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Summer and the heat are well and truly here. Mosquitoes too. To protect yourself from them, there is a natural method that works, as UFC-Que choisir reminds us, provided you choose it carefully.
This year too, you are not spared from mosquitoes. And the question of how best to avoid them arises in every family or vacation spot (especially in the context of tiger mosquitoes invading France). Repellent or insecticide? UFC-What to choose tested in June more than 30 products to apply to the skin, to spray, to diffuse or to burn
Repellent or insecticide: which is the best choice?
“There are two main categories of mosquito repellents: repellents, which are designed to keep them away, and insecticides, which are designed to kill them. Their functions are complementary, so it is useful to have both on hand when you are in an infested area.” explains UFC Que choisir in its comparison.
The most effective repellents, according to the association, are all those based on DEET (the acronym for N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide) with concentrations of 25%, 30% or even 50%. “They are recommended in all areas where mosquitoes are likely to transmit dengue, chikungunya or malaria.”
But when you live in a disease-free area or with children, you often want a more natural product, based on essential oils or plants. Is it effective?
UFC Que Choisir approves lemongrass, under certain conditions
According to the media, with the exception of citriodiol and Java citronella essential oil, natural products based on other plants simply do not protect against mosquitoes. You should therefore choose your product carefully and not just look for the words “citronella scented”. The two favorite products of the editorial staff remain:
- Essential oil of Java lemongrass (Cymbopogon winterianus oil), rare on French shelves. But the two products tested by the UFC, which contained at least 20%, protected against mosquitoes;
- Citriodiolalso known as lemon eucalyptus essential oil, has, for its part, “variable effectiveness, depending on the product formulation.”
The mosquito repellent effectiveness of citronella scented candles, however, depends on the repellent or insecticide used more than on the fragrance. Smelling strong is not enough.Check for the presence of an active substance, otherwise the sting is assured” recalls the UFC.