Mosquito is the deadliest animal in the world. Experts estimate that mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and West Nile virus kill about 1 million people per year.
Bug repellent is one of the best tools available to prevent those deaths, and researchers have recently discovered a new way to keep mosquitoes away: catnip. Scientific studies have shown that this herbicide – the same one that decapitates cats – is as effective as DEET. According to a July 7 study by researchers working in Uganda, this theory has now been proven.
The researchers said they have proven the efficacy of catnip as a mosquito repellent – and have also demonstrated how it could work at the community level in Africa.
How does this work?
Catnip, known by its scientific name nepeta catariaIs a common herb that belongs to the same plant family as mint. Researchers were the first to conclude that using the plant in essential oil form could be effective against mosquitoes. 2024 study. Some scientists applied the oil directly to their skin during testing, while others mixed it into lotion.
The solution works because catnip contains nepetalactone, a volatile chemical compound that naturally repels insects. This is the same compound that produces such a euphoric response in cats.
A group of researchers adopted a simple method to test the efficacy of the oil. They started with a Y-tube olfactometer (a long tube with two branches) and attached human hands to both ends (one with a repellent and one without). Then they put mosquitoes into tubes and found out which tube the mosquitoes preferred.
The scientists also tested different concentrations of catnip essential oil, diluting it with olive oil. In their results, an oil with a concentration of just 2% catnip oil performed just as well as standard DEET against mosquitoes. They found that the repellent properties of 2% catnip oil mixed with hand lotion lasted for about 4 hours.
Since a concentration of only 2% is effective, the repellent does not require much catnip, and the resulting substance produces no strong odor or skin irritation.
How does it matter?
For people living in Sub-Saharan Africa, the region most affected by malaria, it is too expensive to use DEET repellents on a regular basis. A group of scientists (associated with Cardiff University in the UK) started a grassroots venture to produce catnip lotion in Uganda. (The full study is available above.)
This plant can be easily grown in mosquito-prone areas of Africa. So instead of purchasing expensive imported synthetic repellents, people may have greater access to an affordable, home-made alternative.
Other methods of mosquito control, such as insecticide-treated nets in homes, are also very effective. But they do not protect people working outside. For those who spend time outside, some type of repellent is essential, and catnip offers a much cheaper and more accessible option.
And for people in other parts of the world, catnip lotion may also be an attractive repellent option. Some outdoorsmen don’t like DEET because it feels greasy or irritates their skin, and they prefer natural alternatives. DEET can also harm some plastics and synthetic fabrics commonly used to make outdoor gear. Catnip has been proven to be far more effective than other natural alternatives like citronella.
