Screenshots of some of the videos on TikTok that promote clove-spiked limes to ward off mosquitoes.
IN RECENT months, a viral hack for repelling mosquitoes has been circulating on TikTok. In these clips, users demonstrate how to use sliced limes with cloves pierced into them to ward off these pesky critters naturally.
So, are the claims about clove-spiked limes being the all-natural, game-changing mosquito repellent true?
Verdict:
FALSE
According to these videos, the aroma of clove and lime will naturally deter mosquitoes from lingering.
As explained by the National Pesticide Information Center, repellents function by concealing and overpowering our bodily scent.
Mosquitoes primarily rely on their keen sense of smell to track their prey.
When it comes to humans, they are attracted to the scent of our perspiration and the carbon dioxide we emit.
Thus, mosquitoes, among other insects, are hindered from locating their warm-bodies targets when repellents are utilised.
Fragrance or essential oils have been commonly used to repel insects for decades.
While clove and lime, amongst other scents such as citronella, basil and eucalyptus, are two of the most effective fragrances to use, there are other factors that can impact how well a repellent works and how long it lasts.
While using clove-spiked limes in their original form may not yield the best results, utilising naturally infused oils may be better.
It was concluded in an article by Duangkamon Sritabutra and Mayura Soonwera that clove oil deterred mosquitoes for up to 76 minutes.
However, according to a study by Joe Conlon, technical adviser of the American Mosquito Control Association, the concentration of the fragrance must be of a certain percentage to effectively repel mosquitos.
"Oil of cloves is a bona fide repellent, but it’s only a repellent at a concentration which would burn a hole in your skin," Joe said.
"25% is what you need to repel mosquitoes. There’s no reason to think that if you stick something in a lime, it will serve as a mosquito repellent."
Alternatively, smoke-producing mosquito coils have also been found to deter mosquitoes due to the saturation in the air, making it challenging to navigate through.
Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield, revealed that there are many different types of smoke that repel mosquitoes, but the most effective ones are those that contain citronella oil.
"Mosquitoes don't like the smell of citronella, and several products on the market contain citronella oil, such as candles, lanterns, and aerosols."
In conclusion, the next time you spend outdoors, skip the lime and clove combo and pick up a citronella candle or smoke coil at the supermarket for a sure-fire method to keep from swatting mosquitoes all evening.
References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
3. https://www.homesandgardens.
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/
