Modern urban living puts us right in the habitat of our greatest nemesis – the mosquito. And especially because we live in sub-tropical or semitropical habitats around Australia, as well as many coastal developments – these are prime mosquito breeding grounds.
Did you know there are around 3,500 species of mosquitoes in the world? And 300 of them are in Australia! Thankfully, only a small number of them prey on humans for their blood meal but they are a nuisance around picnics, BBQs and time outdoors – where we like to be in our awesome climate. These mosquitoes also carry Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and dengue, amongst other arboviruses. These can lead to debilitating conditions that can last for months.
Female mosquitoes can travel up to 10 km from their breeding habitats just to seek you out! They only live about 6-8 weeks but the females can lay millions of eggs in their short lifespan. The Culex species, the most common biting mosquitoes around our homes, lay their eggs in fresh still water, not stagnant that most people think of. That’s why after a big rain, you should check for standing water in your gardens, gutters and plant pot containers before the eggs start hatching. If you rid your yard of standing water, you kill the larvae and pupa at this aquatic stage before they hatch into adults.
Most all-natural repellents unfortunately do not work, while a few work for 15-30 mins. Sandalwood sticks and citronella candles work for short periods of time but they have to be placed all around the perimeter of your patio or seating. There is still controversy with DEET-based products. They repel well but some studies claim that may be neurotoxic and the label tells you to wash it off after use, something almost no one does. The three recommended products that are proven to repel are: DEET, picardin, and OLE-based products (refined Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus – the magic ingredient in Buzz Off repel (1).
So try an all-natural repellent that actually works! Harnessing the power of an Australian native eucalypt, when refined and matured, this liquid gold is effective for up to 4+ hours – as good as 20% DEET. Are you kidding, hand it over!!Interested to Learn More?
Quick Factsheet NSWNatural Repellent Review Paper, 2019
(1) Ref: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/mosquito-borne/Pages/bite-prevention.aspx
image sources: CDC mosquito stock photo (blood feeding),
entomology.ucdavis.edu/news/images/mosquitoleayingeggslarge.jpg (lifecycle)