There are many different types of mosquito repellent, and they can make your outdoor adventures more enjoyable. Insect repellent is simply a chemical substance applied topically to the skin, clothes, or other exposed surfaces that discourages mosquitoes from climbing or landing on that surface to enjoy the sun or to lay their eggs. Mosquitoes do not like the sharp components of most insect repellents, so they generally avoid areas that apply to such products. However, some mosquitoes are not deterred by such substances, and that is where many home remedies for mosquito bites come into play. Such alternatives can be just as effective and can save you money in the long run.
One of the oldest and still most effective mosquito repellents is lemon eucalyptus oil. This simple ingredient has proven time again that it works, and for good reason. A natural repellant such as lemon eucalyptus oil consists of a blend of several chemicals, including citronella oil, which kills mosquitoes by producing a pheromone that will attract even more mosquitoes. Mosquitoes do not like the smell of citronella, which is why they avoid areas with the scent.
Other ingredients that may be included in a natural repellent include tea tree oil, and even lavender oil. Each of these ingredients has been found to repel mosquitoes by a different degree. Citronella oil will definitely repel, but tea tree oil has been found to prevent bites and, in cases where the bite was triggered by biting on a previously bitten area, eucalyptus oil has been found to stop mosquitoes from reproducing. These are only two of the hundreds of chemicals that have been found to kill or prevent mosquitoes from biting, but the list is extensive. These natural repellents do not adversely affect humans or animals, and will save you from a lot of suffering and aggravation.
The third, and perhaps most important part of a mosquito repellent are what actually makes up the aerosol. Mosquitoes are attracted to an aerosol and, due to the fact that the insect itself cannot breathe through its skin, they are unable to ingest it. The only way that the aerosol gets into their systems is if the user opens and claps the actuator button on the product. The reason that you need to do this is because the mechanism that allows the product to work is dependent on moisture being present for a small but significant amount of time. Any moisture present in the area that the repellent has been applied will activate the mechanism and cause it to release the aerosol.
Because most of these mosquito repellents contain these same ingredients, a lot of the confusion stems from products that claim to be “natural” or organic when, in fact, they are not. Natural materials such as tea tree oil, citronella oil, and other naturally occurring ingredients are very safe to use. However, since they have natural properties, you can never be certain about the concentration of the active ingredient. With all of the chemical additives found in typical products, there is simply no comparison between natural and organic products.
A mosquito repellent that works effectively uses both of these components in tandem – applying the treatment where mosquitoes hide and working on the skin to keep it dry. The key lies in the combination of the two. If you want an effective treatment and you want results that last, you must always focus on using the best possible treatment with the strongest natural ingredients. This will ensure that you are protected from mosquito bites during any season.
