Geraniol is an important tool to naturally control mosquitoes and ticks
Geraniol, is a naturally-occurring monoterpenoid. It is small and light, allowing it to float easily into the air so we can smell it. (10C 18H O). (Awesome chemical profile from Baker and Grant at Cornell – Geraniol Profile)
Significant amounts of it are found in roses, palmarosa, and geraniums (Pelagonum). It was first isolated from geraniums in 1871, that is where the compound got its name.
Here is another good article about some of the technical aspects of geraniol including lots of detail about its chemistry and commercial applications.
Lots and lots of great studies showing the efficacy of geraniol on mosquitoes: here; here; here. Mainly these studies focus on geraniol as a mosquito repellent. Also this cool write up from University of Florida with some interesting results as a Natural fungicide and a Natural insecticide.
Thousands of pages and blogs online suggest that planting “mosquito plants” will help repel mosquitoes in your backyard. This is not true. Texas A & M extension sums it up best:
“Despite the claims made on “Mosquito Plants” (lemon-scented geranium or “citronella plant”) sold at big box stores, the plants themselves don’t repel mosquitoes. It’s the oil inside the leaves that have properties that can repel mosquitoes. You would have to crush the leaves to extract these oils. Then you would have to rub these oils on your skin. Planting them in your landscape will do little to repel mosquitoes.” – (Link to full article “Which Plants Repel Mosquitoes?“) – (Also a general recommendation for the entire Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Webpage. Full of great suggestions based on science and research.)
Most treatments use synthetic pyrethroids
In this video, Dr. Mike Merchant shows some ways you can control mosquitoes in your backyard. The first product he uses is based on two synthetic pyrethroids- Prallethrin & Cyfluthrin. Then he uses a propane fogger, then he uses a hose-end product based on Lambda-cyhalothrin (another synthetic pyrethorid).
The video is full of excellent information about mosquito behavior and tips about where to treat. Also the tip to always read the label and follow instructions.
However, at Stop The Bites! we think you should choose products which rely on Natural ingredients to control mosquitoes and ticks in your backyard.
Natural mosquito & tick control is a better choice
Stop The Bites! contains much more than Geraniol. It also contains Castor oil, Lemongrass Oil, & Cedarwood oil. Each of these essential oils contains a wide array of bioactive molecules. Together the mixture is much more effective than the sum of its individual parts.
These oils break down in the environment and are virtually undetectable once they have completed doing their job of stopping mosquitoes and ticks.
If you are interested in using Stop The Bites! in your backyard, our “Find an applicator” form can help. Please fill in the form, and we will help you contact a Green pest control professional near you who can treat your backyard with Stop The Bites!
