Does Catnip Repel Mosquitoes?

Summary: Researchers report that nepetalactone

, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents.

How do you use catnip as a mosquito repellent?

Here's how you can make your own natural mosquito repellent. Method one: In a pinch, you can take sprig of catnip and crush them in your hands, releasing the oils and a strong scent. Tuck the plant into a hat, around the neckline of your clothes, and other places that are exposed.

Why do mosquitoes hate catnip?

A whiff of catnip can make mosquitoes buzz off, and now researchers know why. The active component of catnip (Nepeta cataria) repels insects by triggering a chemical receptor that spurs sensations such as pain or itch, researchers report March 4 in Current Biology.