Dengue prevention: How to make your own insect repellent

According to the World Health Organization, 50 to 100 million cases of dengue are reported worldwide every year. Dengue fever can affect anyone—infants and young children included. That’s why every year, especially during rainy season, the public is advised to take precautionary measures to prevent dengue-carrying mosquitoes from multiplying.

In an interview with “Good News,” GMA News TV’s weekly lifestyle newscast, Dr. Rellie Cajucom, a dermatologist, shared that one of the simplest yet most effective ways to avoid dengue is to apply natural insect repellents on the skin: “Safe siya, non-toxic at hindi dahilan ng allergies sa balat.”

Here are some do-it-yourself insect repellents you can try at home:

Lemon-based insect repellent



You'll need:

2 pcs. lemon, sliced
2 cups of water
Spray bottle

Directions:

Boil a cup of water. Add the lemon slices. Wait for a few minutes, then let the mixture cool. Drain using a strainer and pour into a spray bottle.

Citrus fruits like lemon contain lemonin which can discourage insects, especially mosquitoes, from biting your skin.

“Kapag 'yung scent nito, naaamoy ng insects, na-re-repel sila kasi very strong ang citrus odor. Hindi nila gusto 'yung ganoong klase ng amoy.” said Dr. Cajucom.

Each bottle of lemon-based insect repellent only costs P15. But because this mixture is considered mild, you will need to reapply it to your skin every hour.

Essential oil insect repellent



You'll need:

1 tbsp. alcohol
1 tbsp. olive oil
10 drops castor oil
10 to 15 drops citronella or eucalyptus essential oil

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and then pour into a spray bottle.

Essential oils are mostly from flowers, plants and seeds. Olive oil and cooking oil can also be used as alternatives.

Each bottle of essential oil insect repellent costs P50.

Lemongrass insect repellent



You’ll need:

1 cup lemongrass, chopped
1 cup citronella leaves, chopped
1 tbsp. essential oil
2 cups water

Directions:

Put the chopped lemongrass and citronella leaves in a blender. Mix well. Then add a tablespoon of essential oil.

Boil water and add the lemongrass mixture. Wait for a few minutes, and then drain using a strainer. Pour into a spray bottle.

Each bottle of lemongrass insect repellent costs P40. –Rica Fernandez/PF, GMA News