What Makes Mosquitoes Stay Away?
WouterUsing natural mosquito repellents can be a great way to avoid mosquito bites. Some are known to be effective for up to 2 hours.
In addition to these natural repellents, you can also use a variety of products that contain chemicals. Many of these contain DEET, which is an insecticide that is popular for mosquitoes. However, the Environmental Protection Agency has stated that DEET meets safety standards when used properly.
Another common ingredient found in mosquito repellents is allethrin. Although it is effective against mosquitoes, it can be harmful to bees and fish.
Another natural repellent is citronella grass. Citronella is a plant with a very strong smell that mosquitoes hate. If you have a large area where mosquitoes are active, try planting citronella grass.
You can also burn incense made from citronella. Some of these incenses are also available for use indoors. However, the candles must be formulated correctly to be effective.
You can also try using dryer sheets. These dryer sheets contain chemicals that repel other insects. When used on your skin, these dryer sheets can also keep mosquitoes away.
One study has found that catnip oil can keep mosquitoes away for up to two hours. This makes it 10 times more effective than DEET.
Other natural mosquito repellents include basil, lavender, and sage. These plants are grown outdoors, and can be planted in containers as well.
Neem oil is also an effective repellent against mosquitoes. It comes from a tree native to India.
