Eucalyptus oil and preventing insect bites

Enjoying the great outdoors can be an entertaining and invigorating way to spend a day. But it's important that outdoors enthusiasts recognize they will likely be sharing the great outdoors with insects.

Although many insects can be more of a nuisance than a legitimate threat, some insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, can spread disease. Mosquitoes are considered among the most dangerous creatures on the planet for their ability to spread deadly diseases, which include everything from malaria to encephalitis to Zika to West Nile virus. Repellents remain the best defense to keep mosquitoes and ticks at bay.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that products containing lemon eucalyptus oil can be just as effective at warding off mosquitoes as the more commonly used chemical repellent DEET. DEET, registered for public use in 1957, is the most widely used mosquito and tick repellent. DEET is highly effective at repelling a wide range of bugs. Although various health organizations, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, have concluded that "the normal use of DEET does not present a health concern to the general population," there are some potential side effects. DEET is a neurotoxin and can affect the nervous system. Rashes, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and headaches are possible side effects of using DEET.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus, however, is an all-natural solution that does not carry the same neurological risks as DEET or other chemical repellents. According to the CDC, when oil of lemon eucalyptus was tested against mosquitoes found in the United States, it provided a similar level of protection as repellents with low concentrations of DEET. In addition, a study from the USDA compared four synthetic mosquito repellents and eight natural ones and found that Repel Lemon Eucalyptus was the most effective repellent, even more so than a 7 percent DEET product.

When selecting oil of lemon eucalyptus products (OLE), also known as PMD or the chemical name para-menthane-3,8-diol, the CDC says to choose a product that is an EPA-registered repellent containing tested OLE or PMD. "Pure" oils are not formulated as repellents and may not be as effective.

Precautions should be taken when using any type of insect repellent.

Apply only to exposed skin or clothing as directed on the product.

Avoid application to wounds or irritated skin.

Do not use on eyes or mouth, and apply sparingly around the ears.

Apply a thin film of repellent.

Wash hands after application.

The Environmental Working Group advises that, because the dangers to children have not been thoroughly explored, products with OLE and PMD should not be used on any child under the age of three.

Botanical products may be safer and just as effective as chemical-based insect repellents. Consumers should do their research and take additional steps to minimize their exposure to mosquitoes and harmful bugs. LS178248