Bug off! Natural Mosquito Repellent

Granola girl says:

Popular wisdom holds that you have to use DEET to truly protect yourself against West Nile Virus and other mosquito-carried diseases. But you know I wouldn’t spray myself with N.N-diethyl-m-toluamide!

Read what Duke University Medical Center has to say about DEET.

So, what’s the alternative?

Natural insect repellents such as Repel and Bite Stop provide coverage for a shorter time, but the coverage is safer. It might be worth it to have to reapply a natural repellent when you consider the
possible ramifications of using DEET.

Before you buy any repellents, read this study by the New England Journal of Medicine.

Things to avoid

About.com suggest staying away from the following things that attract mosquitos:

Dark Clothing
Many mosquitoes use vision to locate hosts from a distance. Dark clothes and foliage are initial attractants.

Carbon Dioxide
You give off more carbon dioxide when you are hot or have been exercising. A burning candle or other fire is another source of carbon dioxide.

Lactic Acid
You release more lactic acid when you have been exercising or after eating certain foods (e.g., salty foods, high-potassium foods).

Floral or Fruity Fragrances
In addition to perfumes, hair products, and scented sunscreens, watch for the subtle floral fragrance from fabric softeners and dryer sheets.

Skin Temperature
The exact temperature depends on the type of mosquito. Many mosquitoes are attracted to the slightly cooler temperatures of the extremities.

Moisture
Mosquitoes are attracted by perspiration because of the chemicals it contains and also because it increases the humidity around your body.

Even small amounts of Water (e.g., moist plants or mud puddles) will draw mosquitoes. Standing water also allows mosquitoes to reproduce.

Essential Oils

The site also recommends the following natural oils or ingredients:

• Citronella Oil
• Castor Oil
• Rosemary Oil
• Lemongrass Oil
• Cedar Oil
• Peppermint Oil
• Clove Oil
• Geranium Oil
• Possibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Cinnamon, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic
• Pyrethrum, is an insecticide and comes from the flowers of the daisy Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium.

Deborah Taylor-Hugh has a great article “SHOO FLY, DON'T BOTHER ME!" Natural Mosquito Repellents” on the topic, be sure to read about essential oils as natural repellents. She tells you how to make sprays and or lotions of your own.

With all these choices, you should be able to avoid disease and DEET.