Natural and commercial mosquito repellents, such as citronella and DEET, can effectively keep pests away. Applying repellent to skin and clothing can provide added protection, but it’s important to read labels carefully and consult with a veterinarian before using products on pets.
A good mosquito repellent is one that is nontoxic to humans and pets, but that mosquitoes find unappealing and try to avoid. There are several natural and commercial repellents and they are believed to effectively keep pests at bay. Natural mosquito repellent choices include citronella or garlic-based repellents. Pests can be deterred from entering an area simply by strategically placing mosquito repellent plants, such as a citronella plant, in areas frequented by humans and pets. Commercial choices of garden mosquito repellents typically contain DEET, which is made up of chemicals that are safe to apply to human skin, as well as spray around a yard.
While a mosquito repellent is used to keep mosquitoes out of a specific area, people who visit areas where contact with mosquitoes is likely may also benefit from applying mosquito repellent to their skin and clothing first. As an added barrier of protection, these repellants are available in the form of lotions, creams, sprays or wipes. Similar to a mosquito repellent, these products can also be made from citronella, garlic or DEET.
Garlic is believed to be an effective mosquito repellent due to its smell. The scent of normal human skin is attractive to mosquitoes and serves as an invitation to feast on human blood. When human odor is impaired, particularly with an unpleasant odor such as garlic, mosquitoes are repelled by the odor and are less interested in feeding on that particular host’s blood.
Citronella has a garlic-like effect in repelling mosquitoes. Citronella plants and oils are often used in patios, homes and on skin surfaces by individuals trying to avoid contact with these aggressive pests. A combination of citronella oil and garlic can also be an effective repellent.
When spraying a garden with bug spray, health experts recommend reading the directions carefully first. Some sprays can be toxic to pets or carry misleading labels. For example, some mosquito repellent brands may carry a label describing the product as natural, which a consumer may feel is safe to use on garden plants, pets, and humans. Some products labeled natural, however, may actually be toxic and should not be used in areas frequented by pets and humans.
You may also need pet insect repellent if pets are likely to roam a yard. Animals clean themselves by licking, which makes them poor candidates for the same mosquito repellents used by humans. Experts recommend that pet owners who want to protect their pets from mosquito bites consult with a veterinarian before choosing a pet insect repellent.
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