ESSENTIAL OILS TO BE USED AS REPELLENTS
- TEA TREE (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
- GERANIUM (Pelargonium Capitatum)
- CITRONELLA (Cymbopogon Nardus)
- LAVENDER (Lavandula Hybrida)
- MINT (Mentha Piperita)
- EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus Globulus)
There are those who have tried to adopt a bat, those who have chosen ultrasound as the soundtrack for the summer, those who saturate the air or spread substances of all kinds everywhere.
Mosquito-repellent stoves, mosquito coils and candles are among the most common furnishing elements in Italian gardens. Among the most voted natural there are those who sew a mosquito-repellent hat or there are those who prefer to use Neem oil on the skin. It is completely natural, it guarantees good protection from attack by mosquitoes (even tigers) but gives off an unpleasant smell (a pity that it is not only for mosquitoes!).
But are there natural remedies against mosquitoes, effective and even pleasant? Of course yes!
Some plants and the essential oils extracted from them can be a valid remedy against these annoying insects.
In fact, numerous plants generate scents to attract insects to make them participate in pollination, but others, on the other hand, produce aromatic substances to drive them away: real insect-repellents and even insecticides capable of disturbing their nervous system or their enzymatic processes. These are essential oils, aromatic substances produced by the metabolism of the plant which are found in the form of tiny droplets in the leaves, resins, branches, wood, flowers, roots, peel and which are then extracted from the fresh plant generally with the technique of distillation in steam current.
Essential oils interfere with insects' sensory organs via chemical messages. By sending their "radar" haywire, the mosquitoes are no longer able to find their target ... that is us, so that we can enjoy these beautiful summer evenings without worrying about getting intoxicated!
Preparation
Mix the essential oil with the cream or vegetable oil.
How to use
FOR THE BODY
Essential oils are very concentrated substances and can be irritating if used pure, so it is always good to dilute them in a fatty or hydroalcoholic substance.
They can be added in a vegetable oil (almonds or avocado for example) in a maximum percentage of 7-8% (if your mosquitoes are not very aggressive or if you plan to use the oil also on children it is possible to decrease the amount of essential oils, already using them in a concentration of 5% you get good results.)
Essential oils can also be added in a base cream or used in a hydroalcoholic solution to make mosquito spray at home. Their effectiveness is less durable over time (they are more volatile) but they are certainly very practical! (If you are interested we published a recipe)
Caution!! Essential oils are natural but not harmless. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes and do not apply in case of sun exposure, they can be photo sensitizing.
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
It is possible to use a few drops in the essence burners, create aromatized candles based on beeswax at home or create anti-mosquito sprayers. Just add a mixture of essential oils in a concentration of 3% in the water, shake well before each use and you will have made an excellent anti-bite antidote to be sprayed near the bed or at the windows. And not only that .. it is also excellent for keeping fleas and aphids away from roses and flowers!
And you? Have you experimented with other effective remedies against mosquitoes?
