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Is camphor mosquito repellent?
Many of us still wonder whether, does camphor repel mosquitoes? Yes. Camphor is an effective and natural mosquito repellent. Since long ago, camphor as mosquito repellent is being used in many parts of the world. It has been used mainly to repel insects and pests away from our homes, bathrooms, kitchens, etc. It’s strong aromatic pungent smell overwhelms mosquitoes and discourage them to enter the area.
It’s a popular choice among people who prefer natural alternatives against commercial harsh chemical based mosquito repellents. Along with being a natural organic repellent, there are many other camphor benefits which are yet to be explored by the genzy.
What is Camphor?
Camphor is naturally occurring white waxy substance find within the camphor tree. It is available in form of camphor tablets, essential oils or blocks. It is known for its penetrating aromatic odor, and it also has got analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. In addition to medicinal use, it is most widely used a repellent against pest, mosquitoes, moths and insects.
Camphor essential oil is extracted from the camphor tree, through steam distillation process and this oil is then made into white solid crystalline form. Found almost in every household, mostly in form of camphor tablets.
How camphor works as a mosquito repellent
The effectiveness of camphor as mosquito repellent is due to its strong aromatic odor and volatile nature. When camphor is exposed to air, it starts vaporizing and releases a overwhelming penetrating aromatic scent which is highly unpleasant for mosquitoes.
This masks the human’s body smell and confuses them by disrupting their ability to follow the scent trail from humans, as humans exhale carbon dioxide and emits lactic acid through perspiration.
As a result, mosquitoes gets unable to find their target hosts and and gets discouraged and leave the area.
This strong aromatic fragrance of camphor is due to the active compounds found in camphor, that are camphene, borneol and cineole, which are responsible for its insect repelling properties.
In detail, these compounds are toxic to mosquitoes and insects which interferes with their nervous system and causes disorientation and repel them from the camphor exposed area. Its effectiveness depends on the environmental conditions and the amount of camphor used.
Methods to use camphor as mosquito repellent
There are several methods of using camphor for mosquitoes, the most common ones are:
1. Burning camphor
This is the most widely used method because of its effectiveness. Take few camphor tablets in a metal container. Ignite these tablets and burn them for a few minutes. This will release a strong smoke and will spread to every corner of the room.
Keep the room closed for 15 minutes to ensure that the smoke permeates each and every gaps, corners and voids in the room, leaving no space behind for mosquitoes to hide. After few minutes open the room and allow some ventilation.
2. Camphor vaporizer
These are vaporizing devices used to vaporize camphor tablets and give continuous long lasting effect. Place some camphor tablets and plug the device to an electric outlet. The vaporizer will heat the camphor, which gradually releases a strong aromatic odor through gradual evaporation of camphor due to heat.
Within some time, the room is filled with the strong aromatic scent that repels the mosquitoes away. Vaporizers are widely used in bedrooms for long lasting protection and better sleep.
3. Camphor solution
A camphor solution is prepared by just mixing few tablets of camphor with water in a bowl. Place this bowl near windows or any corner of the room. As the camphor gets dissolve in water it will release strong odor that mosquitoes highly dislike. This method is useful for small rooms and areas.
4. Camphor packets
This method is very simple and no need of preparing any solution, or burning and no need of electricity. Just pack some camphor tablets by wrapping in a piece of cloth, and make it like a sachet. Just hang these packets in areas where mosquitoes tends to gather.
The camphor packets can be placed inside shelves, cupboards and store rooms, attic, etc. to repel other insects and moths as well.
Image Credit: Jiomart, Online Plant Bazar
How to make camphor mosquito repellent?
Making your own mosquito repellent is very easy and it’s also cost effective as compared to other commercial toxic chemical based alternatives. Camphor mosquito repellents can be made at home as no special ingredients are required, and camphor itself is readily available at home.
No special process is required just try and test which form of camphor gives best repelling action as per your setting and environment. It can be camphor tablets, or camphor sprays for which we have also given below a DIY recipe for camphor mosquito repellent spray.
DIY camphor mosquito repellent spray recipes
In these camphor mosquito repellent spray recipes, we have used camphor with additional natural mosquito repelling essential oil combinations, i.e., Eucalyptus oil, Lemon grass oil and Neem oil. This enhances the overall effectiveness of the camphor mosquito repellent spray.
1. Camphor and Eucalyptus oil spray
Ingredients:
- 10 camphor tablets
- 20 drops of Eucalyptus oil
- 2 Cups of water
- 1 empty spray bottle
Preparation:
- Crush the camphor tablets into powder
- Mix the camphor powder with water and add Eucalyptus oil
- Mix it and shake well, to give a final solution
- Transfer the solution into the spray bottle and label it.
2. Camphor and Lemon grass oil diffuser
Ingredients:
- 6-8 camphor tablets
- 20 drops of Lemon grass oil
- 1 diffuser
Preparation:
- Place the camphor tablets in the diffuser
- Add lemon grass oil to it
- Place the diffuser in corner or near entry points
3. Camphor and Neem oil spray
Ingredients:
- 10 camphor tablets
- 20 drops of Neem oil
- 2 Cups of water
- 1 empty spray bottle
Preparation:
- Crush the camphor tablets into powder
- Mix the camphor powder with water and add Neem oil
- Mix it and shake well, to give a final solution
- Transfer the solution into the spray bottle and label it.
Spray these homemade mosquito repellent solution in every corners and voids of the room. The combination of camphor with the above essential oils will give more protection and long lasting effect.
Advantages of using camphor as a mosquito repellent
There are several advantages of using camphor as mosquito repellent, against other commercial products as given below:
- Camphor is a natural non-toxic substance and can be used safely around humans and pets.
- Camphor is inexpensive and easily available. Thus making it as a most accessible option as mosquito repellent.
- Along with mosquito repelling, it also serves as a moth proofing when placed inside cupboards, shelves and attics. Has many medicinal benefits as well.
- Can be used continuously for a long lasting effect without the need of re applying. Many camphor vaporizers are now available which gives continuous and long lasting protection against mosquitoes.
- It’s intense strong penetrating fragrance deodorizes any closed rooms, wall units, store rooms or basements.
Safety tips for using camphor against mosquitoes
- Camphor is volatile and vaporizes slowly, any excessive amount can lead to irritation and discomfort in some individuals.
- Camphor tablets should be kept away from children and pets, as it’s ingestion can be harmful. Camphor tablets has also got choking risk among children and pets.
- Direct contact may result in skin irritation in some individuals, so avoid contact with skin.
- After using camphor through burning method, you should make some space for ventilation to avoid prolonged inhalation of fumes.
- It should be stored in dry, cool place away from sunlight, to keep its effectiveness intact.
Conclusion
Camphor is the safest and cheapest alternative for chemical-based expensive commercial mosquito repellents. It is highly effective against most of the insects, pests, mosquitoes, as well as moths. There are different mosquito control methods to use camphor as mosquito repellent, either by burning, or in form of tablets sachets, vaporizers or camphor based sprays. You can decide which method can be effective as per your environment, and home setting.
Hence, camphor can be your best, safe and cheap alternative in your mosquito control strategy. Just take care and follow safety tips while using different methods.
