Lemon juice being as though this is an all-natural product that is cheap and easily found on any store’s shelves, many people tend to gravitate toward its use as a mosquito repellant.
The reason that people were given the idea that lemon juice would work so well?
Well, manufactured repellents list “lemon” in their ingredients.
However, as a consumer, you should be more diligent in your reading and see that what they actually contain is “lemon eucalyptus” or “lemongrass oil”, neither of which are lemon juice.
Just because the citronella candle that wards off bugs from your outdoor dining table smells lemony, does not mean it is made with lemon juice.
Lemon juice mosquito repellent for dogs?
In fact, what lemon juice actually fends off are moths, fleas, and ants. While these creatures are also pretty pesky and do run rampant in the warm months, it’s mosquitoes that are the most troublesome and even dangerous to humans.
Dogs, on the other hand, can benefit from lemon juice repellant, but most of us are looking to keep mosquitoes off ourselves due to their tendency to carry some very nasty viruses.
Here is some useful information on some of the most popular products used when it comes to mosquito bite protection and prevention:
DEET: An effective alternative to Lemon Juice as a Mosquito repellent
Chances are you have probably heard people speak against the use of DEET; it’s harmful to the environment and some species of animals, and even a hazard to humans.
However, since its inception post-WWII, it had been used profusely by humans, and only about 50 cases of bad reactions to the chemicals have been reported, with most of them being due to misuse of the product.
Additionally, a great many of them did not cause any issues that lasted. Not following the proper instructions for the handling of a chemical can always have the chance of damaging a person.
There is literally no factual evidence that DEET poses any real health risks or cancers.
Not only that, but many DEET products will last up to five hours, eliminating having to remember to reapply over and over, thereby increasing your chances for a bite-free, enjoyable outdoor experience.
Compare this to Avon’s highly popular Skin-So-Soft oil, which works for only about ten minutes.
However, if you do find that DEET irritates your skin, you may have to use another product or investigate different concentrations of the product, which can range from 4 to 100 percent. Consumer Reports found that 30% is actually enough.
The bottom line is that DEET really works the best and as it’s supposed to do.
Follow the instructions to a tee:
- Only use on skin exposed to the elements (not under your clothes)
- Avoid ingesting (apply to your hands first and then rub on your face)
- Keep away from any open wounds (cuts, scratches)
- Keep your eyes safe (do not spray directly at them)
- Do not over apply (one layer is good enough),
- Always wash your hands after use.
If you use DEET properly, you’ll be bite-free!
If you are really dead set against DEET and want to go the natural remedy route, then it would be to your benefit to ignore what you hear and read about the lemon juice and stick with the essential oils.
Essential Oils: An effective alternative to Lemon Juice as a Mosquito repellent
Of course, you have heard of essential oils. It’s likely that at least someone you know touts its usefulness for meditation, better sleep, common itches or burns, and even as hangover remedies!
But did you know that certain ones can also be used as mosquito repellents? And not just citronella. Other deterrents include lemon eucalyptus, basil, thyme, clove, geranium, lemongrass, and lavender.
A mix of some of these along with other powerful ingredients can work for you. Here are a few helpful ones.
But be aware that these oils can be harmful and have not been thoroughly tested for their safety by the EPA. No matter how powerful the repellent you use with essential oils is, you may also run the risk of harming yourself.
Your best bet would be to look for actual mosquito repellent products that contain some of these oils.
Final thoughts
Believe or not, there are actually even some products on the market that don’t work at all. Namely those mosquito repellent wristbands.
Research has proven that mosquitoes will still nip at you; repellants only work when applied directly.
You can also prevent bites by staying proactive, knowing how to take care of yourself and surroundings:
- Know that mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colors, so if you are going to be outside, try to wear bright, covering clothing (long sleeves and pants)
- Avoid being outside at dusk or dawn, which is their prime time.
- Keep away from still water like ponds or streams on particularly warm and windless days.
- Get rid of any standing water you may have around your home so that the bugs don’t move in there. Make sure that you scrub those receptacles as well, don’t just don’t dump the water
- Abstain from alcohol whenever you can, the amount of sugar being produced in your sweat can also attract mosquitoes.
Get yourself covered for mosquitoes and you’ll be ready to enjoy the sun and fun!