Mosquitoes are annoying beings that could make life crazy and unhealthy. From skin irritation to skin diseases, there are many illnesses caused due to mosquitoes. Different mosquito repellent contain different oils essential to drive mosquitoes away.
Most blood-sucking mosquitoes cause irritation, swelling, itchy skin, and more… However, prolonged usage of mosquito repellents can also be bad for the skin. You need something that contains natural oils. For instance, Citronella, Lemongrass, and Neem (also known as Indian Lilac) are common oils that help in the manufacturing of mosquito repellents.
Why do mosquito bite?
Not all mosquitoes crave human blood; most male mosquito survive on flower nectar whereas female mosquito need human blood to fertilize eggs. You cannot hide indoors from these little vampires; they need to be driven away by effective mosquito repellents.
Some trusted manufacturing companies ensure health safety by manufacturing natural oil-based repellents. Before we understand the various types of oils used in mosquito repellents, it would be wise to know why these enjoy a great demand in the market.
Why do mosquito repellents enjoy a great demand?
Protective layer:
These offer a protective cover to the skin that helps prevent any mosquito bites, skin rashes, and itching. The natural oils in most mosquito repellents also make them safe for use. Thus, people can trust some brands in the market and enjoy their living or travel journeys safely.
Prevent diseases:
As we explained earlier, the oils in mosquito repellents safely settle on your skin and help prevent mosquito bites. The female mosquito bites can be more dangerous during summers and rains as the body is dehydrated during summers. Also, the rains see more dirt and mud making it healthy for mosquitoes to breed and highly unhealthy for humans from these mosquito bites. Mosquito repellents can be a life savior in these scenarios.
Healing properties:
If you have already been bitten by a mosquito or any similar small insect, mosquito repellent cream have healing properties to cure bite marks and skin rashes. Gladly some companies manufacture mosquito repellents with moisturizing qualities. Thus, you don’t have to worry about applying different ointments and creams to your body while you travel.
Types of oils used in mosquito repellents:
Mosquito repellents also enjoy a great demand due to their natural and herbal properties. Some are natural, some are synthetic, and then you have companies that produce a combination of both. Let’s understand the various types of oils used in the manufacturing of mosquito repellents.
- Citronella:
Citronella is one of the most common and effective oil used to repel mosquitoes. The repellent is made with a mixture of herbs and Citronella. Most people take citronella candles during their travel journeys as these give you 50 percent of extra protection from mosquitoes.
- Lavender:
Crushed lavender flowers work a great way in crushing the mosquito bites away. The fragrance produced from crushed lavender flowers can drive the mosquitoes crazy. Another best part about using these in mosquito repellent creams or ointments is that lavender is known to have antiseptic and antifungal properties. Thus, these can be safely applied to the skin.
- Basil:
Basil is not just an herb; it is a delicious herb that is used in many recipes as well. Basil oil is known to offer you various benefits other than only driving the mosquito away. By spraying basil oil around the house, you will win in shutting the doors to mosquitoes for a long time. The best part about using basil oil is that it leaves behind an invigorating aroma.
- Bergamot:
Bergamot oil reminds you of something citrus. It has a fruit aroma leaving you and making you feel fresh on its usage. Only a few companies take the opportunity to use the oil in mosquito repellents due to its certain limitations. One major drawback is that the oil reacts to UV light and can cause inflammatory skin issues. Thus, people who are aware of the right consistency and usage prefer to use it at night time.
- Eucalyptus:
Eucalyptus is regarded are one of the most natural mosquito repellents by various research institutes. If you mix just about 30 percent of eucalyptus oil in a mosquito repellent, it will give you 95 percent of protection from mosquitoes for a duration of up to 3 hours!
- Peppermint Oil:
Peppermint oil consists of a good amount of menthol. Thus, it leaves a cooling effect on the skin which is an added advantage during the summer heat. Peppermint is also known to drive the mosquito away.
- Geranium Oil:
Geranium oil contains high levels of geraniol that can keep the mosquito away for at least some time.
- Thyme Oil:
Repellents that contain thyme oil have proved to be very effective in keeping the mosquito away. These offer you 85 percent of protection for about 60 to 90 minutes on each application.
- Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil is one of the most popular oils in Australia. The oil is highly regarded as it contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties. The repellents not only help in repelling the mosquitoes and bush flies, but these oil-based repellents also help in treating mosquito bites and bug bites.
- Neem Oil:
Neem oil is regarded as one of the safest and most effective methods for keeping mosquito away. Repellents with the presence of neem oil can give you 70 percent protection for up to 3 hours from annoying mosquitoes.
- Geraniol:
Geraniol is a kind of alcohol that is found in plants like rose, citronella, and lemongrass. These are mainly used as a flavor or fragrance. You need to keep it away from the eyes as the strong fragrance can cause skin irritation and a burning sensation in the eyes.
- Cinnamon Oil:
Cinnamon is not just an ingredient to use in cooking; it can work great as a mosquito repellent too. This natural oil can kill mosquito eggs and also protect you from adult mosquitoes.
All the above oils are natural and treated safely as mosquito repellents. You need to pick the right one as per your requirement considering the other essential features as well. Do your research well in understanding the various types of brands that manufacture these natural oil-based mosquito repellents.