(Foreword: This is the continuation of our response to Martha S. on her quest for natural mosquito repellents.)
Dear Martha S.,
Now, let’s continue. Here is the list of natural mosquito repellents:
Catnip
A study done at Iowa State University found that the essential oil found in the herb catnip is about ten times more effective than DEET in warding off mosquitoes.
Citronella
This is my favorite! I love the smell. But, do not use the fragrance oil if you choose this. Use only the pure essential oil. Be sure to get a high-quality citronella essential oil for your skin.
Garlic
You have to eat tons of them — fresh…witches can’t stand your smell – and so do mosquitoes. They’re both on the same plane… bloodsuckers.
Plant these plants
Be sure to have them in your pots or your garden. Some of them are easy to grow, like basil. These can help repel those bugs away. Since they have the essential oils that mosquitoes hate, you need to crush some of their leaves and put them into your skin for you to get the most benefit.
But, again, if you are sensitive to any of them, stop applying them to your skin. Just plant them around your surroundings and you will be fine. So, here’s the list.
Basil
Catnip
Citronella
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Lemon Thyme
Marigolds
Rosemary
Lemon grass or our very own “tanglad”
The essential oil in these plants has shown a repellent effect, alone or in combination with other anti-repellents, against different species of disease-transmitting mosquitoes and even the housefly doesn’t like it. So, what are you waiting for? Move and start planting.
Good luck! Hope this helps.
-Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist, surgeon, and clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15-year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.”. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o Sunstar-Davao Publishing Inc., Door 11, Ebro-Pelayo Building 1, Juan Luna St., Barangay 29-C, Davao City, or e-mail them to dokatlaw@gmail.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)