Did you know that DEET has been linked to health problems like damage to the nervous and immune systems, sperm mutations, itching, seizures and more. According to a research from Duke University, tests show that after continuous exposure to DEET caused memory loss and other behavioral changes in rats. In fact, the Toxic Substances and Disease registry documents 8 deaths that were linked to DEET ingestion or topical application.
Coconut oil to repel mosquitos and other insects
In a study published in Scientific Reports, scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service found that coconut oil possesses a strong repellency quality and is very effective at repelling many of the insects.
The fatty acids in coconut oil are responsible for protecting against bed bugs and biting flies. The group of researchers discovered that coconut oil compounds can repel mosquitos and bed bugs for two weeks.
Coconut oil (find it here) is rich in lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid that possesses strong antibacterial and antiviral properties. When you consume lauric acid, your body converts it to monolaurin, which is able to destroy lipid-coated viruses.
Add Essential Oils to the Mix
Additionally. I’ve found that adding a few drops of essential oils to the coconut oil will double the efficiency of coconut oil (find it here). I use lavender, citronella or tea tree. Or you can mix all three.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6145915/
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