When you see the words "effective mosquito repellent" what does it mean?

When choosing an insect repellent, especially a natural one that will protect your family, you need to be informed.

 Using Australian Native plants as repellents is not new, and there is a wide range of information about how Aborigines have been using a variety of native flora to repel insects and provide relief from bites and stings. We are still learning about the value of our natives in Australia for deterring insects. There are a number of botanical derivatives and oils which have been tested for efficacy in deterring insects and we are using those oils with the highest success rate. The formula for our Natural Tropical Strength Mozzie and Sandfly Repellent originated in northern Australia with input of local knowledge, and has been tested widely by families across Australia. The Insect Repellents Handbook is a great resource for more information.

About Insects and Repellents

No one knows how insect repellents work, it is definite that essential oils, especially Australian Natives, DEET and Picardin repel insects, however not all insects and not all the time. The recent theory is the repellents irritate the insects’ nervous systems so they do not get close enough to bite. However some people attract more insects than others, so need to take more care in using repellents, and if insect repellent has not been applied all over the skin the insects may still find a place to bite. In areas of high concentrations of insects, people need additional cover as well as repellent.

Natural insect repellents are now established resources for providing protection for  our communities against bites, stings and diseases from insects.

The case for using natural repellents is driven by people seeking an alternative to DEET and Picardin for a number of reasons including the smell and the possible adverse effects to their health of long term use. Also insects do develop a resistance to DEET and Picardin, which means that formulas need to be regularly reviewed and sometimes concentrations increased.  There is no data on resistance to essential oils. The effectiveness of essential oils is sometimes underestimated in scientific studies where aggressive insects are the dominant species in the trials. This means that essential oils may be more effective in the environment than in laboratory testing where one species is used.

Effectiveness of repellents does not mean that the number of mosquitoes repelled is high, it is the length of time the repellent is effective before it should be re-applied.

 Repellents containing DEET and Picardin are perceived to be more effective than botanical based repellents at repelling mosquitoes.  Botanical based repellents are effective in deterring insectshowever usually need to be re-applied more often.

So DEET and Picardin at concentrations of 20% or more are considered highly effective as the re-application time is longer at up to 6 hours or more, and words like safe are used to promote the brands.

The natural alternatives can also come in high concentrations which are not good for the health, so people wised up to making a choice should look for the concentrations of constituents on the front of the label.

The Lemon Myrtle Fragrance natural repellents were found to be effective for up to 4 hours which is outstanding as many natural repellents need to be re-applied after 1 hour.

It is important the people are well informed about choosing and using Insect Repellents and should read the label carefully.

• Read the the instructions.
• It is not a requirement that Insect Repellents list all the ingredients on the label – you may need to look this up online.
• Natural Repellents repel insects however need to be applied over all exposed skin areas and reapplied when required.
• Wrist bands only protect the forearm not the whole body.
• Where there are a lot of insects do not just depend on a repellent, cover up.
• Avoid exposure at sunset and evenings – use mosquito nets to protect yourself and the family when sleeping.
• Consider the concentrations of both natural repellents, DEET and Picardin– can you use a lower concentration and re-apply more often?
• Sandflies and midgies are prevalent a few days before and after a full moon so be prepared. The bites can take a long time to heal, the best solution is do not get bitten.
• Everyone is different, people with highly adverse itchy and uncomfortable reactions to insect bites and should cover up with suitable clothing that prevents insects biting.

We are proud to have final approval from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for our natural insect repellents and really pleased that they are available in shops across Australia now.

Tropical Strength Mozzie and Sandfly Repellent

125 ml and 250 ml

• APVMA Approval Number 84234/109924
• For high level activity where ever you are
• Organic Oil Base
• Effective for up to 4 hours for mosquitoes – re-apply when required.
• Effective for up to 3 hours for Sandflies/Biting Midgies
• Strong protection for people who attract more insects
• Chemical free
• Ingredients : Organic Sunflower Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Citronella Oil, and Lemon Scented Tea Tree Oil

Lemon Myrtle Fragrances Natural Insect Repellent

125 ml and 250 ml

• APVMA Approval Number 84234/109924
• Effective for up to 4 hours for mosquitoes – re-apply when required.
• Vegetable based ethanol base
• Antibacterial benefits for preventing infections and reducing itching
• Ingredients: Citronella, Eucalyptus Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Lemon Eucalpytus Oil, Water, Ethanol Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Coconut Diethanolamide, Lemon Myrtle Oil and Lactic Acid.

We are about the launch both products into all the stockists listed on the website under locations and stockists, and of course at the markets. And you can buy online direct from our website now.

 Importantly they are APVMA approved.The process for making and gaining approval for the repellents has taken years, and we have been careful to meet customers preferences for a chemical free repellent that can be used by all the family. 

Does it work?

Yes both are long lasting natural repellents field tested in the Australian Tropics for deterring mosquitoes and sandflies/ biting midges and repelling mosquitoes that may carry Dengue Fever and Ross River Virus.

Our formulas use Australian Native Oils that have proven effectiveness in repelling insects. It is the way the oils of Lemon Scented Eucalyptus, Lemon Scented tea Tree, Tea Tree and Citronella are combined that makes a formula to give long lasting protection from insects.

Are the products really chemical free?

Yes they are free from DEET, Mineral Oils, and Animal Fats, and the Lemon Myrtle Fragrances Natural Insect Repellent has a small amount hydrogenated Castor Oil which is a modified plant derivative to make the product work as a spray.

The aroma is exceptional and we have sourced high quality oils from the farm gate of plantations in Northern NSW.  

 What about the price and how long do they last?

The price point is designed to provide for most people, the product lasts and lasts as long it is not exposed to high temperatures and ….only a small amount is needed to smooth over exposed skin.

 If my family has skin issues will this affect them?

This is a good question as many natural formulas especially insect repellents may come in high concentrations which can be harmful to the skin, especially when used over long periods. The concentrations of essential oils in these formulas are well below the levels which cause irritations so are kind to the skin and irritating to insects.

You can find out more about our Natural Insect Repellents and buy now here

 https://lemonmyrtlefragrances.com.au/collections/natural-insect-repellents