Can catnip be used as a mosquito repellent?

Aside from giving felines a good buzz, it is “common knowledge” that catnip can be used as an insect repellent.

Is this true?

Verdict:

TRUE

The active ingredient in catnip (nepeta cataria) nepetalactone works to activate TRPA1 receptors (also known as the wasabi receptor) in mosquitoes and other insects too.

One collaborative research found that nepetalactone was at least as effective as diethyltoluamide or DEET.

(https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210304145425.htm)

In another, older trial researchers needed to apply DEET at about 10 times the concentration of catnip oil or either oil component to repel the same number of mosquitoes.

(https://www.sciencenews.org/article/feline-stimulant-fends-mosquitoes)

One way to use catnip as a mosquito repellent would be to crush and rub the plant vigorously on to skin or use catnip essential oil on skin.

Although the catnip can easily be grown, one thing to note is that the plant is invasive and can spread like a weed.

Another thing to remember is that cats are also strongly attracted to the plant.

References:

1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210304145425.htm

2. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/feline-stimulant-fends-mosquitoes