3. PICARIDIN INSECT REPELLANT
Are those end-of-summer mosquitoes still bothering you? If you do not like insect repellants containing DEET, perhaps you should try a product with picaridin. Data show that products with picaridin are about as effective at repelling insects as products with DEET.
Picaridin is a synthetic chemical based on piperidine, a chemical found in some black pepper plants. Although the exact mechanisms by which picaridin repels insects is not completely understood, there is some evidence that the chemical blocks the ability of mosquitoes, ticks and chiggers to sense their prey.
In addition to products containing picaridin, a new insect repellent that you might find in stores contains nootkatone. In 2020, a chemical named nootkatone was registered as an insect repellent with the U.S. Environmental and Protection Agency. Nootkatone, found in Alaska yellow cedar trees and grapefruit skin, has a citrusy smell and shows promise in keeping those biting insects away.
References:
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/Picaridintech.html https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/media/dpk-nootkatone.html https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-020-00760-z
