For the last few years, scientists have been trying to come up with new ways to eliminate dangerous, disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Genetically modified mosquitoes have been released in some areas, because mosquitoes are developing a natural resistance to some repellents and insecticides.

Enter the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent approval of nootkatone, a brand new mosquito repellent and destroyer.  The EPA-registered seal of approval means that the new ingredient has been deemed safe for humans and pets, and can now be used to formulate insecticides and repellents.  Nootkatone is gaining recognition for its effectiveness as a mosquito repellent, and because it smells like grapefruit.

A mosquito repellent that smells like grapefruit?

This new mosquito repellent ingredient follows suit with some current formulas.

Some all-natural mosquito repellents are based on unique mixtures of essential oils, which are known to help keep mosquitoes away.  However, all-natural repellents are missing the ability to kill mosquitoes.  Nootkatone is said to kill mosquitoes and ticks.  It was developed into an insecticide by the Centers for Disease Control and biotech company, Evolva.  Nootkatone is a naturally occurring ingredient, found in Alaska yellow cedar trees.  It is already used as an ingredient in perfumes, but will have a brand new use when it hits store shelves in a year or two.  The CDC claims that nookatone will be as effective as commonly-used mosquito repellents, like DEET.  A spray would be expected to provide safe and effective mosquito and tick protection for about two hours per application.  The EPA said in a statement that, “Studies show that when products are formulated from the new ingredient, nootkatone, they may repel and kill ticks, mosquitoes, and a wide variety of other biting pests.”  This is the first new EPA-registered mosquito and tick repellent since 2009.

All-natural mosquito repellents are made with essential oils

Keep your family ultimately protected at home with Central Mass mosquito control.

While reports or new mosquito repellents and insecticides are great news, we cannot wait for them to hit shelves to begin protecting ourselves at home.  Mosquito-borne illnesses are on the rise in the United States, and we must be vigilant in protecting our families first, right at our doorsteps.  For Central Mass families, this means hiring a reputable mosquito control company to employ an EPA-registered mosquito insecticide or repellent barrier spray.  Barrier sprays offer thorough protection for your yard, as they are sprayed first at the outside edges of your property, and worked inward to cover all the areas outside your home.  Barrier mosquito protection covers your yard and vegetation, and you can enjoy your yard again in a half-hour after it is sprayed.  The EPA-registered barrier spray will eliminate mosquitoes on contact and continue doing so for a few weeks at a time.  The all-natural barrier spray will repel mosquitoes for about two weeks between applications.