We need to think about new alternatives such as natural repellents. The different cities of the world are currently faced with environmental problems such as climate change or deforestation and their most immediate consequences such as floods and changes in biodiversity, leading to the spread of diseases such as mosquito-borne dengue fever.
To prevent these diseases, waste disposal or fumigation campaigns are not enough; it is also necessary to set up local barriers such as repellents or repellents.
But in this context of environmental crisis, economic problems are added, which affect the prices of essential products such as insect repellents and not all population groups have access to them. The situation worsens when there are also bottlenecks in stores.
Taking into account that the use of commercial repellents, in addition to the costs, also involves toxic components, many people with sensitive skin, allergies or simply looking for harmless products, babies and small children, are at greater risk.
In this sense, it is necessary to examine the possibility of offering alternative solutions to the population.
At Chilka Amor por la Naturaleza we offer you the opportunity to make your own natural repellents with easily available ingredients that can provide relief for people with problems due to the toxicity of the preparation or the cost of the commercial product.
We know that the spread of the dengue-carrying mosquito responds to a loss of balance between natural enemies. Therefore, an option that replaces the known fumigation that threatens biodiversity is a good option to consider.
When do they bite and what attracts mosquitoes?
The peak of mosquito infestation is early morning and dusk; The rest of the day they stay protected in dark and damp places. Avoid these times when you are outdoors.
Mosquitoes bite females to obtain a few milliliters of blood, which contains the proteins necessary for egg production. When biting, they use their saliva to inject a vasodilator substance (to keep the subcutaneous blood vessel open) and an anticoagulant (to maintain blood flow), which irritates human tissue and ultimately makes us realize that we have just been bitten by a mosquito.
Mosquitoes are attracted to several things. If we can reduce or even eliminate some of these things, we can significantly reduce the frequency of mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes usually recognize us by the CO2 we emit when we breathe and the smell of our skin. You can also recognize us by the lactic acid that we produce when we exercise. Therefore, we will avoid exercising during peak attack times. We also reduce the consumption of salt and potassium-rich foods, which promote the formation of lactic acid.
In addition, they are attracted to the fruity aromas in creams, perfumes, fabric softeners, etc., which is why we try to avoid them.
Artificial mosquito repellents
The substance used in the most common commercial brands is DEET (N,N-diethylmetatoluamide).
DEET was originally developed by the US military to solve the problems of its soldiers in the jungle during World War II. Although they had been using it since 1946, it was not extended to civilians until 1957.
DEET is an aggressive compound against commonly used plastic objects, textiles, paints, etc. such as glasses frames, watch straps, cameras, clothing, etc. In addition, if used accidentally, it causes irritation of mucous membranes, leaves an unpleasant, sticky feeling when in contact with the skin and its smell can be unpleasant for many be annoying to people. DEET is not recommended for children under 6 years of age and its use in concentrations greater than 30% is also discouraged (it provides approximately 6 hours of protection). For children between 2 and 6 years of age, the maximum recommended concentration is approximately 10% (approximately 2 hours of protection).
An increase in cases of insomnia has been observed in people exposed to DEET for a long period of time.
As a precautionary measure, it is usually recommended to avoid use in children under two years of age.
These substances are contained in creams, lotions, sprays, spirals, pills, etc.
Natural repellents
Based on the strategies that plants use to defend themselves against insects through aromas, we can create various preparations to ward off annoying mosquitoes.
The most famous plant for producing natural repellents, the effectiveness of which has been studied, is citronella (Cymbopogon nardus). Thanks to its phytochemical compounds, it repels adult mosquitoes and you can use it to create oils or sprays suitable for the whole family.
The way to make a natural repellent varies depending on the solvent, but we can use a few drops of essential oil suitable for the skin (not that from ovens or detergents) and prepare a spray. Or soak citronella leaves in alcohol for a few weeks. This is also possible with oils such as almond oil.
If you are interested in learning more about how to prepare natural mosquito repellents using herbs available to you, whether native or exotic, and learning to identify and harvest them, this VIRTUAL WORKSHOP is for you .
Workshop goals
Introduce the different types of plants that have repellent and insecticidal properties against mosquitoes.
Put into practice the different uses of this vegetable with homemade preparations: macerates, tinctures, oils, creams, air fresheners, etc. so that participants can apply what they have learned at home.
These preparations are economical because they are made from materials accessible to everyone, in addition, they are safe for humans and environmentally friendly.
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