Here essential oils work
Catnip provides relief and is an ideal anti-mosquito remedy. It contains the active ingredient called nepetalactone. While bees, bumble bees and cats are attracted to the plant and its scent, mosquitoes are repelled by the essential oils.
Mosquitoes at distance
According to scientists, nepetalactone is said to act 10 times stronger than the most popular chemical mosquito repellent, which bears the name diethyltoluamide – DEET for short. Mosquitoes are kept at a distance without you being harmed. In addition, catnip is free in the garden and easy to reproduce.
How can catnip be used against mosquitoes?
On the one hand the pure catnip oil can be used against mosquitoes. This should be diluted and applied 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 simply water. The best mixing ratio is 1:4.
The plant itself in use
Alternatively the whole plant can be used. However, it is not advisable to use them in the dried state. When the catnip is dried, most of the essential oils evaporate.
The following possibilities exist for using the plant itself as a mosquito repellent:
- place catnip on the windowsill in the bedroom
- pluck fresh leaves and rub them into the body before bedtime
- Plant catnip on the terrace or balcony (rest from mosquitoes when sitting together)
- Brew leaves to tea, pour cooled liquid into spray bottle and spray onto skin
Tips & Tricks
A good side effect of catnip on your own skin or at home: If you have cats, they are happy about this new mosquito repellent and the environment thanks you as well.
KKF
