In recent years, approximately 700 million people have been infected with mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue, Zika virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The use of mosquito repellents can be an effective strategy to prevent these diseases. With the wide range of mosquito repellents available in the market, choosing the right mosquito repellents could be quite challenging. This article discusses the comparison of natural vs chemical mosquito repellents thus helping the consumer to choose the right one.
What are mosquito repellents?
Repellents are defined as substances applied to the skin or clothing that deter mosquitoes from landing or biting. These repellents work by interfering with mosquito’s sense of smell or taste, either by blocking or overstimulating the senses. There are two types of mosquito repellents available in the market. It includes:
- Natural Repellents
- Chemical Repellents
Natural Mosquito Repellent
Natural repellents are a blend of substances that are derived from plants and essential oils, making them more eco-friendly. Common ingredients in natural repellents include:
Citronella
Citronella is one of the most common essential ingredients that is found in most mosquito repellents. It works by masking the smells that attract the mosquitoes and therefore deprives them of the search. Though stores do sell citronella candles and sprays, they have to be reapplied every hour, as they lose their potency within a short period.
This is not toxic to be used on the skin but potentially might cause some people to react with mild irritation. Besides, it is safe to be used in the environment as it will biodegrade and not build up in the environment. This makes citronella a preferable choice between natural vs chemical mosquito repellents.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil, also known as oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), is another effective natural repellent. The active ingredient in OLE, p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), is recognized by the CDC as an effective mosquito repellent. Eucalyptus oil works by masking human scent that attracts mosquitoes.
Eucalyptus oil offers long-lasting protection as compared to other natural repellent. It also poses minimal hazards to human health.
Lavender
Lavender is a flowering plant that is popular for its soothing scent, but it also has an insect-repelling effect. Lavender contains natural mosquito repellents like linalool and camphor among others. It can be used directly on the skin or through a diffuser. It won’t aggravate the skin and is safe for children. However, its effectiveness as a mosquito repellent is moderate, requiring frequent reapplication for continued protection.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a known natural mosquito repellent that is now gaining prominence for its being effective and eco-friendly. The essential oil is derived from the lemongrass plant, Cymbopogon citratus, and is utilized in different forms, from sprays to lotions and candles, to keep mosquitoes away. Lemongrass oil can be used directly on the skin when diluted with some carrier oil or it can be used in diffusers, sprays, or candles.
Chemical Mosquito Repellents
Chemical repellents are synthetic products that work effectively to repel mosquitoes. The common active ingredients of these repellents include DEET, picaridin, and IR3535.
DEET
DEET is the most commonly used chemical repellent and was first developed by the U.S. Army in 1946. DEET works well against various mosquitoes and offers long-term protection from mosquitoes. This happens because DEET disrupts synapses and receptors that are present in mosquitoes’ antennae and mouthparts, as such, mosquitoes are unable to find a human host. The disadvantages of DEET include: Long-term use can cause skin irritation, and environmental concerns have also been raised. DEET destroys some plastics and synthetic fabrics, thus limiting its use and reducing its efficacy. Because it works well, it has a great role in the debate of natural vs chemical mosquito repellents.
Picaridin
Picaridin is a newer chemical repellent, introduced in the 1990s. It is as effective as DEET but with fewer side effects. Picaridin is a colorless and odorless liquid and it works by blocking the mosquito’s ability to detect humans.
While picaridin is generally considered safer than DEET, it is still a chemical compound with potential environmental concerns. Its long-term effects are not as well studied, making some consumers hesitant to use it regularly.
IR3535
Another synthetic repellent is IR3535, or ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate. It is normally formulated in combination with sunscreens. IR3535 can be safely used on children, and it offers moderate protection against mosquitoes. IR3535 mimics the action of the natural repellent properties of amino acids found in the human body, so it becomes less attractive to mosquitoes.
IR3535 is biodegradable and has a low environmental impact, making it a preferred choice among eco-conscious consumers. Compared to DEET or picaridin, the efficacy is much less long-lasting, therefore requiring more frequent reapplication. In the choice for natural vs. chemical mosquito repellents, IR3535 is often preferred by those who are more eco-conscious.
Choosing between natural vs chemical mosquito repellents
When deciding between Natural vs Chemical Mosquito Repellents, other factors to consider include effectiveness, safety, environmental impact, and personal preferences.
Effectiveness
Chemical repellents such as DEET and picaridin are considered to be more effective than natural repellents. They provide long-lasting protection and are better suited for high-risk infection areas. Natural products can work in low-infection areas for a planned short timeframe.
Safety
Other than efficacy, mosquito-repellent safety can be another important consideration. Chemical repellents can be very effective at repelling mosquitoes from biting, however, they can cause skin irritation and other side effects, depending on the concentration and duration of use. A natural repellent is deemed safer overall, usually less irritating, and has fewer side effects. However, it may be less effective in areas with a high prevalence of malaria or other mosquito-borne diseases. This safety consideration is important in the natural vs chemical mosquito repellents debate.
Environmental Impact
Environmental impact is another significant consideration when choosing repellents. Chemical products (like DEET) can leave chemical residues in the environment to accumulate and potentially kill wildlife. While natural products are biodegradable and therefore they are generally more environmentally safe, they can still come with a risk. This is a key consideration when choosing between natural vs chemical mosquito repellents.
Personal Preferences
Personal inclinations and lifestyle considerations are also important aspects of the choice between natural and chemical repellents. Some consumers want the reassurance of natural products, even if it means they will need to apply natural repellents more as compared to chemical products. Other consumers are more concerned with efficacy and are willing to use chemical products to get a higher level of protection. This often guides the choice between natural vs chemical mosquito repellents.
The Role of Lab Testing in Mosquito Repellent Efficacy
Whether one is to choose between natural vs chemical mosquito repellents, the product must be effective. This is where laboratory testing and validation come into the picture. Laboratory testing services, such as those offered by Microbe Investigations Switzerland, are very important in validating the efficacy of mosquito repellents.
MIS utilizes advanced testing methodologies to determine repellent performance under various conditions. This ensures that the products comply with regulatory requirements and provide protection as claimed. Contact us today to learn more about our services
