Neem’s Repellent Properties

Neem.World — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 19:51:59 +0000

One of the most common and effective synthetic insect repellents, DEET, is surrounded by controversy. As more and more scientific research has been done on DEET, consumers still worry about unknown health effects that the man-made chemical could cause. There have been many documented health impacts and developmental issues due to DEET use. One of the main concerns is the proper application of sprays containing DEET, especially around children and pregnant women. DEET is not recommended to be used directly on the skin, near the eyes, and should never be ingested.
Why, if there is so much controversy around DEET, is it still being used if there is a much more effective, and natural, pest repellent out there? Neem!

Neem is an effective insect repellent, which is why neem oil is known as one of the best biopesticides available. However, it can also be used on humans to repel mosquitoes and other pests. It also works when burned or added to kerosene lamps, according to a study done at the Malaria Research Center of Delhi, India. It is most effective against anopheles, the mosquitoes that transmit malaria, as compared to culex (61-94%, West Nile), Aedes (85% dengue fever), and Armigeres (35%). Additionally, they found that the use of the lamps at home dropped the malaria rate dramatically, from 10 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,000!

How does it work?
Neem’s active compound azadirachtin, what makes this tree such a great biopesticide, is the key to its success as a mosquito repellent!

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neem insect repellent – Neem.World

Neem’s Repellent Properties