Citronella candles, lavender, cedar oil and crushed leaves all sound gentler than “chemical repellent.” They are also easy to overpromise. If mosquito bites matter because dengue, malaria, West Nile, Zika or another mosquito-borne disease is circulating, the priority should be a repellent with demonstrated protection and clear label instructions.
EPA’s current list of registered skin-applied repellent ingredients includes DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus/PMD and several other actives.
Repellent ingredients with regulated use
Long-established option
EPA says normal use of registered DEET repellents does not present a health concern to the general population when label directions are followed.
Popular alternative
EPA lists picaridin among registered skin-applied repellent ingredients.
Another registered active
Protection time depends on product concentration and formulation.
Plant-derived does not mean homemade
Oil of lemon eucalyptus and PMD products are regulated formulations; homemade eucalyptus oil is not equivalent.
Why a nice-smelling plant is not automatically a reliable repellent
Some products can repel
But formulation and concentration determine performance; a candle on a patio is not the same as registered skin repellent.
Smell is not proof
Laboratory effects do not guarantee useful protection duration on human skin.
Evidence varies
A DIY mixture can evaporate quickly or irritate skin.
Use the stronger standard when stakes are high
In areas with mosquito-borne disease, choose products tested and labeled for the job.
How to use repellent more safely
Choose protection time for the activity
EPA’s repellent finder lets users compare products by pest and duration.
Apply only as directed
More is not automatically better.
Do not spray directly into the face
Apply to hands first when the label instructs, then carefully spread to exposed facial skin.
Use extra caution with children
Follow age restrictions and product-specific directions.
Reapply according to the label
Swimming, sweating and time can reduce protection.
Wash treated skin when protection is no longer needed
Follow the product’s safety instructions.
Reduce mosquito exposure around the home
Empty standing water
Containers, plant saucers and other small water sources can become breeding sites.
Keep barriers intact
Window and door screens reduce indoor entry.
Cover skin when practical
Long sleeves and trousers add a physical barrier.
Repellent-treated clothing exists
EPA registers products for treating or buying pretreated clothing; instructions differ from skin repellents.
For mosquito protection, boring and tested beats fragrant and viral
Use a registered repellent appropriate for the duration and disease risk, then follow the label.
A lavender plant may be pleasant beside the patio. It should not be your malaria-prevention strategy.