Do Mosquito Repellents Really Work?
Serving Illinois and Indiana
When it comes to mosquito repellents, there’s one big question – chemical or natural? There really isn’t one answer. It depends on several factors: where you are, what activity you’re doing, and who is around you. There are pros and cons for each type of repellent, as well as many myths and preconceived notions about them and their effectiveness. Only you can know for sure which type will work best for you, but it always helps to have facts to back up your decision. Your best chance at keeping mosquitoes away is teaming up with a pest control company who can help administer professional mosquito repellents.
Natural Mosquito Repellents That Work
These have gained traction recently among the eco-conscious as a response to what they see as an overuse of pesticides and other chemicals in the US and around the world. People didn’t have chemical sprays 100 years ago, they argue, so why should we use them now? There are a lot of different methods for repelling mosquitoes naturally, but is natural mosquito repellent effective as professional mosquito repellent is?
Natural mosquito repellents are typically essential oils such as lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon or thyme. The theory is that mosquitoes, which hunt using both sight and smell, won’t want to approach such powerful odors. However, you should never use undiluted essential oils on your skin – for some, it may cause a severe allergic reaction. Instead, these essential oils should be diluted using a mild carrier oil (such as almond or sunflower oil). The key is to find the right balance – three to five drops of essential oil per fluid ounce of carrier oil is suggested. The downside to essential oils as natural repellents is in their effectiveness when compared to professional mosquito repellents.
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Are Professional Mosquito Repellents Safe?
Contrary to what people may think, you’re not just spraying hazardous chemicals on yourself and throwing your life to chance. Each repellent on the market must pass rigorous FDA and EPA standards before it can be sold to the general public. Countless scientific professionals are working to perfect these formulas and strike that previously-mentioned balance between safety and effectiveness.
Of course, when talking about chemical insect repellents, one should mention DEET, or diethyltoluamide. Many common insect repellents contain DEET and are legally required to mark the concentration on the label. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention typically recommends 30 to 50 percent DEET to effectively prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illness. While DEET has been proven safe for human use and is generally considered the most effective mosquito repellent currently out there, it’s not without its downsides and should be used very carefully.
Best Mosquito Repellent for Yard
If you’re still on the fence about which type of repellent to use, you’re not the only one. In addition to natural and professional mosquito repellents, there are several mosquito repellents for your yard that work. Plant citronella grass, lavender, marigolds, and other flora around your property to repel mosquitoes naturally. In addition, eliminate areas of standing or stagnant water, which is where mosquitoes like to lay eggs. Even a tiny spoonful of water is enough to harbor hundreds of baby mosquitoes.
Mosquito Repellents That Work Year-Round
When it comes to preventing mosquito bites, there are a lot of different ways you can go. The consensus seems to be that professional mosquito repellents are the most effective solution, but as always, it depends on your unique situation. Science is still trying to figure out why certain people get bitten more than others, and to find a perfect repellent solution that is safe for both humans and the environment.
With mosquito-borne illnesses on the rise around the world, you shouldn’t wait until you’ve already been bitten to deal with these airborne pests. Call Anderson today to schedule an appointment with one of our pest control professionals.
