Catnip lotion as effective as Deet at repelling mosquitoes, study finds
Researchers have found that a lotion derived from catnip is as effective as the chemical Deet in repelling mosquitoes. This discovery offers a potentially affordable and accessible alternative for malaria prevention in rural areas.
Why it matters
Developing low-cost, effective mosquito repellents is critical for reducing malaria transmission in regions where commercial products are unaffordable.
A health worker in northern Uganda taking a blood sample from a baby as part of a malaria vaccination programme last year. A health worker in northern Uganda taking a blood sample from a baby as part of a malaria vaccination programme last year. Global health Catnip lotion as effective as Deet at repelling mosquitoes, study finds Researchers testing a cheap, homegrown oil in Uganda found what cats knew all along – it worked as well as the artificial chemical used globally
The article reports on scientific research findings without political or social bias.
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