Do herbal oils, skin lotions, “natural” plant extracts mixed in oil, and homeopathic approaches repel biting insects?
Most of these work for about 20 minutes and are no more effective than smearing cooking oil on your skin. These are simply “barriers.” Mosquitoes don’t like the feel of them and will leave. Once the oil is absorbed into your skin, the bugs will be back. Some essential oils are touted for their ability to repel mosquitoes, but these have not been tested for safety and just because they are plant-derived does not mean they are safe. There are many plants that should never be put on the skin or eaten. Make sure any product you pick has an EPA registration number to be sure you’re getting a product that works and has been evaluated for safety. In the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, Richard J. Pollack, Ph.D. Anthony E. Kiszewski, D.Sc. and Andrew Spielman, Sc.D.
