Topic

insect repellent – oil of lemon eucalyptus

  • This topic is empty.
Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
PostedMay 14, 2007 at 3:00 pm

Did anyone see the recent issue of Backpacker in which they tested a variety of bug repellents and found "oil of lemon eucalyptus" was almost as effective as 100% DEET? Anybody out there actually have any experience with this repellent – supposedly it smells nice and is less nasty-feeling on the hands. I imagine it also wouldn't destroy some synthetic materials. Too good to be true?

Douglas Frick BPL Member
PostedMay 14, 2007 at 3:26 pm

All I can say is that it worked, didn't smell bad and didn't eat my synthetic gear. I used it in Hawaii with a lot of mosquitos, but that isn't really a nasty bug environment. I'm definitely going to pick up some more, though…I'm not fond of DEET, especially on the kids.

PostedMay 14, 2007 at 6:21 pm

Essential oils have the excellent advantage of being natural and relatively harmless. In my experience they can lose their potency once applied rather quickly. They are also a potential bear magnet(strong smell.)I have had mixed results with various essential oil bug repellants.

I can't really compare to DEET since I haven't used it in ages. I tend to use mechanical means(barriers.)

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
Loading...