There’s a really good reason why insects are also called bugs. Even a single gnat in the immediate vicinity can get really annoying really fast. There you are, minding your own business, and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, you feel little biting pricks on the ankles, wrists, back, or anywhere else out of easy reach. The little buggers fly away, laughing, when you swat at them but invariably return to continue pestering you.
But much worse, some insects like mosquitos carry potentially lethal diseases, including Zika virus, West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and malaria. Although most patients recover after mild symptoms, severe or untreated cases can result in death.
This explains why Statista says, based on the U.S. Census data and Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS): “It is projected that in 2019, the mosquito repellent market value worldwide will be some 11 billion U.S. dollars.”
BILLIONS of dollars are being spent on chemical preparations that will keep the bugs away. Products are available as liquids, aerosol sprays, gels, and creams.
The first mosquito repellent dates back to 1956. It was designed for use by the U.S. Army to keep insects from landing on skin or clothing – not to kill them. (Chemicals that kill bugs are called insecticides and these are generally NOT SAFE to apply directly to the skin.)
Leading the U.S. market for synthetic insect repellent sales are S.C. Johnson & Son (makers of Raid and OFF!) and Spectrum Brands (maker of Cutter and Repel). The most effective and popular insect repellents contain DEET, a controversial yellowish oil originally developed for jungle warfare during World War II. The military began to use it in 1946 before sales went public post-war. DEET repels biting flies, gnats, and chiggers, in addition to mosquitos.
Some people have reported bad reactions to DEET exposure: illnesses, injury, and even death. This has raised issues of personal health and safety that are still posed today. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) can be an effective immunity booster to treat a negative health response to DEET.
Natural insect repellents were introduced as an alternative to DEET. In fact, thiamine is effective as a substitute for DEET because when you consume it, your body’s smell actually changes and becomes unappealing to pesky insects. The good news is that, unlike garlic, other people can’t smell vitamin B1.
Here’s a nifty DIY recipe from Graze Me that you can whip up at home:
All natural mosquito repellent
Ingredients:
Cooled boiled water
½ tsp of witch hazel
15 drops of tea tree oil
15 drops of lavender oil
Take an 8oz spray bottle and fill it halfway with the cool boiled water. Add the witch hazel, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. Use as needed.
There are many other natural mosquito repellents. Would it surprise you to know that smoke is the most widely used means of repelling mosquitos in rural tropical areas? Of course, that doesn’t help the urbanites with prohibitive restrictions on burning. Furthermore, who wants to smell like a campfire all the time?
Pyrethrum, a natural plant oil found in chrysanthemums, is a very effective bug repellent that is relatively safe for all mammals. It originated in China and was carried along the trade routes to Europe during the 19th century. It was powdered and pressed into bars similar to incense. Then, in 1895, it became the first repellent fashioned into the more compact, yet longer burning, coil shape we know today.
Other natural insect repellents include citronella, camphor, and paraffin. Herbal relief can be found from thyme, basil, verbena and lemongrass, particularly as essential oils. The downside of these home remedies is that their effectiveness is short-lasting compared to synthetic products.
To make a fragrant natural insect repellent, mix cedar chips, dried rosemary, peppermint, thyme and dried chrysanthemum flowers in a large container, add some sprinklings of essential oils, shake it all up, and put the open container near a vent or anywhere in the home or garden.
The trend toward natural products has not gone unnoticed by the big manufacturers of name-brand insect repellents. The global insect repellent product market is huge and expecting enormous growth. As a consequence, some industry operators are now embracing natural and plant-based ingredients for their bug-be-gone solutions.There’s a really good reason why insects are also called bugs. Even a single gnat in the immediate vicinity can get really annoying really fast. There you are, minding your own business, and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, you feel little biting pricks on the ankles, wrists, back, or anywhere else out of easy reach. The little buggers fly away, laughing, when you swat at them but invariably return to continue pestering you.
But much worse, some insects like mosquitos carry potentially lethal diseases, including Zika virus, West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and malaria. Although most patients recover after mild symptoms, severe or untreated cases can result in death.
This explains why Statista says, based on the U.S. Census data and Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS): “It is projected that in 2019, the mosquito repellent market value worldwide will be some 11 billion U.S. dollars.”
BILLIONS of dollars are being spent on chemical preparations that will keep the bugs away. Products are available as liquids, aerosol sprays, gels, and creams.
The first mosquito repellent dates back to 1956. It was designed for use by the U.S. Army to keep insects from landing on skin or clothing – not to kill them. (Chemicals that kill bugs are called insecticides and these are generally NOT SAFE to apply directly to the skin.)
Leading the U.S. market for synthetic insect repellent sales are S.C. Johnson & Son (makers of Raid and OFF!) and Spectrum Brands (maker of Cutter and Repel). The most effective and popular insect repellents contain DEET, a controversial yellowish oil originally developed for jungle warfare during World War II. The military began to use it in 1946 before sales went public post-war. DEET repels biting flies, gnats, and chiggers, in addition to mosquitos.
Some people have reported bad reactions to DEET exposure: illnesses, injury, and even death. This has raised issues of personal health and safety that are still posed today. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) can be an effective immunity booster to treat a negative health response to DEET.
Natural insect repellents were introduced as an alternative to DEET. In fact, thiamine is effective as a substitute for DEET because when you consume it, your body’s smell actually changes and becomes unappealing to pesky insects. The good news is that, unlike garlic, other people can’t smell vitamin B1.
Here’s a nifty DIY recipe from Graze Me that you can whip up at home:
All natural mosquito repellent
Ingredients:
Cooled boiled water
½ tsp of witch hazel
15 drops of tea tree oil
15 drops of lavender oil
Take an 8oz spray bottle and fill it halfway with the cool boiled water. Add the witch hazel, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. Use as needed.
There are many other natural mosquito repellents. Would it surprise you to know that smoke is the most widely used means of repelling mosquitos in rural tropical areas? Of course, that doesn’t help the urbanites with prohibitive restrictions on burning. Furthermore, who wants to smell like a campfire all the time?
Pyrethrum, a natural plant oil found in chrysanthemums, is a very effective bug repellent that is relatively safe for all mammals. It originated in China and was carried along the trade routes to Europe during the 19th century. It was powdered and pressed into bars similar to incense. Then, in 1895, it became the first repellent fashioned into the more compact, yet longer burning, coil shape we know today.
Other natural insect repellents include citronella, camphor, and paraffin. Herbal relief can be found from thyme, basil, verbena and lemongrass, particularly as essential oils. The downside of these home remedies is that their effectiveness is short-lasting compared to synthetic products.
To make a fragrant natural insect repellent, mix cedar chips, dried rosemary, peppermint, thyme and dried chrysanthemum flowers in a large container, add some sprinklings of essential oils, shake it all up, and put the open container near a vent or anywhere in the home or garden.
The trend toward natural products has not gone unnoticed by the big manufacturers of name-brand insect repellents. The global insect repellent product market is huge and expecting enormous growth. As a consequence, some industry operators are now embracing natural and plant-based ingredients for their bug-be-gone solutions.
One Comment
Paul
Does this work for bed bugs?