A home-made insect spray that really works

With the onset of summer time, many of us will spend more time outdoors. We will actively walk, garden, go hiking, cycling, swimming, kayaking. Our goal is to get as much sunlight as possible. Unfortunately, staying out in the open air during a hot time is also fraught with trouble. We can not avoid contact with insects, especially in water bodies, in forests, and also in the evening. Mosquitoes, perhaps, are the most dangerous individuals, because they suffer many infections. Remember this when you are going on holiday in the southern latitudes.

Dangerous diseases

Insects are carriers of such deadly diseases as West Nile fever, malaria and dengue fever. Everyone who knows about the consequences of contact with mosquitoes, wants to avoid potentially life-threatening threats. However, doctors warn people against another danger - one that is hidden in the composition of powerful repellents, means that repel insects. For example, the popular spray "DETA" contains a powerful chemical diethyltoluamide.

Analysis of the action of the basic substance

For the first time the repellent "DETA" was used in the US military-armed forces, and after the end of World War II entered free sale. Approximately since the 50-ies of the last century, the population began to actively use this tool. True, there was no reason to be zealous with the application, because with diethyltoluamide concentration of 50 percent or more, allergic skin reactions and eye irritation were noted. In 2013, the analysis of calls to toxicological centers was conducted. At least 4 thousand calls were provoked by the use of aerosols "DETA". 450 people needed emergency medical care, two, unfortunately, died. Such are the dire consequences of exposure to a hazardous chemical.

Symptoms of poisoning

Symptoms of toxic poisoning are convulsions, slurred speech, and in some cases - coma. There were other serious side effects, especially in people who used a dangerous remedy for more than three days in a row. Extremely dangerous is the concentration of diethyltoluamide over 95 percent.

Modern analogues

Unfortunately, modern manufacturers of repellents have not abandoned the idea to include in the composition of aerosols a powerful chemical. Diethyltoluamide is an active ingredient in almost every commercial product that has been approved for sale. Few of the consumers are aware of the incredible toxicity of the substance. If a person acts strictly according to the instructions, he has a chance to avoid trouble, but if the spray of an aerosol is mistakenly applied, they get into the respiratory tract.

Expert opinion

What do doctors advise? Use an aerosol containing diethyltoluamide in its composition, it is necessary only in exceptional cases. Then, when other, safer methods of protection from insects do not work, and your life is really threatened by a real danger. We have good news for everyone who sees his summer vacation without annoying mosquitoes. Scientific laboratory tests have shown that there is no less effective natural repellent.

Two independent studies

At different times, the eucalyptus essential oil of lemon oil was tested. The experiments showed high results in repelling insects. The study of the action of eucalyptus essential oil was carried out in tropical latitudes, south of the Sahara. In this area, malaria is traditionally rampant. Participants who rubbed essential oil into the skin were fully protected from mosquito bites for 6 hours. In some cases, the protection lasted up to 8 hours. Another study found an even more effective means - the essential oil of eucalyptus lemon, which is often used in medicine. But natural repellents based on Nim wood in combination with other essential oils were found to be ineffective.

How to make a repellent at home

Sometimes you can find an almost similar product in a free sale. However, in each such device contains synthetic, non-natural ingredients. Is not it easier to make the spray yourself? It is only necessary to observe the proportions and choose the right ingredients. If you use lemon juice and eucalyptus essential oil, this will not give a tangible effect. Make sure that you have purchased the essential oil of lemon eucalyptus. Here is the complete list of ingredients for natural insect repellent:

• Essential oil of eucalyptus lemon - 25 drops.
• Alcohol medical (vodka) - 100 grams.
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon.
• Coconut oil - 50 grams (optional).

Mix all the ingredients together and store in a sealed dark bottle with a sprayer. Shake the contents well before each use. Handle clothing and exposed skin. Do not forget about the ability of essential oil to color the tissues. Do not put the repellent in the eyes! Re-apply if necessary every 4-6 hours.