When you’re spending time outside, whether on an outdoor adventure or just hanging out in your own backyard, you’ll want to make mosquito repellent a top priority. Mosquitoes can carry and transmit a variety of dangerous diseases, so no matter if you choose a conventional repellent or natural mosquito repellent, you can ensure you and your family are protected. While Mosquito Authority is your source for mosquito control around your home, it’s a good idea to have repellents and treatments at your disposal for day-to-day outdoor activities.
The US is home to over 200 types of mosquitoes, with 12 species capable of spreading diseases. West Nile, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus are some of the most common mosquito-borne diseases in US states and territories. Malaria was once common in the US, and while outbreaks have diminished over the past 50 years, still more than 2,000 cases are reported each year.
N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (commonly known as DEET) is widely used to repel mosquitoes and ticks. Since being registered for use by the general public in 1957, an estimated one-third of the US population uses DEET to protect themselves every year. DEET is available in a variety of products, containing levels of the chemical that range from 5% to 99%.
Like other mosquito repellents, DEET works by making it hard for mosquitoes to smell human skin. While DEET is registered with the EPA and currently exists in 120 products, many consumers are seeking all-natural alternatives to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.
People choose all-natural methods for many reasons. For starters, many choose all-natural repellents because they’re effective. All-natural ingredients can help eliminate mystery chemicals (and they’re simple to pronounce). Plus, fewer chemicals mean less environmental impact, making all-natural methods more eco-friendly.
And if you’re looking for all-natural treatments for your property, look to the experts at Mosquito Authority. Our all-natural plant-based solution offers the same protection and guarantee as our conventional solutions and can even help enhance the look of plants in your yard!
What Is a Natural Mosquito Repellent?
Mosquitoes are attracted to humans for several reasons. Commonly accepted and researched theories as to why this is true include their attraction to:
- Radiating strong body odor
- Dark or bold-colored clothing
- Warmer body temperature
- Higher outputs of CO2
Repellents generally aren’t responsible for killing mosquitoes. Rather, they work by making people and pets smell less attractive to mosquitoes, deterring them from biting you.
Natural mosquito repellents are considered natural because they’re made from plants. These all-natural conventional repellent alternatives are often derived from blends of essential oils. Essential oils are typically extracted through distillation, separating the plant compounds from steam or water by using selective boiling and condensation. Some plants require mechanical methods, such as cold pressing, instead of distillation.
As essential oils are highly concentrated, they’re often considered the most effective option for skin protection. You can combine several varieties of oils (like those listed below) along with a carrier to create a mosquito-repelling solution that takes minutes to put together and offers greater protection against mosquitoes and other pests.
All-Natural Mosquito Repellents
Alternative botanical products are a great plant-based solution to harsher chemicals like DEET and have been relied upon to repel mosquitoes for centuries. Some of the same plants ancient humans used to repel mosquitoes remain effective today, as they strongly dislike scents that include citronella, lemon eucalyptus, basil, and garlic.
While all-natural products are just as effective as conventional repellents, they will require more frequent re-application to remain effective. As a rule of thumb, it’s suggested that if you can no longer smell the scent, mosquitoes can smell you.
Let’s take a look at some effective natural mosquito treatments to try:
CITRONELLA
According to research, Citronella, a common solution found in most stores or online, fends off mosquitoes and can provide protection for up to two hours.
LEMON EUCALYPTUS
Lemon eucalyptus is a popular natural alternative to other mosquito-repellent products. Recognized by the CDC as an effective repellent against mosquitoes, lemon eucalyptus oil contains a compound that makes it difficult for mosquitoes to smell human skin odors.
SWEET BASIL
Sweet basil contains four volatile compounds to deter mosquitoes. According to research, when pure sweet basil oil is applied directly to the skin, it proves 100% effective in repelling mosquitoes for 70 minutes.
GARLIC
Garlic’s classically strong odor comes from an amino acid that transforms into allicin when crushed or chopped. Like humans, mosquitoes do not like garlic breath; the resulting powerfully protective sulfur compounds repel mosquitoes.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar is not a mosquito repellent by itself. It’s often combined with essential oils as a carrier to help disperse the oils, and can also be used to treat and lessen the itchiness and irritation that comes with mosquito bites.
PEPPERMINT
Peppermint oil can be effective in deterring mosquitoes, according to research. Extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant, this oil offers protection for up to two and a half hours.
THYME
Thyme can provide 89% to 97% protection against mosquitoes when applied topically as an oil. Burning thyme leaves is another option that offers 85% protection from mosquitoes for up to an hour and a half, according to a 2011 study published by BioMed Central.
Choose Mosquito Authority
If you’re interested in all-natural solutions for all your pest control applications, choose Mosquito Authority. Our professionals employ a thorough four-step process to ensure your property is mosquito- free, all with no hassle to you. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to mosquito control, as we take the time to understand your needs to develop the best course of action for your unique situation.
Our nationwide network of reliable exterminators means we’re likely in your neighborhood and ready to assist. We place great confidence in our natural mosquito deterrent services, enabling us to offer a no-mosquito guarantee with no commitments or contracts. If you’re bothered by mosquitoes in between treatments, all you have to do is call, and we’ll return to your property, reassess the situation, and re-treat if necessary, at no additional cost.
When you’re looking for the best all-natural mosquito control solution, your greatest defense is Mosquito Authority.
Contact us today for more information about natural mosquito repellents from Mosquito Authority and the other services we provide to eradicate pests.