What is the most effective mosquito repellent in nature? The best aerosols and folk remedies for mosquitoes

Summer has many charms, but it also has its disadvantages. Among the latter are mosquitoes, which can ruin outdoor recreation and prevent you from sleeping at night. It would seem that getting rid of them is not so difficult - today there are many tools that allow you to do this. However, not all of them are effective. We have reviewed ten mosquito repellents that “work” best.

Aerosols brand Off

The most effective is Off Extreme, however, other mosquito repellents also provide excellent result. Aerosols are easy to apply and have no unpleasant odor and they work very well - they reliably repel not only mosquitoes, but also other insects, including gadflies, horseflies, and midges. The Off effect lasts for several hours.

Off also has its drawbacks - these aerosols are quite expensive. In addition, they are very toxic, and therefore it is better to apply them only to clothing. Off should not be used for children.

Raid Mosquito Plates

Raid is one of the most famous brands of insect repellents and all their products are of very high quality. Raid mosquito repellent plates are intended for home use - they are used in conjunction with a fumigator; one plate lasts for about 12 hours. This product repels insects well, but has no odor at all. Such plates can also be used in rooms where children sleep - they are non-toxic.

Raid mosquito repellent plates are a little more expensive than their analogues, but the effect of their use is higher - they allow you to completely get rid of flying insects in the house.

Ozz spray lotion with aloe and chamomile extracts

This product is designed to protect against mosquitoes and other insects in nature. Ozz is easy to apply, leaves no marks on the skin or clothes, and has a light pleasant scent that is almost unnoticeable. The effect of use lasts about 2-3 hours - that’s exactly what the manufacturer promises. Ozz is good at repelling not only mosquitoes, but also other insects, and it “works” even where there are a lot of mosquitoes. Another advantage of this spray lotion is the price. It is average, despite the fact that the product gives a very good result.

Mosquito lotion "Taiga"

This is very inexpensive, but at the same time very effective remedy. “Taiga” helps not only against mosquitoes, but also against horseflies, gadflies, midges, and other “bloodsuckers.” “Taiga” is easy to apply and has a pronounced but quite acceptable smell. The product lasts about 3 hours and can be used up to three times a day.

This lotion has only one drawback - it cannot be used for children. Otherwise, “Taiga” is an excellent option for protection against mosquitoes in nature.

Chicco baby cream-gel

This product is suitable for protection against mosquitoes both at home and outdoors. The cream-gel can be used for children from three months, it is easy to apply, quickly absorbed, and leaves no residue. Chicco has a hypoallergenic composition; the manufacturer claims that the cream-gel is completely safe for children and non-toxic.

The effectiveness of the product is very high. In nature, the cream-gel acts for about three hours; at home, the effect lasts for 12 hours (it lasts, for example, overnight). The disadvantages include the high cost of the product, but it is justified by the fact that it is effective and safe means There are very few mosquito repellents for small children on sale.

All Terrain Kids Herbal Armor Lotion

This lotion has a completely natural composition and can be used for children over 6 months. It can be applied to open areas skin, including facial skin. The product has a pleasant smell, is hypoallergenic, and the effect lasts about 2-3 hours after application. The lotion protects not only from mosquitoes, but also from midges, gadflies, horse flies and other blood-sucking insects. It can be used not only for children, but also for adults. The cost of the lotion is quite affordable, and its natural composition becomes its main advantage - All Terrain Kids Herbal Armor is non-toxic and completely safe for children.

Geranium

Geranium flowers have a specific aroma that repels insects and, first of all, mosquitoes. To protect your house from mosquitoes, just place pots of geraniums on the windowsill - after that there will be no flying insects in the rooms. Using geranium to protect against mosquitoes is one of the most effective traditional methods. It is worth noting here that geranium has a pleasant smell, it unpretentious plant, the care of which is very simple. Geraniums can be planted both in pots and in long boxes - they will become a real window decoration.

Mothercare mosquito repellent bracelet

Mosquito repellent bracelets have appeared relatively recently. They are used mainly for young children - this eliminates the need to use sprays and repellents that may contain toxic substances. The Mothercare Mosquito Repellent Bracelet has a faint, pleasant scent that repels insects. It can be worn not only on the baby’s arm, but also on the baby’s leg; such bracelets can be used from the first days of life.

It is worth noting that many mosquito repellent bracelets give a weak effect or do not “work” at all. Mothercare works very well - as long as the bracelet is on the child, mosquitoes will not bother him. The bracelet is valid for about 2 weeks, it can be used both outdoors and at home. It is quite expensive, but it is a very good option for protection against mosquitoes - completely safe and at the same time effective.

Gardex mosquito repellent products

Gardex offers sprays, lotions and repellents to protect against blood-sucking insects. The products from this manufacturer have good effect. They effectively repel insects, and at the same time are easy to apply, do not leave marks on clothing or skin, and have a faint pleasant smell. Gardex produces non-toxic products. The main active ingredients are fragrances, perfume compositions that repel insects. At the same time, Gardex products have completely affordable price-this is one of best options in today's market.

If you are a tasty morsel for mosquitoes, but do not want to use various chemicals, these natural mosquito repellents are especially for you! Read on for the most interesting...

Why are natural mosquito repellents better?

Natural mosquito repellents are considered the most harmless to the human body. Of course, modern industry offers a lot of effective means to combat mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects. But I don’t really want to spray them in the bedroom and breathe them all night.

This is especially unsafe for children and those who suffer from allergies.

Therefore, the best and safest protection against bloodsuckers is still the proven methods of grandparents.

  • One hundred grams of camphor, evaporated over a burner, will rid even very large rooms of flies and mosquitoes.
  • In the old days, a decoction of wheatgrass roots, one of the most common weeds, was used to repel mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects.
  • You can use finely chopped fresh leaves and flowers of bird cherry or basil.
  • The smell of cloves, basil, anise and eucalyptus also repels mosquitoes. Any of the oils of these plants can be used for protection - just lubricate exposed skin, or drop the oil into cologne (5-10 drops), as well as on a fire source - in a fireplace, fire, on a candle or a heated frying pan. Moisten a cotton pad with the oil of these plants and place it on the windowsill.
  • Tea tree oil can also be used as a repellent¹ and can also help with bites.
  • Plant under your windows country house elderberry or a bed of tomatoes. Bring fresh elderberry branches into your rooms; they repel mosquitoes in the same way as the smell of tomato leaves.
  • If you decide to sit in nature, boil a samovar on pine or spruce cones, or throw lightly dried juniper needles into the fire.
  • An old folk remedy against mosquitoes is Persian, Dalmatian or Caucasian chamomile (aka pyrethrum). Dried inflorescences, stems and leaves of these types of chamomile, crushed into powder, are amazing nerve cells insects It is enough to place a few bouquets of chamomile around your apartment or house, and you will be free from mosquitoes for a week.
  • The smell of cedar oil repels not only mosquitoes, but also flies and cockroaches.
  • Not a single insect will touch your face if you wash your face with a decoction of. It’s easy to prepare a decoction: a handful of chopped roots are poured with one and a half liters of water, brought to a boil and left to infuse.

As the sun sets, every person in Southeast Asia realizes how freely not only he, but also all kinds of creatures live here. In particular, to our microscopically smaller brothers - mosquitoes. In hot climates, vampiric insects cause us not only annoying itching of the skin, but sometimes even bigger troubles - Dengue fever, for example, from which no vaccinations for today. Or, Buddha forbid, some kind of Japanese.

Therefore, fight and look for the best mosquito repellents in warm countries It happens to everyone, but not everyone succeeds. Therefore, we poison ourselves every day with chemical repellents that are undoubtedly effective, but unsafe for health, and contain real poisons.

I write a lot about the safety of cosmetics, and Lately I am increasingly looking for truly natural and harmless alternatives to conventional industrial creams, lotions, etc. Mosquito repellents are not considered cosmetics, but their toxins successfully penetrate the body through the skin, and there is no telling what they can do to it. This is especially true in relation to children.

Last winter, I firmly set myself the goal of finding the safest natural and effective substance that would reliably and all night scare away bloodsuckers from the tender and his ancestors sleeping nearby. I report on the research results.

Cloves and lime. Effective, but not for long.

Not the best repellents based on natural oils - essential oils

If it seemed to someone now that I am a bored housewife who, out of nothing to do, is engaged in dubiously practical research, then in vain, citizens. We have to keep up and , and travel, and work out for my son, and leave a place in my life for my favorite hobby. Time, therefore, is priceless for me. And there is no time to perform alchemy: the first thing that comes to mind when looking for harmless repellents is to use industrial bottles, in which, however, the active ingredient is vegetable oils.

Diethyltoluamide (DEET) is the most popular active ingredient in modern mosquito repellents. Pesticide. Its effect on the human body and environment little has been studied, but it is known that its small concentrations in fresh water lead to a reduction in the population of trout, tilapia, and the destruction of zooplankton.
It has been recorded that Bolivian anacondas began to decline in numbers when tourists on the rivers began to actively use DEET-based repellents...

In life-saving In Thailand, I have long noticed anti-mosquito products with citronella essential oil. The cost is about 50 baht. The smell is fresh-warm-citrus, not very pleasant to my sense of smell, but we are interested in the result. But it was unsatisfactory: in order to even begin to repel mosquitoes, it was necessary to spray a huge amount of product. And then the effect lasted no more than half an hour. Expensive, ineffective, smelly.

Aroma candles with citronella - creative and practical

Citronella, or lemongrass, is an Asian herb. Its essential oil is widely used in perfumes and cosmetics and has powerful healing effects and aphrodisiac properties.

Later, I noticed that a thick mass of similar products with citronella oil is sold in stores in Southeast Asia - different brands, consistently higher prices than regular repellents and ineffectiveness. We happily forget about them and move on.

Clove-lemon homemade mosquito bomb

Forums and social networks are a scary thing. In our Thai women's group, one participant shared a household life hack. Cut a lemon or lime in half, stick clove buds into it, which , we place the whole thing at the head of the bed at night. Supposedly not a single mosquito should fly up. Like, reinforced concrete and pacifist defense.

A repellent based on natural essential oils is not only a safe method of protection against mosquitoes, but also a pacifist method that would approve. 🙂 Suitable for vegetarians.

I checked. It works, but not for long - maybe for two hours the insects really don’t arrive, and then they continue their bloody raids on the sleeping human body.

It’s not good, because I’m not ready to wake up every two hours at night to go cut off a new lemon and build a clove-citrus anti-mosquito bomb out of it.

However, this experiment led me to a truly perfect weapon against peddlers. and all kinds of malaria.

Clove oil - a nuclear mosquito repellent for children and adults

What works for us when we scare away bloodsuckers by sticking a clove into a lemon? Smell. And it forms its essential oil in spices, which under the activating influence citric acid, probably begins to be more actively released into the atmosphere. If so, we urgently need to find glove essential oil and check whether we are thinking correctly.

Attention! Essential oils are a very aggressive substance that should never be applied to the skin in pure form to avoid burns, severe irritation and allergic reactions.

Further - as according to Coelier: as soon as I thought about it and really desired it, the whole universe sent me a funny friend Jerry from London. He was so imbued with sympathy for our family that one day he brought me a sack of expensive, unopened Western cosmetics and at the same time a bottle of the purest essential oil Carnations made by Great Britain. I pay so much attention to this point only because find natural oils good quality very difficult. Perhaps in some . Besides coconut, of course, at least drink that.

In fact, as the not very advanced me later found out, clove oil is of quite good quality on Aliexpress - about 400 rubles. Delivery almost all over the world. For those who prefer stability and solidity to the somewhat lottery quality of goods from a Chinese site, go directly to the product on iHerb. Always excellent quality, everyone's favorite store!

  1. You take a few drops of ether, mix it thoroughly with base oil or regular cream, and apply the resulting mixture to your body. I used ordinary coconut oil as a basis - it is much lighter than others and is absorbed faster, without leaving greasy marks on the skin, without staining clothes and bed. You sleep all night without any bites or ringing above your ear!
  2. You drip essential oil onto the aroma lamp, turn it on in the dark - not a single mosquito flies into the house!

Summary: Clove essential oil is truly natural and safe against vampire insects. If you dilute it in a vegetable oil base or high-quality organic cosmetics, we have nothing more to wish for. Because a perfect mosquito repellent, mega-effective and completely harmless even for babies and older children, has been discovered.

The only possible disadvantage is individual intolerance, allergic reactions to a specific oil. But there is room for maneuver here, gentlemen. After all, there are...

Other essential oils that mosquitoes are afraid of

Esters have a similar effect:

  • lavender;
  • sandalwood;
  • geraniums;
  • the notorious citronella.

I have ranked them from strong to weak repellent properties. But other than natural clove and citronella spray, I haven’t tested it personally yet.

However, it turned out funny with Organique hand cream with essential oils of lavender and pelargonium. Remember in the review I told you that the Thais lightly mixed oils with oils, and it turned out very fragrant? So, thanks to this imperfection, the anti-mosquito effect of the cream was noticed, and I successfully used it, including as a repellent. Worked flawlessly! 🙂

By the way, the famous natural-based brand Abhaibhubejhr also produces a repellent based on citronella essential oil. After writing this article, I tried it and found that it still works well. Perhaps it's a matter of different manufacturers...

There is some problem with buying high-quality essential oils: a huge number of them are sold “de-watered” with chemicals and fragrances, and high-quality ones, by definition, are not cheap. When my bottle from Jerry ran out, and in It turned out to be very difficult with stores, I got used to making my own light clove oil specifically for the purpose of repelling ringing and biting insects. I'll definitely tell you about this next time!

With wishes good night no mosquitoes, sincerely yours, meticulous lover natural remedies, Asian Marta.

Mosquito repellents presented different types. These can be sprays, creams, milk, fumigators, aerosols, bracelets. Some of them can only be used at home; this applies to devices powered by the network. To protect your skin from mosquitoes in the forest, in parks, and especially near water bodies, you really need those repellents that help effectively protect against bites.

  • The cream for protection against mosquito bites has a convenient application method. That is, it can be distributed where necessary and at the same time this product is guaranteed not to get into the eyes or lips.
  • The spray is highly effective, but is less safe due to the way it is applied. When sprayed, tiny particles of toxic substances are released and they can enter the eyes or respiratory tract, causing coughing. Sprays and aerosols are recommended to be applied to clothing, especially since there are repellents that last for several days.
  • It is recommended to use mosquito repellent milk when you need to protect yourself not only from bites, but from the rays of the sun.
  • Network fumigators only work at home, that is, in limited space. Even if this device runs on batteries, it will not help get rid of hordes of mosquitoes in the forest, steppe or near a river.
  • The effectiveness of ultrasonic devices is questioned by many.

Mosquito repellents must contain one of the following substances:

  1. Diethyltoluamide, also referred to as DEET. This is one of the most effective mosquito repellent chemicals, but at the same time the most toxic.
  2. Remebid.
  3. Oxamate.
  4. Carboxyd.
  5. Benzoylliperidine.

The effectiveness of the drug also depends on its concentration in the repellent. The higher the concentration, the longer the repellent lasts, but it also becomes more toxic. For children, products containing DEET are chosen with a concentration of no higher than 10%. If the repellent is used at home, then a concentration of 5-7% is suitable.

Choosing an effective remedy to prevent mosquito bites in children, experts advise looking for IR3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate) in its composition. This substance effectively prevents the skin from being exposed not only to mosquitoes, but also to bedbugs and ticks. Moreover, such repellents are less toxic compared to preparations that contain DEET.

During your stay in nature, you must take into account that the weather may change and it will rain. At the same time, funds for water based They are simply washed off the skin and the protection does not work. To protect yourself from mosquitoes in wet conditions, you need to choose oil-based repellents, which usually state that they are waterproof. You also need to buy a repellent with a prolonged action, the best remedy this is one that can protect the skin from bites for 4-5 hours. After purchasing the drug, it must be provided with appropriate storage conditions; if the repellent is stored at a temperature higher than 25 degrees, it will quickly lose all its repellent properties. Before using the bite repellent for the first time, you should test it by applying a small amount to the skin near your wrist or under your knee.

A positive allergic reaction is the appearance of redness, itching, and rash after 30-60 minutes. With such a reaction of the body, you need to find another drug for mosquito bites.

Popular mosquito repellents

As experience shows, you need to buy the repellent that is in high demand and has positive reviews on various thematic sites. If a product sells out quickly, it means that it is really the best and can protect our skin from bites and subsequent irritation. The most popular repellents include:


In addition to liquid and sprayed preparations for mosquito bites, so-called pyrotechnic fumigators can also be used in nature. This group of products includes candles and spirals; after lighting, they emit a smell that is poisonous to insects. These devices are used to fumigate a tent, but it is not recommended to bring them inside, as this can lead to poisoning. In windy weather, smoke easily evaporates, which is why these products are not very popular.

In addition to special insect repellents, you can use various folk recipes, repelling mosquitoes. Some essential oils have an unpleasant odor for these insects - lavender, cloves, geranium, anise. These oils can be dripped onto clothes or, after mixing with baby cream, applied to the body. Many people use clove cologne to protect themselves from mosquitoes. The well-known vanilla has earned good reviews. This spice can be diluted with water and sprinkled on the body, or even better, added to the cream.

When choosing a repellent, you must take into account age and the presence of all contraindications. All products are applied a certain number of times, too often to avoid different side effects they should not be used.

Summer is coming, which means that very soon our homes will begin to be attacked by uninvited and not at all pleasant guests - mosquitoes! Store shelves are full of wide range products for all sorts of ways to combat these little pests. But chemicals often harmful and even dangerous to health. Is there an alternative? Yes! There are quite a few options for how to get rid of mosquitoes using folk remedies that have been proven for centuries.

Aroma oils

There are several repellent oils that repel insects and keep unwanted guests out of your home. The principle of operation is simple: place a candle at the bottom of the lamp, pour 2-5 tablespoons of water on top and add the desired essential oil. How much oil to take depends on the aroma:

  • Eucalyptus oil – 4-7 drops;
  • Tea tree – 3-5 drops;
  • Juniper – 3-6 drops;
  • Melissa – 4-6 drops;
  • Basil, geranium – 3-5 drops.

For achievement maximum effect You need to light the aroma lamp 1-2 times a day for half an hour.

Camphor and valerian also help well. Just a few grams of the plant, heated in an aroma lamp or burner, act over fairly long distances and cleanse the room well of uninvited guests.

Cloves, anise, basil and eucalyptus - the aromas of these plants are also strongly disliked by mosquitoes. The oils of these plants are good to add to the fire: in a frying pan, candle, fire or fireplace. If you need to clear a room of mosquitoes, the best remedy is to drop the oil on a piece of cotton wool and leave it on the windowsill.

Spray

Half a liter warm water add 2 tablespoons (or 20 ml) of vodka, 1 teaspoon of salt/soda (without top) and 8-10 drops of any repellent essential oil listed above. Pour the resulting solution into a spray bottle. Spray throughout all rooms, paying special attention to windows, doors and curtains.

Besides harmful mosquitoes, lemon balm, eucalyptus, juniper and tea tree oils will help deal with all bacteria in the room. Pleasant aromatic oils will also give your apartment a pleasant aroma, and you good mood! They will also relax and relieve all tension, worries and fatigue!

Dried plants

Mosquitoes are known to be very sensitive to odors. There are a number of herbs and remedies with an inherent strong aroma, which these harmful insects cannot tolerate and fly around a kilometer away.

An ancient weapon and the best remedy for mosquitoes is dried chamomile (Persian, Caucasian, Dalmatian). The inflorescences, leaves and stems of this plant, chopped to a powdery state, are destroyed nervous system insects

Place a bouquet of daisies in each corner of your apartment and you will rid yourself of mosquitoes for at least a week.

Bird cherry (leaves and flowers), tomato leaves, wormwood, lemon balm, thyme, lemongrass or basil, finely ground and scattered around the apartment, are also well suited for this purpose. And fresh elderberry can be placed in the house as a bouquet or planted under the windows if you live outdoors.

The best folk remedies for mosquitoes for the street

Here are a few ways to protect yourself and escape from harmful bloodsuckers while walking on the fresh air so that your outdoor recreation does not turn into an endless struggle with mosquitoes and the torment of their bites.

Aroma mixture for skin

All you need is to prepare a special aroma mixture that will repel all unwanted insects. The composition is prepared according to the principle of 1 spoon (5-10 ml) of base oil plus a few drops of essential oil. Good base oils include apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, macadamia oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil - all of which do not leave greasy marks on clothes, but are well absorbed into the skin. The amount of essential oil depends on its type:

  • Eucalyptus – 7-10 drops;
  • Tea tree and lemon balm – 3-5 drops;
  • Juniper 4-7 drops.

The quantity is indicated per spoon of carrier oil. Apply the resulting aroma mixture to exposed areas of the body. Renew and reapply every 2 hours.

You can use natural vanilla extract, which should be applied to the pulse points: neck, wrists, elbows and knees.

Cosmetical tools

Essential oil can also be added to any product you use daily: body lotion or cream, shower gel, shampoo, and even bubble bath! Your body will acquire a subtle scent that mosquitoes will not like and will make them leave you alone. Add oil of your choice:

  • Eucalyptus – 3-5 drops;
  • Tea tree – 2-5 drops;
  • Melissa – 2-4 drops;
  • Juniper – 2-3 drops.

Based on 10 g (or 1 tablespoon) of product. Mix thoroughly and use as usual.

Water procedures

Wash your face in the morning with a decoction of wormwood and its roots, and insects will avoid you throughout the day.

Preparation: pour a handful of chopped plant roots with 1.5 liters of water, bring the solution to a boil and then let it brew.

The best remedies for mosquito bites

If, nevertheless, a mosquito catches you and leaves an unpleasant itchy bite on your body, you can also use proven folk techniques, which will help you neutralize insect venom, relieve swelling and prevent inflammation. To thoroughly coat and disinfect the bite, the following products are suitable:

  1. Soda solution (half a teaspoon of soda mixed in a glass of water).
  2. Ammonia (half mixed with water).
  3. Potassium permanganate solution (pale pink).
  4. Kefir or yogurt.
  5. Crushed leaves of plantain, bird cherry, mint or parsley (fresh).
  6. “Zvezdochka” is a good old proven remedy. It will not only relieve itching, but will also scare away all the mosquitoes in the area.
  7. Half an onion: apply the cut side to the bite site and hold for several minutes until the juice forms).
  8. Aloe leaf, parsley, bird cherry, peppermint or plantain: apply the leaves to the bite site, tie a gauze bandage and wear for several hours.

Choose the best and most convenient mosquito repellent and method of fighting them, and harmful insects will forget the way to your home and will no longer bother you with their annoying squeaks.

_____
Ekaterina Ryzhkova “The Best folk remedies from mosquitoes" especially for the Eco-life website.