Eucalyptus Oil Second Only to Chemical DEET as Mosquito Repellant

Ochlerotatus notoscriptus, Tasmania, Australia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5 Reasons to Use Eucalyptus Oil Instead of DEET as Mosquito Repellant

As we head into the heart of mosquito season, the various sprays, ointments, and zappers come out of the closets and basements.  You may not be aware that Eucalyptus Oil is considered to be the 2nd most effective method of repelling mosquitoes.  Wikipedia points out:

However, more recent evidence shows that DEET serves as a true repellent in that mosquitoes intensely dislike the smell of the chemical repellent.^[6] A type of olfactory receptor neuron in special antennal sensilla of mosquitoes that is activated by DEET, as well as other known insect repellents such as eucalyptol, linalool, and thujone, has been identified. Moreover, in a behavioral test, DEET had a strong repellent activity in the absence of body odor attractants such as 1-octen-3-ol, lactic acid, or carbon dioxide. Female and male mosquitoes showed the same response

 So, why might you choose to use eucalyptus oil as a mosquito repellent instead of Deet or other chemicals?

1. Eucalyptus Oil is natural.  You can purchase it in pure oil form.  
2. The aroma is one of the most soothing and appreciated of all the aromatherapy scents.
3. While minor, there are side effects to products with DEET
4. Mosquitos have been shown to be able to adapt to and overcome DEET
5. A bottle of 100% pure, pharmaceutical grade eucalyptus oil in your home has a long list of other potential uses including as aromatherapy, a shower mist, and an antibacterial agent.

Please not the the pure eucalyptus oil is not recommended as a topical mosquito repellent for children under 3, but is approved for all other groups.