Summer is approaching, and with it the dominance of mosquitoes and ticks. These little bloodsuckers can spoil the pleasure of any vacation, 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 a variety of household cleaning products that will keep both ticks and mosquitoes at a respectful distance from your body. For those who prefer natural remedies, "no chemistry", there are also suitable options. Introducing you rating of the best remedies for ticks and mosquitoes.
Top 5 natural tick and mosquito repellents
5. Lemon and eucalyptus oils
These oils are among the best known 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 blend by mixing 1 part lemon and eucalyptus oils with 10 parts sunflower oil. Florida State University researchers warn against using this mixture to protect against mosquitoes in children under 3 years of age.
4. Lavender
Crushed lavender flowers and lavender oil smell good for humans and unpleasant for ticks. Also lavender is very effective against mosquitoes and mosquitoes. These are the results of a study carried out 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 to protect against mosquitoes in young children (2 weeks and older).
To protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks, drip lavender oil onto a clean cloth and wipe sensitive areas of your body, such as ankles and hands.
3. Cinnamon oil
Cinnamon oil can kill mosquitoes that have not yet hatched from their eggs, according to a study from Taiwan. 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 the liquid on your skin or clothing, upholstery or plant leaves. Be careful when using cinnamon oil, as the concentrated dose can irritate the skin.
2. Tea tree oil
This oil is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, recent research also suggests that tea tree oil can be an effective repellent. Field trials show 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 a base oil such as olive or jojoba oil.After that, it can be applied to the skin, in small amounts, before leaving the house.
1. Geranium oil
This is one of the best natural repellents. It repels 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 unscented body cream and spread it on exposed areas before leaving the house.
Remember, 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. Recipes for making a home remedy for mosquitoes and ticks generally recommend applying 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 specialized sites, we have made a selection of the most reliable remedies for crawling and flying bloodsuckers.
5. DEET cream with aloe
Price - from 70 rubles.
It contains aloe extract, N, N - diethyl-m-toluamide 30%, as well as emulsifiers. Protects not only from mosquitoes, but also from midges and horseflies. Minus means - it cannot be used by pregnant women, children and mothers during lactation.
4. Bracelet from ticks and mosquitoes Gardex Baby
The cost is 490 rubles.
This bracelet has replaceable cartridges, each of which provides three weeks of protection from ticks and mosquitoes up to 6 hours daily (not recommended to wear the bracelet longer). Contains a blend of various essential oils: mint, citronella, lavender and geranium. Approved for use in children from 2 years old. Should only be worn outdoors and should not touch the bracelet to eyes, mouth, or damaged skin.
3. Mosquito Cream OFF! KIDS Child
The cost is 115 rubles and more.
Protecting your child from mosquitoes in summer turns into a real puzzle for parents. This cream with a mild formula and a pleasant scent will reliably protect a little fidget at the age of 3 years and above from flying insects. However, it will not save you from ticks.
2. Aerosol Komaroff 3 in 1
Price - 115 rubles.
Despite the name "three in one", it helps against many blood-sucking insects: mosquitoes, ticks, mosquitoes, horseflies, and also from midges. They can even breed fleas from animals. It contains two active ingredients - 40% N, N-diethyl-m-tolumide and 5% dimethyl phthalate, and there is also isopropyl alcohol. Although it is one of the best remedies for ticks and mosquitoes, it should not be used by children, pregnant women, or people with skin conditions.
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 damp skin. However, it is not recommended for children under 5 years of age. There is also Komaroff in the form of a gel.