oil are often cited as having strong repellent properties against insects, in part because of their strong smells. You can find commercially available repellents with these active ingredients or make your own at home by combining 10 drops essential oil with two tbsp. of vegetable oil and applying to skin as a lotion. These oils are nonirritating but provide a shorter duration of protection against mosquitos than lemon eucalyptus oil, DEET products, or soy repellents.
Garlic
Stock up on garlic to keep the insects away.
Soak strips of cloth in a strong garlic solution and place them around your patio or purchase non-toxic repellents containing garlic as the active ingredient. The naturally sulphurous smell will make mosquitos, black flies, fire ants and fleas avoid you. The strong smell of garlic may be a deterrent for your family, as well.
Soy Based Repellents
Soybeans provide the active ingredient for some effective non toxic repellents.
A 2004 study found that soy based insect repellents provided up to 90 minutes of effective protection against mosquitos. Soybean oil repellents for topical use such as Kids Bit Blocker were shown to be safe. Individuals with allergies to soy should not use any soy based insect repellents.
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