Summer is approaching, and with it the dominance of mosquitoes and ticks. These small bloodsuckers can spoil the pleasure of any holiday, and they are also carriers of extremely unpleasant diseases, such as malaria, dirofilariasis (a disease caused by nematode worms) and Lyme disease. Fortunately, there are many household cleaning products that will keep ticks and mosquitoes at a respectful distance from your body. For those who prefer natural remedies, “without any chemistry”, there are also suitable options. Introducing you rating of the best remedies for ticks and mosquitoes.
Top 5 Natural Repellents for Ticks and Mosquitoes
5. Lemon and eucalyptus oils
These oils are some of the most famous natural repellents. Eucalyptus oil is even approved by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellents.
You can create your own mix by taking one part of lemon and eucalyptus oil per 10 parts of sunflower oil. Researchers at the University of Florida have warned against using this mixture to protect mosquitoes from children under 3 years old.
4. Lavender
Shredded lavender flowers, as well as lavender oil, smell pleasant to humans and unpleasant to ticks. Also, lavender is a very effective remedy against mosquitoes and mosquitoes. These are the results of a study conducted on hairless mice. Lavender has analgesic, antifungal and antiseptic properties. This means that in addition to preventing mosquito bites, it can soothe irritated skin. A drop of lavender oil can be used for anti-mosquito protection of young children (from 2 weeks).
To protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks, drip lavender oil onto a clean cloth and wipe off sensitive areas of the body, such as your ankles and hands.
3. Cinnamon oil
According to a study in Taiwan, cinnamon oil can kill mosquitoes that have not hatched from eggs. It can also act as a repellent against adult mosquitoes.
To make a diluted 1 percent solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon (or 24 drops) of cinnamon oil for every 120 ml of water. You can spray liquid onto skin or clothing, as well as upholstery or plant leaves. Be careful when applying cinnamon oil, as a concentrated dose can cause skin irritation.
2. Tea tree oil
This oil is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, recent studies also show that tea tree oil can be an effective repellent. Field trials suggest that repellents containing tea tree oil are effective against mosquitoes, flies and biting midges.
Mix 4 drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of base oil such as olive oil or jojoba oil. After that, it can be applied to the skin, in small quantities, before leaving the house.
1. Geranium oil
This is one of the best natural repellents. It scares away not only ixodid ticks, but also moths, mosquitoes and flies.
To protect against mosquitoes and ticks, you can mix 5 drops of geranium oil with a small amount of unflavored body cream and spread on them exposed areas of the body before leaving the house.
Remember that essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin.. They are always diluted in a carrier oil such as almond oil, jojoba oil or sunflower oil. In recipes for the preparation of home remedies for mosquitoes and ticks, it is usually recommended to apply from 3 to 5 drops of essential oil per 30 ml of carrier oil.
Top 5 best household cleaning products against ticks and mosquitoes
Having studied the rating of repellents on profile sites, we made a selection of the most reliable means of crawling and flying bloodsuckers.
5. DETA cream with aloe
Price - from 70 rubles.
It contains aloe vera extract, N, N - diethyl-m-toluamide 30%, as well as emulsifiers. Protects not only from mosquitoes, but also from midges and horseflies. Less means - it can not be used by pregnant women, children and mothers during lactation.
4. Bracelet from ticks and mosquitoes Gardex Baby
Cost - 490 rubles.
This bracelet has replaceable cartridges, each of which provides three-week protection against ticks and mosquitoes up to 6 hours daily (it is not recommended to wear a bracelet longer). Contains a mixture of various essential oils: peppermint, citronella, lavender and geranium. Approved for use by children from 2 years. It should be worn only in the open air and do not touch the bracelet with eyes, mouth and damaged skin.
3. Mosquito repellent cream OFF! KIDS Kids
Cost - 115 rubles and more.
Protecting a child from mosquitoes in the summer turns into a real puzzle for parents. This cream with a soft formula and a pleasant smell will reliably protect a little fidget aged 3 years and above from flying insects. However, he will not save from ticks.
2. Aerosol Komaroff 3 in 1
The price is 115 rubles.
Despite the name “three in one”, it helps against a lot of blood-sucking insects: mosquitoes, ticks, mosquitoes, horseflies, and also from midges. They can even breed fleas in animals. The composition contains two active ingredients - 40% N, N-diethyl-m-tolumide and 5% dimethyl phthalate, and there is also isopropyl alcohol. And although this is one of the best remedies for ticks and mosquitoes, it can not be used by children, pregnant women, as well as people with skin diseases.
1. Komaroff cream
Price - from 57 rubles.
This Russian mosquito repellent contains peppermint oil, N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide and water. Effective even when applied to wet skin. However, it is not recommended for children under 5 years of age. There is also Komaroff in the form of a gel.