Q. I would like your recommendation for a natural insect repellent. Now that the mosquitoes are buzzing again I want something to reduce the threat of West Nile Virus.
A. There’s nothing as effective as the chemical DEET when it comes to repelling mosquitoes. According to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine (July 4, 2002), the best natural product is Bite Blocker, a repellent containing soybean oil, coconut oil and geranium oil. The authors report that it provides about 90 minutes of protection, but that falls far short of DEET-containing repellents. Where West Nile virus is a threat it makes sense to maximize protection.
