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Tis the season for sunshine, barbecues, and mosquitoes.Before you grab that DEET-based mosquito repellent in an effort to keep the mosquitoes at bay, consider that research at Duke University links diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) use to brain damage no wonder the mosquitoes leave at the first scent of it. Perhaps wed be wise to follow their lead and stay clear of the stuff. Check out my article tomorrow on the dangers of DEET mosquitorepellents.Here are six natural options that mosquitoes hate and youll soon love. You dont have to worry about DEET-induced brain cell damage or scratching yourself to death. And, if you still think that natural means less effective, keep reading. Some of these mosquito repellents are MORE EFFECTIVE THAN DEET!
1. Citronella
The old standby. Be sure youre using pure essential oil, not fragrance oil, which is ineffective and potentially dangerous. Most mosquito repellent products containing citronella are made with fragrance oil and should be avoided. If youre applying citronella to your skin, dilute it in a carrier oil or natural moisturizer. A few drops per tablespoon of oil or cream is all that is needed.