These Natural Mosquito Repellents Will Actually Keep You From Getting Eaten
When I am out in nature, I find it a little odd to spray synthetic chemicals all over my body. Therefore, I always look at “natural” insect repellents when I buy insect spray. Some are legal because they contain EPA-registered ingredients that are effective at repelling insects while still being harmless to the skin. Others are made from pleasant-smelling herbs and wishful thinking.
The Most Important Ingredient In Natural Mosquito Repellent
When buying a natural mosquito repellent, lemon eucalyptus oil is the ingredient you need. (It can also be referred to as p-menthane-3,8-diol or PMD.) It is found in many “natural” insect sprays, is EPA registered, and research shows it provides the same level of protection as conventional insect sprays. DEET sprays. The only drawback is that it is not recommended for children under 3 years of age.
But make sure it’s real stuff. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil may sound similar, but it’s not what you want. If unsure, check the small print EPA registration number on the label.
Avoid sprays that contain only herbal ingredients, such as blends of essential oils, geraniol, and others. They may smell good, but there is no conclusive evidence that they actually work.
If you can’t find a natural repellent (or if you need to apply one to a small child), know that synthetic repellents are not bad for you. DEET is good if you use it as directed (make it spray on your skin and clothes, do not drink). Picaridin may not appear under the label “natural,” but it is similar to the chemical found in black pepper and is safe and effective at repelling mosquitoes. These two, along with lemon eucalyptus oil, consistently outperform other types of repellents in Consumer Reports’ tests . Personally, I pick any of the three and don’t worry about whether the label says “natural” or not.
This article was originally published on April 9, 2019, and was updated in June 2021 to reflect the current style.