- Extracted from the eucalyptus or Australian gum tree, oil of lemon eucalyptus was first listed as an insecticide in 1948, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A synthesized version of lemon eucalyptus oil, which is called p-Mentane-3,8-diol and commonly called PMD, is registered with the EPA and approved for use as an effective mosquito repellent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Naturally extracted lemon eucalyptus oil typically accounts for 30 to 40 percent of the ingredient volume in both lotion and spray mosquito repellents. PMD, the chemically synthesized version of lemon eucalyptus oil, generally accounts for only 8 to 10 percent of the volume of ingredients in mosquito repellents. Not only does eucalyptus oil repel adult mosquitoes, but it may also be toxic toward mosquito larvae, according to the book "Eucalyptus."
- Never use eucalyptus oil internally in an attempt to ward off mosquitoes, as doing so could cause potentially serious reactions. Avoid applying eucalyptus oil-based mosquito repellents topically on children's skin without first checking with your child's primary care provider, warns Adriane Fugh-Berman, author of "The 5-Minute Herb and Supplement Consult."
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