GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Homemade do-it-yourself remedies found online and circulated on social media should be regarded with cautious skepticism unless there is UF-based research supporting the product, according to researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
For example, there is no scientific evidence that eating garlic, vitamins, onions or any other food will make a person less attractive to host-seeking mosquitoes, UF/IFAS experts said.
UF/IFAS conducts research and extension on mosquito repellents, said Ken Gioeli, program Extension agent for natural resources and the environment for UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County.
The best mosquito repellents are those that provide protection from bites for at least one hour after a single application. Researchers tested and evaluated the effectiveness of mosquito repellents based on the amount of time the product will continue to repel mosquitoes after one application to the skin. This is known as Complete Protection Time (CPT). As always, people should read and follow the product label directions.
| Products | Active Ingredient | Average Complete Protection Time |
| OFF! Deep Woods | 23.8% DEET | 5 hours |
| Sawyer Controlled Release | 20% DEET | 4 hours |
| OFF! Skintastic | 6.65% DEET | 2 hours |
| Repel Lemon Eucalyptus
Insect Repellent |
Oil of lemon eucalyptus; p-menthane 3,8-diol (PMD) | 2 hours |
| Bite Blocker for Kids | 2% Soybean Oil | 1.5 hours |
| OFF! Skintastic for Kids | 4.75% DEET | 1.5 hours |
| Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus | 7.5% IR3535 | 23 minutes |
| Natrapel | 10% Citronella | 20 minutes |
| Herbal Armor | 12% Citronella; 2.5% peppermint oil; 2% cedar oil; 1% lemongrass oil; 0.05% geranium oil | 19 minutes |
| Green Ban for People | 10% Citronella; 2% peppermint oil | 14 minutes |
| Buzz Away | 5% Citronella | 14 minutes |
| Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard | 0.1% Citronella | 10 minutes |
| Skin-So-Soft Bath Oil | Active Ingredient not known | 10 minutes |
| Skin-So-Soft Moisturizing Suncare | 0.05% Citronella | 3 minutes |
| Gone Original Wristband | 9.5% DEET | 0 |
| Repello Wristband | 9.5% DEET | 0 |
| Gone Plus Repelling Wristband | 25% Citronella | 0 |
For additional information about mosquito repellents, please refer to the UF/IFAS EDIS Mosquito Repellent publication online at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in419 or contact the UF/IFAS St Lucie County Extension at 772-462-1660.
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Source: Ken Gioeli, 772-216-1000, ktgioeli@ufl.edu
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