Climate change is warming weather and driving insect populations into new territories. Areas like North America and Europe can expect to see more infections from insect bites.
Mosquitoes and ticks can spread multiple harmful illnesses through bites, including Lyme disease, malaria, dengue, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and West Nile virus. These illnesses can cause lasting health problems if not treated early.
Fortunately, new research from Acadia University may provide improved protection from tick bites. The Acadia researchers discovered that lemongrass essential oil can block a tick’s ability to detect humans.
The discovery could lead to more effective, natural alternatives to synthetic repellents like DEET. While DEET is widely used, it carries potential risks for skin irritation and environmental harm.
Lemongrass oil, by contrast, is both natural and environmentally friendly. The oil appears to mask human scent and confuse ticks’ sense of smell.
How Did the Study Test Lemongrass as Tick Repellent?
Ticks use scent to locate humans to bite. They rely on smell, not sight, to find hosts.
The study shows that lemongrass oil weakens tick scent detection. Researchers tested both wild and lab-raised blacklegged ticks.
Acadia researchers focused on how ticks reacted to butyric acid. This chemical is a common attractant found on human skin.
DEET, lemongrass oil, citral, and geraniol all reduced tick responses. The repellents made it harder for ticks to detect human scents.
Importantly, infected ticks also showed weakened smell responses. As a result, repellents may help reduce both bites and disease transmission.
Researchers used a new brain-scanning method called electroscutumography, or ESG. ESG measures nerve activity in response to smell.
When repellents were added, the ticks’ brain signals dropped. Repellents likely impair scent detection at the neural level.
Why Might Lemongrass Mark an Improvement in Tick Repellents?
DEET is the most common synthetic insect repellent. The chemical prevents insects from detecting human body chemicals like carbon dioxide and lactic acid.
However, DEET can harm both human health and the environment in high concentrations. Its use has been linked to skin irritation and water pollution.
Plant-based oils like lemongrass offer safer alternatives. Lemongrass contains citral and geraniol, both known for their repellent effects.
More effective and natural repellents could reduce disease spread from tick bites. This is critical as ticks can carry harmful pathogens like Borrelia, which causes Lyme disease.
Some bacteria may alter tick behavior to increase their own spread. Infected ticks may become more aggressive or resistant to harsh environments.
The study noted that infection may help ticks survive dry conditions. Accordingly, they may have more time to find hosts and transmit diseases.
What Strategies Can Prevent Tick Bites?
Dr. Nicoletta Faraone of Acadia’s Chemistry Department led the study. She offered practical recommendations for avoiding tick bites.
Test lemongrass and other essential oils on a small skin patch before use. Pet owners should remember that some oils can harm cats and dogs. Always consult a veterinarian before using oils around animals.
Ticks become active when temperatures rise above 4°C (about 39°F). As the climate warms, tick season may last all year.
Wear clothing that fully covers your skin. Tuck pants into socks to reduce skin exposure. After outdoor activity, check your body for ticks and wash clothes in hot water. Use vet-approved tick treatments for pets to protect your home.
Planting lemongrass isn’t enough to keep ticks out of your yard. Ticks can still enter on birds or animals passing through the area.
Conclusion
Africa faces rising disease threats and shrinking international support. Local investment and prevention strategies are now urgently needed. Without action, African health systems may weaken under growing pressure.
Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe from disease, including vaccines. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
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