Do Natural Insect Repellents Work?
Why should you buy natural insect repellents? Where is the evidence that they work? How do you know that they will be effective in getting rid of the insects and pests crawling in your homes? These are obvious questions that every first-time user of a natural repellent for insects would ask. However, the determination to use repellents that are sustainable to the environment and would also not turn out to be harmful to humans on prolonged use has steered and driven many companies to create more natural and herbal options.
Are you looking to purchase a 100% environment-friendly insect repellent? Here is what you need to know.
What are Natural Insect Repellents?
While the idea of a natural repellent is appealing and inviting, many everyday consumers are not completely aware of what ‘natural’ really means. Recent surveys have pointed to a shift in the direction of people looking for more in terms of an example of a natural insect repellent making the trend grow. Essentially, it would mean a product that is made up of 100% herbal ingredients without the use of any chemicals or toxins.
Using specific plant-based ingredients or other aromatic extracts and certain natural essential oils, an insect repellent can be made that would then be considered natural and sustainable to the environment. Research has shown that the use of different herbal products can work against the different types of pests in the house.
Example of a natural insect repellent
How would you understand which insect repellent would work best for the specific problems that you are facing if you are unaware of the repellent options and examples that you can make use of? Several sprays, oils, incense sticks, etc are present as natural options to be able to effectively deal with an insect infestation in the house. These options are also available in a variety of fragrances so that the house does not end up smelling chemical-y and unnatural. You can choose from the variety of repellents on the market. Look at the particular ingredients present and opt for the ones that you prefer.
Soy-based products
One powerful example of a natural insect repellent would be products that are made of soy. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of soy-based products against a swarm of mosquitoes. Soy was also found to be one of the leading competitors to DEET. Since it is a natural alternative, it was better preferred to DEET. The studies have also shown that products made out of soy were said to offer protection for more than 90 minutes. This was better than some DEET-based products. Soybean oil combined with lemongrass oil is also a good combination that works as an insect repellent.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)
The oil of lemon eucalyptus is not the same as lemon eucalyptus oil. Despite the names being similar and confusing, the latter is an essential oil. The chemicals in OLE that make it one of the best natural insect repellents are different. The active component in OLE, p-methane-3,8-diol (PMD), is known to be an excellent bug repellent. It can be made by refining the extracts obtained from lemon-scented gum trees. PMD is known to be a well-functioning biopesticide and it is also safe to use. It is, however, advised that it be used in limited quantities as directed to avoid any side effects.
Picaridin
A natural insect repellent can also be made with this ingredient. Picaridin, technically, is not strictly derived from plants. It is a chemical that is obtained upon synthesis. Another alternative to obtaining this ingredient would be with the help of pepper plants. The chemical structure similar to that of picaridin is found in those plants. Initial testing results have shown that bug sprays that contain this chemical have performed well to eliminate bugs. When used in higher or lower concentrations, the spray shows varied effectiveness, therefore, it would be important to follow the instructions while using it for the best results. Choose a herbal insect repellent for minimal side effects and issues to human health
Botanicals
As the name suggests, botanicals can include any group of ingredients that are derived and obtained naturally to be concocted into natural insect repellents. Some of the commonly used botanicals would be – lemongrass, peppermint, soybean, rosemary, citronella, etc. These are extracted from the various parts of the plants – leaves, flowers, bark, etc. Being 100% herbal, they do not have any chemical that can pose harm as an insect repellent. Most plant oils work beautifully against certain types of insects and they also leave a fresh aroma. The one aspect of caution while using botanicals would be allergens. Check and test for any specific allergies before using plant-based products in your home to avoid issues.
Natural Insect Control: Other Ways to Beat the Bugs
If you do not want to use an insect repellent, there are several other ways via which you can stay one step ahead of the bugs.
- Wear clothing that fully covers your body – long sleeves shirts and full pants will help
- Keep the fan on during the day as mosquitoes find it tough to maneuver in the wind.
- Ensure that your environment is clean and hygienic and there is no accumulation of dirty water anywhere
Using insect repellent has become a necessary thing in today’s times for the overall maintenance of health. This makes it vital for you to have the required equipment against the various bugs and pests that may attack your house and hamper the health of your family. Using products from herbal strategi like herbal ant repellent spray, herbal cockroach repellent & herbal lizard repellent will ensure that you have the most reliable and genuine products in your house that are tested to prove their efficiency against particular types of insects. Any problem that you might have to deal with, this company will have the solution ready. Deal with cockroaches, lizards, ants, and mosquitoes effectively, quickly, and permanently. All of these benefits at super affordable rates – what else could we ask for?
