12 Types of Insect Repellent Sprays for Homes

Are you interested in the best chemical and homemade insect repellent sprays, plants, oils, cream, and lotions? Find out!

Insects can cause a great deal of discomfort. Some cause damage to crops, insects that cause structural damage (termites), as well as those which feed on blood like mosquitoes and bed bugs.

Our focus is not on the type of insects but insect repellents.

All types of insects with a negative impact on humans are considered pests. Some of these transmit diseases (the anopheles mosquito notorious for transmitting Malaria.

Their coming too close for comfort makes the need to repel them necessary. We will discuss quite extensively on insect repellents.

Here are some commonly asked questions when it comes to the use of natural and synthetic insect repellent sprays for bed bugs and other insects.

  • What is the most effective insect repellent?
  • Does insect repellent kill bugs?
  • What age is DEET safe?
  • Does DEET kill bugs?
  • What bugs does off repel?
  • What is the most effective ingredient in bug repellent?
  • How long does off mosquito repellent last?

Other questions of this type have been answered in this insect repellent guide.

Natural Insect Repellents Plants and Oils

There are synthetic insect repellents as well as natural ones.

Natural repellents have proven to be as effective as synthetic repellents. This has an added advantage. There are no health risks whatsoever attached to the use of natural insect repellents.

So what are these natural pest repellent plant products? They include the following;

  • Neem Oil

Neem oil is known to be an effective natural insect repellent with up to 70% protection from insects lasting up to 3 hours. There has been some discovery about this oil causing skin irritation for some users.

Although this is true, it is still classified as an insect repellent.

  • Thyme Oil

Another natural insect repellent is thyme oil. This oil can be rubbed onto the skin to keep insects away. Thyme leaves are equally effective repellents as well.

These are most useful for outdoor use (although not limited to outdoor usage). The smoke given off from burning thyme leaves repels insects from an hour to an hour and a half.

You can either apply the oil using a spray by mixing it with a small part of water or you can mix 4 drops of it with a base oil and apply it to the skin.

  • Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Lemon Eucalyptus oil has become an increasingly important repellent, especially for mosquitoes. Recommended by the Centre for Disease Control CDC, this is being used as an ingredient in making other mosquito repellents.

Lemon Eucalyptus oil is not to be used on children younger than 3 years. Studies have revealed that this natural repellent has a high percentage efficacy. When applied to the skin.

  • Cinnamon Oil

With Cinnamon oil, repelling insects is much easier. For mosquitoes, not only does it kill off the eggs, but also repels and kills off the adult ones.

When applying this insect repellent, it should not be applied directly onto your skin without being diluted. It is recommended that 24 drops of Cinnamon oil be applied to 4 ounces of water.

It can be applied to skin and clothing.

  • Soybean Oil

This has also been found to effectively repel insects. It can be used in combination with lemongrass. Its results are far-reaching bringing about great relief from insect attacks.

  • Tea Tree

Apart from its many health benefits, the tea tree is a great insect repellent.

Although this information is limited due to its recent discovery, you can use it successfully to ward off annoying insect pests without fear of toxicity.

  • Geraniol

Geraniol is an ingredient used in making other insect repellents. Although highly effective, it can lead to skin irritation. It should not come in contact with your eyes too.

With Geraniol, you need not fear because it has no toxic content.

  • Citronella

Chances are that you have heard this name before. However, do you know its benefits?

Citronella offers a natural alternative to several other synthetic repellents.s how effective this repellent depends on the mixture of your formula. If you get this right, its protection against insects lasts longer.

The reverse is the case when it’s not mixed in the right ratio.

Synthetic Insect Repellents

These types of insect repellents have been among the most popular with DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide). and Picaridin among some of the most popular.

  • DEET

DEET gives the desired results in keeping insects at bay. However, you need to be careful when using it on children. It is unsafe for use in children below 6 months of age.

For children between 6 months to 3 years, this insect repellent should be used on them only once daily. DEET should not be applied to broken skin.

Because it is mostly used outdoors, you should wash off your thorough skin once indoors. This guard against skin irritation.

  • Picaridin

Picaridin is an alternative insect repellent to DEET however, unlike DEET which has an odor Picaridin is odorless. And less greasy.

This synthetic insect repellent is used for most types of insects.

  • IR3535

This is one of the very few synthetic insect repellents that has proven to be free of toxins. However, whether it is safe for use on children or infants is another subject for discussion altogether.

  • Permethrin

This is an effective insect repellent that has proven reliable for use in the army and is also used in the treatment of all kinds of insect pests on pets except cats. It is toxic to cats.

When applying Permethrin, it should not be applied directly onto the skin.

Which is the Best Insect Repellent Option to Use?

Between natural and synthetic insect repellents, a lot of questions have been raised as to which of the two is better.

However, there is no straight answer to this question. Each performs a specific role.

People who are very cautious about the health implications of using synthetic insect repellent products will naturally gravitate towards natural insect repellents.

Synthetic repellents on the other hand last longer. However, they are likely to be more irritable to the skin than not. Whichever insect repellent you prefer is totally up to you.

It has been found that DEET and Picaridin provide the best results in repelling insects than those with natural properties. They are also way more effective in the early stages than natural repellents.

Safe Use of Insect Repellents

There are safe ways to use insect repellents. This includes both natural and synthetic repellents. They include;

  • KeepAway from Hand

Never allow these repellents to come in contact with the hands of children. They are likely to rub their eyes with these hands or swallow this same by putting their hands in their mouth.

In addition to this, repellents should be kept far away from the reach of children.

  • Pregnant Women Should Avoid getting too Comfortable Around Repellents

As a pregnant woman, you should try not to get too comfortable around insect repellents. This is because it can adversely affect the fetus.

Packing this away in a safe location enhances your safety and that of your unborn baby.

When applying this to children, only limited amounts should be applied. This should be done once a day to limit any irritation that may result due to frequent application.

  • Never Allow Children Apply Themselves

To protect your child/children, it is best if you apply it to them yourself.

Never allow them to do this themselves. This is because they might end up ingesting it or mistakenly getting it into their eyes

Insect Repellent Market

There has been a steady climb in the use of insect repellents. 16 brands of insect repellent exist in the market. Out of this pack, S.C. Johnson leads the way.

All insect repellent brands contain DEET. The level of DEET concentration varies based on the use.

Therefore whenever you want to buy some over-the-counter repellents, only select those with the right concentration for your specific needs.

The Environmental Protection Agency EPA maintains that with proper use, DEET is among the most reliable and safest insect repellents to use.

  • How Innovation Has Evolved how Repellents are Manufactured

Insect repellent manufacturers have adopted a variety of measures to make their products more competitive. Leading this innovative drive is S.C. Johnson.

They have developed a product known as Skintastic. This contains seven and half DEET and also serves as a lotion that moisturizes the skin.

While newer and improved insect repellent products are being developed, There has been an outcry by researchers who say most of the newer products are not tested.

This can pose serious health challenges for users.

  • Insect Preventive Measures

While there are several types of insect repellents you can use, there are also preventive measures you can adopt. These are simple and easy to follow.

They include; start using unscented deodorants shampoos and soap. Why? Because these attract insects to you.

Before sitting on the floor, place a towel or handkerchief.

You should avoid spraying cologne or perfume. Insects are attracted by it. You must carry out a body check daily. What for?

To search for hidden insects which may be tucked between folds in your skin.

When choosing to clothe to wear, you should select those that cover all or most parts of your body. This keeps or repels insects.

We have seen that there are various types of insect repellents. These are also categorized into two main types- natural insect repellents and synthetic repellents.

We also saw that synthetic repellents are naturally stronger and last longer than natural ones.

If you were confused about which option best fits your needs, the information provided here will assist you to make up your mind.

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