Summer is the time when most people want to get out and enjoy the outdoors. But biting insect can quickly turn a fun time into a nightmare. Keeping insects away usually involves synthetic repellents containing a potentially dangerous chemical called N,N- diethyl -m - toluamide, commonly called DEET. Though these repellents are effective they may also be responsible for severe medical problems reported by some people who use them . A safer alternative is needed.
Neem has been used since antiquity as an insect repellent for both people and food crops. One compound ( salannin ) found in neem leaves, seeds and seed oil is a safer but more effective insect repellent than the widely used chemical ingredient called DEET ( N,N-diethly-m-toluamide) currently found in most commercial repellents (TSGP pg.4 ).
Neem extracts tested by the Malaria Institute were found to repel the mosquito that causes malaria for up to twelve hours. Neems provides protection from not only mosquitoes but also from biting flies, sand fleas and ticks. Because of neem's proven effectiveness insect repellents made with neem are being used in malaria prone tropical countries.
For those seeking a safe alternative to potentially dangerous synthetic repellents neem offers an attractive alternative for the following reasons: