Lemon Eucalyptus
The most effective natural mosquito repellent at the time of writing is Repel Lemon Eucalyptus. A 2002 study in the New England Journal of Medicine compared different synthetic chemical and herbal repellents:
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Repellent provided 120.1 minutes of mosquito protection, more than a repellent with a low concentration of the chemical DEET(N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) (Off Skintastic for Kids with 4.75% DEET provided 88.4 minutes of protection) and less than Off Deep Woods with 23.8% DEET, which provided 301.5 minutes of protection (However, it has carcinogenic properties and is toxic to humans and animals as well. Caution is urged especially when used on children. According to the Medical Sciences Bulletin, up to 56 per cent of DEET penetrates the skin; up to 17 per cent is then absorbed into the bloodstream. Aside, then, from the potential for contact dermatitis type reactions, DEET affects the central nervous system, causing neuro-muscular spasms and seizures. Needless to say, these potential risks are far graver than any benefit they may have) .
A study by the US Department of Agriculture compared four synthetic mosquito repellents and eight natural mosquito repellents and found that Repel Lemon Eucalyptus was the most effective repellent, more so than a 7% DEET repellent.
Lemon eucalyptus oil repellents, in addition to the chemicals DEET and picaridin, have been registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (which means that the materials have been reviewed and approved for effectiveness and human safety) and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus. A June 2006 Consumer Reports article stated that after conducting their own tests, Repel Lemon Eucalyptus was the best non-DEET mosquito repellent. However, volunteers criticized its odor.
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