Mosquito repellents and other wonder drugs made by the chemical industry show promise in the fight against mosquitoes, but in most cases they either help little or not at all. In addition, many of these remedies contain substances that can damage our body sooner or later.

This is where essential oils come into play

Catnip provides relief and is an ideal anti-mosquito agent. It contains the active ingredient called nepetalactone. While bees, bumblebees and cats are attracted to the plant and its scent, mosquitoes are repelled by the essential oils.

mosquitoes at a distance

According to scientists, nepetalactone is 10 times more effective than the most popular chemical mosquito repellent, which is called diethyltoluamide - DEET for short. Mosquitoes are kept at a distance without harming you. In addition, catnip in the garden is free and easy to propagate.

How can you use catnip against mosquitoes?

On the one hand, the pure catnip oil can be used against mosquitoes. This should be applied diluted to the skin. Otherwise irritation or allergic reactions may occur. For example, the oil can be mixed with another body oil such as coconut oil, a cream or just water. The best mixing ratio is 1:4.

The plant itself in action

Alternatively, the whole plant can be used. However, it is not advisable to use them when they are dry. When catnip is dried, most of the essential oils will evaporate.

There are the following options for using the plant itself as a mosquito repellent:

  • Put catnip on the window sill in the bedroom
  • pluck fresh leaves and rub them into your body before going to bed
  • Plant catnip on the terrace or balcony (rest from mosquitoes when sitting together)
  • Brew leaves into tea, pour cooled liquid into spray bottle and spray onto skin

tips and tricks

A good side effect of catnip on your own skin or in the house: if you have cats, they will be happy about this new mosquito repellent and the environment will thank you too.

KKF

Category:

Herbs