Essential oils, far from merely offering olfactory and aromatic experiences capable of elevating our minds and influencing our mood, provide a wide variety of beneficial effects through the products that incorporate them. One of the most popular features of certain essential oils, especially in spring and summer, is their insect-repellent properties.
During these seasons, the proliferation of mosquitoes and other insects can become quite a nuisance. But active ingredients in certain essential oils can become our allies in combating them. These oils interfere with the sensory systems of insects, keeping them at bay without causing adverse effects on the environment.
LIST OF NATURAL ESSENTIAL OILS WITH REPELLENT EFFECTS
Among the natural essential oils attributed with insect-repellent properties, we can find:
- Tea Tree: Its essential oil has aromatic and camphoraceous notes. Moreover, multiple studies attribute it with insect-repellent properties, effective against various species of flies[1] and mosquitoes[2].
- Clove: With an intense and warm aroma, it contains a high amount of eugenol. A 2005 study asserts that its undiluted essential oil can repel mosquitoes of three different species for up to 4 hours [3]. In addition to its effectiveness as a repellent, clove oil also has anaesthetic and antimicrobial properties.
- Citronella: With a citrusy and lemony scent, varying slightly depending on the specific variety from which the oil is extracted, it is very popular in many products designed to repel mosquitoes and other insects [4][5]. Citronella is widely used in candles, sprays, and lotions, providing a natural barrier against flying insects.
- Eucalyptus: Various studies have shown that the essential oil of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) not only has balsamic and cineolic olfactory notes with slight sweet undertones but also possesses mosquito-repellent properties [6][7]. This oil is not only effective as a repellent but also has decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Geranium: With pleasant olfactory accords reminiscent of floral rose notes, this essential oil has been shown in various studies to have repellent activity against ticks [8], flies [9], and mosquitoes [10].
- Lavender: Different studies suggest that the essential oil of this popular aromatic plant in fragrance making can repel ticks [11] and mosquitoes [12], making it an attractive eco-friendly Besides its repellent properties, lavender is known for its ability to reduce stress and promote sleep, offering a dual benefit in daily use.
- Peppermint: The essential oil of peppermint is well-known for its fresh and mentholated olfactory notes. Studies indicate it has insect-repellent properties [13]. Its main component, menthol, not only repels flies and mosquitoes but also provides a very pleasant cooling sensation in hot climates.
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