Natural and Plant-Derived Repellents and Products

Thousands of plants have been tested as potential sources of insect repellents. None of the plant-derived chemicals tested to date demonstrate the broad effectiveness and duration of DEET, but a few show some repellent activity. Plants whose essential oils have been reported to have some repellent activity include citronella, cedar, verbena, pennyroyal, geranium, lavender, pine, cajeput, cinnamon, rosemary, basil, thyme, allspice, garlic, and peppermint. Unlike synthetic insect repellents, plant-derived repellents have been relatively poorly studied. When tested, most of these essential oils tended to provide only limited and short-lasting protection, usually less than 2 hours (some only minutes). Natural products are included in lotions and sprays, and also in candles and other devices. Various mosquito repelling plants have been touted as worthy additions to your garden - save your money, their effectiveness is limited. Certain products in this category also require the burning of a candle or other item - this could pose a health hazard, so use caution. By wary of products manufactured by companies you don't know and trust.

Advantages: No chemicals or pesticides

Disadvantages: Very limited effectiveness

Bats

Description: Bats are well known mosquito eaters! A single bat can eat hundreds of mosquitos every hour, however, research suggests that only about 10 to 15% of the average bat's diet is mosquitoes. You can encourage bats to visit your yard by building a simple bat house. Plans can be readily found on the Internet - there is no need to pay the extra money to buy a kit. Bats are a great natural way to reduce mosquitoes around your home, just don't expect they to have a very big impact. They may very well choose to have dinner in your neighbors yard, not yours, since they can fly long distances from their roosting areas.

Advantages: They definitely eat mosquitos!

Disadvantages: Limited effectivness for home mosquito control