(NaturalNews) According to Tropical Pesticides Research Institute in Ngaramtoni, Tanzania, "All sibling species of An. gambiae complex have evolved insecticide resistance in wild populations for different approved classes of the insecticides currently in use in the field." Evidently, the increasing status of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes in sub-Saharan Africa has posed as an increasing threat to the existing efforts set out to control these bugs.

The problem with bug spray

Not only is an alternative vector control notably needed for African food crops, one is desperately called for in the States where people regularly apply carcinogenic compounds on their skin to ward off bugs, especially in the summer months. According to Medline Plus, A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, people expose themselves to a number of potential hazards from applying bug spray to their body:

For sprays including DEET, the list look like:

• Bradycardia (low heart rate)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Moderate to severe stomach irritation
• Nausea
• Neurological damage including disorientation, clumsiness when walking, seizures, coma or even death.
• Vomiting

For sprays including pyrethrins, the list looks like:

• Breathing difficulty
• Coughing
• Loss of alertness due to imbalance in oxygen level
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting

It's quite unfortunate that people willing subject themselves to these poisons; especially because natural remedies like essential oils have been found to be quite effective.

Essential oils as human bug repellant

Natural remedies have been used for thousands of years as people have struggled to keep bugs at bay. One particularly useful solution to the insect problem has traditionally been essential oils.

An Israeli study published last year compared how seven different commercial mosquito repellants performed. The leading two - OFF! (well-known to be loaded with toxic chemicals like DEET) and Terminix ALLCLEARR Sidekick Mosquito Repeller (an "all-natural" mixture of cinnamon, eugenol, lemongrass, geranium, and peppermint oils) - were almost identical in their ability to ward off the bugs. This is an interesting study for two reasons. One, it proves that essential oils are a worthy alternative to the mainstream chemical approach. Two, it points out how effective non-therapeutic grade essential oils are. Just imagine what the results would have been if Terminix used a medicinal grade!

More than just mosquito repellant, research has found that most bugs hate essential oils:

• Ants
• Cockroaches
• Flies
• Mice
• Ticks

They all will steer clear of a mixture of peppermint with other essential oils!

Essential oils as botanical bug repellant

This past year, the journal Parasites & Vectors published a study highlighting the ability cinnamon essential oil has to act an an insecticide in food crops. In addition to discovering that the composition of Cinnamomum osmophloeum leaf essential oil has been found to have 11 active compounds, larvicidal activity was found to be upwards of 100 percent effective in both both in laboratory and semi-field environments. Studies like this are suggesting more than ever that harmful insecticides are not only useless, but they aren't even as effective as age-old folk remedies!

Mama Z's bug repellent floor cleaner

For many people, bug problems in the house start on the ground and work themselves up. Stop the issue before these critters take over with this powerful remedy:

1 gallon hot water
1/4 cup castile or Murphy's oil soap
10 drops peppermint essential oil
10 lavender essential oil
10 drops orange essential oil
5 drops cedarwood essential oil
5 drops lemongrass essential oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil
10 drops pine essential oil (optional)

In addition to using this recipe as an effective bug repellent for your floor, use a cotton swab to place the solution around your windows, doors and base boards for extra protection.

Sources for this article include

DrEricZ.com.Natural Bug Repellent Floor Cleaner Recipe.

Medline Plus. Bug spray poisoning.

Revay EE, et al. Evaluation of commercial products for personal protection against mosquitoes. Acta Trop. 2013 Feb;125(2):226-30.

Mdoe FP, et al. Activity of Cinnamomum osmophloeum leaf essential oil against Anopheles gambiae s.s. Parasit Vectors. 2014 May 2;7(1):209.

About the author:
Eric L. Zielinski, DC (c), MPH (c) has devoted his life to natural health and wellness for over a decade. Inspired by the timeless principles in the Bible, Eric's mission is to seek out ways to provide people with simple, evidenced-based tools that they need to achieve the Abundant Life. Formally trained as a chiropractor, Eric's primary approach is to serve his patients and clients through natural health care, nutrition counseling, spiritual mentorship, and empowering life strategies!

Eric is available for long distance consultations and wellness coaching to help YOU reach your health goals. For more information click here or visit his website www.DrEricZ.com.