Alternative to DEET?
I'd like to find good insect repellents for this fall's visits to New Jersey and south Texas. I just learned of geraniol, purportedly effective as a natural repellent.
Wikipedia says otherwise; then again, I don't trust Wikipedia completely. This page says nothing about geraniol's use as an insect repellent. I couldn't find other noncommercial sites with pertinent details.
Anyone know of some scientific, unbiased info about geraniol as a repellent?
Wikipedia says otherwise; then again, I don't trust Wikipedia completely. This page says nothing about geraniol's use as an insect repellent. I couldn't find other noncommercial sites with pertinent details.
Anyone know of some scientific, unbiased info about geraniol as a repellent?
posted by Amy at 9:12 AM
8 Comments:
Hmm... I found a lot of places selling it as an insect repellent. I haven't had any experience with it though. I've seen the ones that use eucalyptus, but I've also heard that they aren't strong enough. Any experience with those?
I did use 100% deet once. It leaked in my luggage and literally melted my travel clock.
Thanks for the tip about eucalyptus; I'll keep an eye out for it.
I've had really good luck with Ugly Bugly. I should have some left when I come to Cape May...and Harlingen.
Shaz
Hmmm... I don't think Ugly Bugly ever crossed my radar. Thanks for making me aware of it!
You know I tried this sample from one of the birding retail trade shows called All Terrain Herbal Armor and it works really well too. It's a little more sticky than Ugly Bugly though.
Hmmm... maybe I'll do a comparison in Harlingen with Ugly Bugly on one ankle and All Terrain on the other. We'll see which keeps away the chiggers.
I've never heard of geraniol. Here's the EPA's take on the eucalyptus (which is often a synthetic imitation of the natural oil): http://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/biopesticides/ingredients/factsheets/factsheet_011550.htm.
I think the CDC used to have info. on the effectiveness--which if I remember correctly, was just as effective as DEET but needed to be applied more often.
Thank you, Lene!
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