If you're worried about using DEET to keep your self mosquito bite free, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) now gives you another chemical free alternative.
The CDC has confirmed that lemon eucalyptus oil can be as effective as DEET in repelling mosquitoes.
DEET Disasters
In the last few years, scientists have found that DEET can be very hazardous to the brain and nervous system. Symptoms have included headaches, tremors, weakness, paralysis, slurred speech, emotional/behavior changes, seizures, and even death in rare instances. More common symptoms may be skin rash, blistering, or allergic reaction.
Until recently, DEET was the only product recommended by the CDC to repel mosquitoes.
Don't Let The Mosquito Bugs Bite
According to the CDC website:
Oil of the eucalyptus a plant-based repellant, is also registered with EPA. In two recent scientific publications, when oil of lemon eucalyptus was tested against mosquitoes found in the U.S. it provided protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET.
These natural products will effectively repel mosquitoes but require frequent reapplication every 2 hours.
How do you protect against mosquito bites?