MIAMI – Miami's Wynwood has plenty of regulars who suffer from chemophobia. For them, the idea of spraying chemicals on their skin and clothes is far more scary than the mosquitoes spreading Zika.
Good news for them is that the stinky lemon eucalyptus oil, also known as its synthetic PMD, comes from a tall tree from Australia. And it is among the most studied repellents the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lists these three products with the oil as its active ingredient. The products are capable of providing about six hours of protection.
- Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus by Spectrum, $5 to $9, has a lemon scent and comes in a plastic 4 ounce spray bottle.
- Coleman Botanicals by Citrefine International, about $4 go $9, comes in a can and is advertised as an "odorless" repellant.
- Repel Essential by United Industries Corp., about $5, comes in a plastic 4 ounce spray bottle.
Health officials warn the lemon eucalyptus oil should not be used on children under the age of three.
Citronella is also a plant-based oil registered with the EPA. The shrub-like plant is a variety of the scented geranium. It's not the best choice. Health officials recommend DEET.
These three products have citronella and are DEET free. They are less reliable than the lemon eucalyptus oil, so they need to be reapplied more frequently.
- Honest Bug Spray by The Honest Company, about $13, deters mosquitoes for up to four hours and contains citronella.
- Intelligent Nutrients Smart Armor by Organaca, $29, contains citronella and claims to be "nontoxic" and organic.
- Natural Bug Blend by California Baby, $15.79, contains citronella, lemongrass and cedar oils.
