Natural Alternatives for Insect Repellants

June 14, 2005

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY:

"Catnip Repels Mosquitoes More Effectively Than DEET"

CHICAGO, August 27, 2001 — Researchers report that nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents

Nepetalactone is about 10 times more effective than DEET because it takes about one-tenth as much nepetalactone as DEET to have the same effect. Most commercial insect repellents contain about 5 percent to 25 percent DEET. Presumably, much less catnip oil would be needed in a formulation to have the same level of repellency as a DEET-based repellent.

Why catnip repels mosquitoes is still a mystery, says Peterson. "It might simply be acting as an irritant or they don't like the smell. But nobody really knows why insect repellents work."

More tipsThe following essential oils have been found to have moderate to high effectiveness in keeping various insects away from you.

To repel mosquitoes: Basil, Cedarwood, Citronella, Geranium, Juniper, Rosemary

To repel house flies: Citronella, Geranium, Juniper

To repel ants: All Mints

To repel fleas: Cajeput, Lemon, Pine

Try Lemon Eucalyptus- E. citriodora, as a bug repellent this summer. Due to it's high percentge of citronellal it's quite effective. It's lemony scent makes it pleasant to use. Unlike most Eucalyptus it's scent is relaxing.

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