Sandalwood a Natural Mosquito and Insect Repellent

The utilisation of Sandalwood, as a natural mosquito and insect repellent has been practiced across numerous cultures, especially those where it is a native species, like India and Australia, for thousands of years.  

Here is how Sandalwood has been used for this purpose:  

Burning Sandalwood: Traditionally, Aboriginal people deterred mosquitos and other insects by burning the wood, leaves and bark of the sandalwood tree. When burned, sandalwood releases a fragrant smoke, which can create a barrier that mosquitoes may find unpleasant. The burning of our Sandalwood Mosquito Sticks and Coils adopts this same principle. The Mt Romance Sandalwood Mosquito Coils and Sticks are crafted using natural sandalwood powder and citronella essential oil. When you ignite the coil or stick, it disperses the fragrance throughout the surrounding area. The scent of sandalwood and essential oils may act as a deterrent for mosquitoes and various other insects. As an additional benefit, sandalwood not only repels mosquitoes and emits a delightful fragrance but also possesses calming qualities, enhancing your outdoor experience. 

Sandalwood Oil: Sandalwood essential oil is extracted from the heartwood of the sandalwood tree. This oil is often used as a natural mosquito repellent, people apply it to their clothing, or they diffuse it in the air to repel mosquitoes. Try diffusing a blend of Sandalwood oil, Lemongrass, Peppermint and Tea Tree on your next camping trip or evening outdoors to help deter the insects. 

Sandalwood Powder: Many traditional practices involve using sandalwood powder or paste on the body. This not only provides a pleasant fragrance but may also function as a mosquito repellent. 

The exact mechanisms by which sandalwood may repel mosquitoes aren’t fully understood, but there are several theories that can help explain why mosquitoes may not like the scent of Sandalwood: 

Masking Odor and Disruption of Mosquito Senses:  Mosquitoes are drawn to the carbon dioxide and body odours emitted by humans and animals. Sandalwood’s strong and pleasant aroma can mask the scent of carbon dioxide, body odour, and other chemicals that attract mosquitoes, making it difficult to detect these attractants and interfering with the mosquito’s ability to locate a potential host. 

Toxicity or Irritation: Some essential oils, including sandalwood oil, contain compounds that could be toxic or irritating to insects. While these compounds may not be harmful to humans when used in moderation, they might deter or irritate mosquitoes. This could discourage mosquitoes from landing on or biting someone who has applied sandalwood products. 

Phytochemical Repellents: Sandalwood contains phytochemicals that may act as natural repellents to insects. These compounds might not be attractive to mosquitoes or may even be repulsive to them. 

The effectiveness of sandalwood as a mosquito repellent may vary from person to person and region to region. It’s recommended to combine its use with other protective measures, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito nets, and avoiding peak mosquito activity times.