DEET, developed by the United States Army in 1946 and approved for general use in 1957, is the active ingredient in most mosquito repellents. Although a 1998 review by the EPA concluded that using DEET has no harmful effects, some consumers would prefer a natural alternative to this synthetic chemical. There are several natural mosquito repellents available in the marketplace. But which products actually get the job done? Let’s explore some of the best natural alternatives to DEET.
Vitamin B
Some say that taking vitamin B supplements on a daily basis will keep mosquitoes away. But scientific evidence shows this to be a myth. Mosquitoes are no more likely to avoid people who take vitamin B capsules than those who do not.
Verdict? It doesn’t work.
Garlic
Because of its potent smell, garlic supposedly has many curative and pest-repellent properties. Garlic may repel vampires but can it repel real-life bloodsuckers? The many garlic-based mosquito repellents on the market claim that it can. There is a plethora of garlic repellent recipes available online for do-it-yourselfers.
But the jury is still out on the effectiveness of garlic as a mosquito repellent. Evidence shows that garlic-based sprays repel a variety of pests from plants. Unfortunately, there are very few scientific studies conducted to see if garlic, whether eaten or applied to the skin, can repel mosquitoes. It’s possible that the strong sulfur compounds in garlic could make mosquitoes (and everyone else) steer clear.
Verdict? It may work in certain circumstances.
Soybean oil
Soybeans are a common food item and their oil can be used to deter mosquitoes. The United States Department of Agriculture researchers found that repellents based on soybean oil could provide protection from mosquito bites from one to eight hours.
Verdict? It works.
Citronella oil
Citronella oil derived from aromatic grasses produces a pleasant smell. Apart from this. the evidence suggests that it doesn’t repel mosquitoes consistently. One study suggested that citronella oil may be an effective repellent – for 20 minutes. Depending on the mosquito species and the type of citronella-based repellent used, other study results have ranged from no effect to a repellent effect that lasted five hours.
In addition, bracelets and patches infused with citronella are often promoted as mosquito repellents. It is unlikely that the amount of citronella in bracelets is enough to repel mosquitoes.
There is some evidence that burning citronella candles can help hide your scent from mosquitoes.
Citronella oil is often used in citronella candles and tiki torches. It’s believed the scent of the citronella dispersed by the candles will inhibit the mosquitoes smell sensors and they will be unable to track you down. I wouldn’t suggest using candles and torches as your primary source for mosquito repelling. Even so, they can add a festive touch to your outdoor activities and might provide limited relief from mosquito bites.
Verdict? May work in certain circumstances.
Catnip oil
Felines appreciate the smell of catnip, but a 2001 study found that mosquitoes don’t. Nepetalactone, the catnip compound responsible for the plant’s pleasant scent, was ten times more effective as a mosquito repellent than similar concentrations of DEET. Since 2001, other studies have drawn similar conclusions and many sprays containing nepetalactone, alone or mixed with other repellents, are now available.
DuPont has engineered a catnip formulation that exhibits the traits of a commercially effective repellent and has registered the product with the EPA. They’ve collaborated with a company called Entomol to produce a commercial version. However, as of now a commercial product is not available.
There are several versions of essential oils that are available online as well as many sites that provide recipes for making your own repellent with catnip oils. Keep in mind, these internet suppliers do not possess an EPA registration that validates its efficacy. If you are curious to try a catnip based repellent I would recommend this item. It receives high marks for effectiveness from consumers who have used it. Take precautions with using any essential oils on your skin as there are no long-term studies for potential medical side effects.
Verdict? It may work in certain circumstances.
Lemon eucalyptus oil
The best natural alternative option to DEET?
Finally, lemon eucalyptus oil is the only truly natural, or “biopesticide” mosquito repellent recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Derived from leaves and twigs of the lemon eucalyptus tree, lemon eucalyptus oil has a naturally pleasant scent. Furthermore, the active ingredient, cineole, also repels ticks and other insects. Studies have shown lemon eucalyptus oil to be as effective as low concentrations of DEET in repelling mosquitoes for a minimum of seven hours. You can use oil of lemon eucalyptus-based products on children 3 years and older.
A 2002 Study showed that eucalyptus based repellents were effective against the malaria carrying Anopheles mosquito. The test pitted three natural repellents (1 eucalyptus based, 1 neem based, and 1 containing several repellent essential oils) to one containing 15% deet. The eucalyptus-based repellent containing 30% p-menthane-diol applied in a typical dose gave 96.89% protection for 4 hours while the DEET formula gave 84.81% protection. The other 2 products did not provide significant protection from mosquito bites.
Verdict? It works.
In conclusion
There’s no concrete evidence that DEET-based mosquito repellents are harmful. Nevertheless, there are effective natural alternatives to DEET for those who wish to avoid synthetic chemicals. Soybean oil or catnip oil will repel mosquitoes. But, the majority of studies concluded that lemon eucalyptus oil was a safe and the best natural alternative to DEET.
For more tips for preventing mosquito bites check out our step by step guide for controlling mosquitoes.