Mosquitoes are part of our natural environment, but no one wants their bites to disrupt the quality of time they spend outdoors on a walk or by an evening bonfire on the beach.
Whether you opt for traditional bug spray or consider natural alternatives, there are a number of tried-and-true methods that can keep mosquitoes away from you and your family. To help you avoid dealing with the persistent itch of mosquito bites, Dr. German Treyger, DO, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of St. Clair Dermatology in Chesterfield, Michigan, explains everything you need to know about preventing mosquito bites this summer.
How to keep mosquitoes away
When it comes to finding a topical bug spray that actually works, what you want to look for are the active ingredients [are] DEET and picaridin.” Rather than killing mosquitoes, bug sprays containing DEET repel mosquitoes by masking your natural scent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthanediol (PMD) and 2-undecanone are all EPA-registered ingredients that have been shown to be safe and effective when used in insect repellents, according to the CDC. As always, it’s important to follow a product’s directions to ensure responsible use, especially when using it on young children, Treyger stresses.
Permethrin is another insecticide that can be used to treat clothing or gear to repel mosquitoes when sprayed at a 0.5 percent concentration. However, permethrin products should not be applied directly to your skin, according to the CDC.
Treyger says you can take the following additional measures to repel mosquitoes:
- Check your surroundings to remove standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs
- Wear long sleeves and long socks when entering areas where mosquitoes are common
- Don’t even think about wearing tight clothing like leggings as mosquitoes can penetrate the fabric
- When indoors, keep doors and windows closed
What is the most effective natural mosquito repellent?
“Lemon eucalyptus oil is the best natural mosquito repellent,” Treyger says. Lemon eucalyptus oil offered comparable protection against mosquitoes as DEET, a 2016 review found.
However, “from a dermatological perspective, the reason I’m always hesitant about all-natural remedies is simply because the all-natural remedies are not monitored by the FDA [or] the EPA,” Treyger notes. For people with sensitive skin, natural insect repellents may contain preservatives that can cause skin irritation, rashes and other unforeseen problems, he notes.
What smell do mosquitoes hate?
It is known that mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of carbon dioxide and skin odor, so there is something to be said about using natural scents to repel mosquitoes.
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In addition to lemon eucalyptus oil, other natural scents that repel mosquitoes include citronella, lavender, cinnamon, thyme, catnip, soybean, tea tree, geraniol and neem, according to Healthline. The idea is that the scent of the fragrance “can mask our natural scent, and that can deter mosquitoes,” Treyger says.
As for the effectiveness of these types of ingredients in protecting you and your family, “I think it will stop them a little bit, but I’m not sure it’s enough protection.” Ultimately, your best bet for preventing mosquito bites is to opt for products that contain DEET or picaridin, Treyger reiterates.