Hot summer nights are only fun when mosquitoes are not stinging us and having a feast. The sultry sweat, sticky feeling, and constant itching when mosquitoes bite can be really uncomfortable. Here comes Mosquito Repellent.
In the early days, mothers used to instruct their children to return home in the evening as they feared mosquitoes would sting them. This was due to the fear of diseases, like dengue and malaria. However, there is a host of other solutions that allow children to play freely without the fear of mosquitoes anymore.
Citrobug mosquito repellent is one of the many repellents available in the market that help repel mosquitoes and prevent diseases. Let’s dive in and know more about it!
What Is a Mosquito Repellant?
A mosquito repellent is a solution applied on the skin or put on clothes that prevent mosquitoes from sitting on and stinging the skin. Such products prevent many vector-borne diseases and can potentially save lives and sufferings.
The Citrobug repellants should be used during the day or night, as and when required, since mosquitoes (in most cases) are not active during the day.
Are Mosquito Repellents Effective?
Mosquito repellents are very effective in repelling mosquitoes or keeping them from stinging. DEET (discovered in 1944( is a synthetic chemical that is the main component of all major mosquito repellants.
DEET helps activate the olfactory senses of mosquitoes so that they are repelled on their own when they smell because they dislike them. This is the primary working principle of mosquito repellents.
However, such repellents can cause skin irritation and also block the mucous membranes when used in concentrated form.
A thin coat of mosquito repellent from Citrobug in Canada is applied to the exposed skin, and it repels the mosquitoes from stinging and biting.
The next question is, ‘how long do these repellents work?’ The repellants offer protection for a long time without needing to reapplication the repellant.
Repellent patches have been introduced, and they come in various shapes and sizes. You only have to take out one patch and put it on your child’s clothes. It could be anywhere, the shirt or the jeans, and that’s all. It takes the hassle of applying repellant, creams, and oils on the skin away. Plus, there are skin conditions that can cause issues, like rashes in some children with sensitive skin. So, in a way, adults can use this too.
Another good discovery is the mosquito repellent roll-on. It is applied to the children’s clothes and keeps the mosquito away. It has a fragrant smell that is pleasant for the children.
Mosquito repellents are the most effective way to prevent mosquitoes from stinging you and avoid diseases.
What Are the Other Ways to Repel Mosquitoes?
When repellants were not yet officially out, people in older times would apply oil on the skin to avoid mosquito bites. They also avoided going out in the evening, which is not possible to stay at home now. There are ways to avoid it.
Apart from mosquito repellents, there are other ways to keep mosquitoes at bay, like using Citrobug Chasse moustique and enjoying the spring and summer season.
- Cinnamon Oil
It may seem that lavender oil can only be used for the skin and hair, but it is a good mosquito repellent as well. This is because it kills the mosquito’s eggs and is effective in killing adult mosquitoes.
It can easily be found in the market. All you have to do is dilute 24 drops of lavender oil in the water and spray it on your skin, clothes and even around your home but be careful while spraying. Do not use concentrated doses on the skin.
- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon Eucalyptus oil is recognised by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) in America as the most effective ingredient that repels mosquitoes and prevents diseases since the 1940s, a mere 32% of this oil provides 95% protection. It is more than DEET.
You can buy this oil from the market or make your repellent by mixing one part lemon eucalyptus oil with ten parts of witch hazel or sunflower oil. Do not use this mixture on children below three years.
- Neem Oil
The good old neem is used for curing cuts, bruises and colds and is effective as a mosquito repellent as well. Applying neem oil provides 70% protection from mosquitoes for over three hours. To make this a natural repellent, you have to dilute 50-100 millilitres of extra virgin neem oil with water and spray it on your body.
- Citronella
Citronella is the most common and effective mosquito repellent made from a mixture of herbs. It is also an essential oil and the most used ingredient in mosquito repellants. It is as effective as DEET in repelling mosquitoes.
Citronella candles provide more than 50% protection. However, the formula must be correct, otherwise, it will evaporate in two hours, leaving you unprotected.
- Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is a very effective mosquito repellent if it is thrown in a fire outdoors. Thyme leaves offer 90% protection against mosquitoes bites and stings for more than two hours. Imagine what protection it will provide when used on the skin.
To make this mixture, add five drops of this oil in two ounces of water and spray it on your body and let it work its magic and protect you from malaria and other mosquitoes.
- Tea Tree Oil
Melaleuca oil or tea tree oil is a popular essential oil found mostly in Australia and is known for its anti-inflammation properties. Healing properties are found to be effective in killing mosquitoes as well as midges and bush flies. This oil is easily available in the market and can be used on the skin.
- Lavender
When lavender leaves are crushed, they give out a sweet smell and produce oil that can kill mosquitoes. It has antiseptic and antifungal properties that soothe the skin and keeps it calm. It is also effective in repelling mosquitoes.
You can grow lavender at home and crush the leaves and the oil. Use it on your skin in the exposed areas and be safe from mosquitoes while smelling the best.
- Geraniol
Geraniol comes from plants, like citronella and lemongrass, and is a type of alcohol used as a fragrance and flavour. It repels mosquitoes for up to two hours, but it depends on the variety of the plant used.
However, it has one drawback. Due to its alcohol content, do not spray into your eyes, and sometimes it might cause skin irritation. The use of geraniol has to be done carefully.
Conclusion
Mosquito bites and stings can be uncomfortable and cause serious diseases. It is important that we protect ourselves during the spring and summer days and also help children play without any worrying.
Be it mosquito repellent oil or creams, or natural repellant, almost all are effective in repelling mosquitoes. So, it is completely your choice to either go for a cream base or choose an oil. Basically, oils have a better suitability with the skin, meaning, it may not cause as much problem on the skin as a cream will do.