DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a common active ingredient in many mosquito repellents, including sprays, lotions, and wipes. It is highly effective at repelling various mosquitoes, including those that may carry diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika.
DEET works by confusing the mosquito’s sense of smell, making it more difficult for the mosquito to find and bite a human. The effectiveness of a DEET-based repellent can depend on the concentration of DEET in the product, with higher concentrations providing longer-lasting protection.
Although DEET is highly effective at repelling mosquitoes, there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with its use, especially in young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that products with a concentration of DEET above 30% should not be used on children.
Natural mosquito repellents are typically made from plant-based ingredients that are known to repel mosquitoes. Mosquito repellents may not be as effective as products that contain synthetic ingredients like DEET, but they can be a good alternative for people who are looking for a more natural option. Some common examples include:
- Citronella oil: This is a popular ingredient in many natural mosquito repellent products, and it is derived from the leaves of the citronella plant.
- Lemon eucalyptus oil: This essential oil is derived from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus and so effective in repelling mosquitoes.
Reasons You Should Go For Natural Mozzie Repellents
- Non-Toxic: Natural mosquito repellents are made from plant-based ingredients and essential oils that are non-toxic and safer for the environment, people, and pets. In contrast, chemical mosquito repellents contain synthetic ingredients that can harm humans and the environment.
- Pleasant Fragrance: Natural mosquito repellents often have a pleasant, enjoyable, relaxing fragrance. Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and citronella are effective in repelling mosquitoes and have a soothing and calming scent that can help you relax and unwind.
- Cost-effective: Natural mosquito repellents are often more cost-effective than chemical mosquito repellents. Many natural ingredients can be found in your pantry or at a natural health store, and they can be used to create homemade mosquito repellent sprays and lotions.
- Reduce Health Risks: Natural mosquito repellents can help reduce exposure to chemicals known to have health risks. For instance, the chemical DEET found in many mosquito repellents has been linked to skin irritation, neurotoxicity, and even seizures. Natural repellents offer a safer alternative for those who want to avoid the potential health risks associated with synthetic mosquito repellents.
There is no clear answer to whether natural mosquito repellents are better for children than DEET repellents because the effectiveness of a repellent can depend on a variety of factors, including the specific product, the concentration of the active ingredient, and the type of mosquito that is present in the area.
DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a common active ingredient in many mosquito repellents, and it is effective at repelling a wide variety of mosquitoes, including those that may carry diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika. However, there are concerns about the potential health risks of using DEET, especially in young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that products with a concentration of DEET above 30% should not be used on children.
On the other hand, natural mosquito repellents often use plant-based ingredients such as citronella, lemon eucalyptus, and peppermint oil. These repellents may be less effective than DEET-based products but are generally considered safer and less toxic. However, not all natural mosquito repellents are created equal, and some may be more effective than others- check Mozzie repellent here.
Ultimately, the mosquito repellent choice for children will depend on several factors, including the child’s age, the specific product being used, and the type of mosquitoes present in the area. It’s always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and talk to a healthcare professional if you have concerns about the safety of a particular product.