Mosquito Repellent Soaps: What You Need to Know
Some soaps can reduce mosquito attraction to people, according to a study in Scientific Reports. Citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus essential oils were found to be the most effective mosquito repellents by researchers at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Matthew Curtis, the lead author of the study, said that the findings could have important implications for public health. “Mosquitoes are a major vector for diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika,” he said. In order to reduce the spread of these diseases, we must find ways to make people less attractive to mosquitoes. There were 50 participants in the study who were exposed to mosquitoes under controlled conditions. Volunteers were divided into two groups: one used soap containing essential oils, and the other used regular soap. Compared to volunteers who used regular soap, volunteers who used soap containing essential oils were significantly less likely to be bitten. Apparently, the essential oils in t...