Summer is the time of year when you’re most likely to get bitten by mosquitoes, but don’t despair! There are plenty of ways to keep these pests away and enjoy your time outside without getting eaten alive.
Here are some of my favorite natural mosquito repellents that work just as well as the chemical-laden sprays on the market:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Mosquitoes are a pesky problem that can put a damper on outdoor activities. |
| Homemade mosquito repellents can be safe, effective, and affordable alternatives to commercial products. |
| Natural ingredients such as essential oils, herbs, and vinegar can be used to make effective mosquito repellents. |
| Mosquito repellents come in various forms, including sprays, candles, and lotions. |
| Understnding how to make, apply, and reapply mosquito repellent can help you avoid mosquito bites and enjoy your time outdoors with peace of mind. |
Lavender
Lavender is a natural mosquito repellent and has been used as such for centuries.
Lavender oil can be used in a spray bottle, which you can spritz on your clothes, hair, skin, or wherever you’d like to keep mosquitoes away from. It’s also possible to add the oil directly onto lotions and creams before applying them all over the body.
If you’d prefer not to apply any kind of substance directly onto yourself or others (especially children), lavender is an option for candles and sachets too!
Mosquitoes can be a pesky and irritating problem, but with the right knowledge, you can effectively get rid of them and reclaim your outdoor space for yourself and your family
Catnip Oil
Catnip oil is another natural mosquito repellent. You can use it in a lot of different ways, such as making a spray with catnip oil and water. It’s also great for plants!
However, one of the best ways to use catnip oil is by putting it into a spray bottle with some water and spraying your skin with it before going outside.
This way, you will smell like cats and mosquitoes won’t want to come near you at all!
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a natural insect repellent that can be used in a variety of ways to repel mosquitoes.
The essential oil is extracted from lemon eucalyptus leaves, and it has been found to be more effective at repelling mosquitos than DEET. Lemon eucalyptus oil can be used as an ingredient in homemade mosquito repellents or by itself.
The effectiveness of lemon eucalyptus oil varies depending on the method of application:
- Inhalation: Lemon eucalyptus oil will help keep you smelling fresh while warding off mosquitoes—just add one cup of water and 15 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil to a diffuser or vaporizer!
- Topical application: Use undiluted lemon eucalyptus essential oils directly on your skin (or dilute with carrier oils). These essential oils should not cause irritation unless you have sensitive skin (in which case, dilute!).
Orange Oil
In a small pot, add the orange oil and water to boil.
Once it’s boiling, turn off the heat and let it cool down a bit before pouring into a spray bottle. You can also add in 25 drops of citronella essential oil for extra mosquito protection.
Shake well before each use and enjoy! This homemade insect repellent lasts about 2 hours on your skin before you need to reapply again.
If you’re looking for a natural and effective mosquito repellent, check out our guide on making your own repellent using common household items
Basil Oil
You can buy basil oil or make it yourself. To make basil oil, break the leaves and stems off of about 15 to 20 fresh basil plants and place them in a glass jar. Cover with olive oil or coconut oil, then shake the jar until all of the leaves are submerged in liquid.
Place a piece of fabric over top of your jar so that it covers the opening but not so much that air cannot circulate inside (this will help prevent mold growth).
Let sit for two weeks – you’ll know when your basil is ready because its color will change from greenish-brown to light brown as oils leech out onto the surface of their container.
After two weeks, strain out all plant matter using cheesecloth (do not squeeze!) into another clean container; discard spent herb material or store for future use if desired (check with local laws regarding herbal food preservation before attempting). You can now use this infused oil as needed!
To apply: Mix 3 drops with 1 tablespoon carrier oil (jojoba, grapeseed) and rub on exposed skin up to 2 times daily or apply directly to bites/stings up to 4 times per day as needed until symptoms subside.”
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a great mosquito repellent. To make it, you need peppermint oil, witch hazel and water.
Add four drops of the peppermint oil to one ounce of witch hazel and one ounce of water in a spray bottle. Shake well before using. Spray on yourself or your clothes as needed.
Mosquitoes can carry diseases and put a damper on outdoor activities, but with our guide on keeping mosquitoes away, you can enjoy your time outside with confidence and peace of mind.
Garlic
You can make a spray that contains garlic by adding a few cloves to water and letting them sit for 24 hours.
Then, strain out the garlic and add 2 tablespoons of witch hazel, 1 teaspoon of glycerin or aloe vera gel, and 10-15 drops of tea tree oil or eucalyptus essential oil. Shake well before each use!
For lotion, mix equal parts coconut oil, beeswax (or shea butter), and lemongrass essential oil with 1 teaspoon of grated garlic — it smells great while repelling mosquitoes at the same time!
Or try making your own candles from beeswax and cloves: simply melt the wax in a double boiler over low heat then add about 15-20 cloves to it as it cools down before pouring into tin molds.
Once dried completely (this will take about 48 hours), you’ll have some effective mosquito repellent ready for when you need them most!
Hot Sauce
The next time you’re having dinner on your back patio, consider adding a few drops of hot sauce to your plate.
If you’ve got a pitcher of water waiting for guests, add a few drops as well. If these measures seem too extreme, just dip a finger in the hot sauce and dab it behind your ears and on the backs of your knees—that’s where mosquitoes like to bite you anyway!
As crazy as it may sound, capsaicin is one of nature’s most effective mosquito repellents; when applied directly to the skin, this compound irritates insects’ eyes and noses so that they can’t find us as easily.
Beer (And Other Alcohol)
Beer and other alcohol can be used to keep mosquitoes away. Alcohol is a natural insect repellent, so it’s no surprise that you can use beer as a mosquito repellent.
You can even use wine or liquor in place of beer if you prefer the taste, but we recommend sticking with beer since it’s already got the right consistency for your needs.
You’ll need at least one 12-ounce glass of beer for this method, but more is better! The more beer you have in your trap, the better chance you’ll have of catching a few mosquitoes!
To make your trap using this technique:
Dry Ice
Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide, which you can use to keep food cold without refrigerating it. It also has other uses. For example, if you’re having a party and want some fog or smoke effects, dry ice will do the trick. You can also use dry ice when making ice cream—just place a piece in your mixture before churning!
Dry ice is dangerous: don’t touch it with your bare hands.
Natural mosquito repellents can be just as effective as commercial products without harmful chemicals. Learn more about proven natural ways to repel mosquitoes and stay protected from these pesky pests.
Bounce Dryer Sheets
Bounce dryer sheets can be a great tool for keeping mosquitoes away. However, if you don’t have any, don’t worry! Just use any small piece of fabric that can easily fit in your pocket or purse.
The key is to make sure the fabric is something that has been exposed to lots of body oils from humans throughout its life span, so make sure it hasn’t just been washed (and therefore lacking in natural scents).
Coffee Grounds And Tea Bags
If you’re a coffee lover, this is the repellent for you!
Coffee grounds and tea bags are a great way to repel mosquitoes. As an added bonus, they also smell delicious! You can use them in your yard or on yourself if need be.
Coffee grounds have been found to be more effective than DEET-based products when it comes to repelling mosquitoes.
They have a strong aroma that bugs don’t like, so make sure to put some coffee grounds around your house or yard before having a party outside where guests are likely to attract hordes of bloodsuckers.
Try These Remedies For A Mosquito-Free Summer
These remedies are great for the whole family, and they’re natural, easy to make and cost effective. They’re also safe for children and pets. Here’s what you need:
- 1/4 cup each of dried rosemary, lavender flowers and citronella essential oil (available at your local health food store)
- 1/2 gallon of water (you can use filtered water if you want)
Mosquito bites can be uncomfortable and even painful, but there are simple steps you can take to reduce swelling. Check out our guide to learn simple ways to reduce swelling and find relief from mosquito bites.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to repel mosquitoes at home, then these 12 natural solutions should be on your list.
Not only are they effective and inexpensive, but they also smell great too! We hope our tips helped you learn how to make mosquito repellent — now go enjoy that fresh-scented summer night without being bitten by pesky bugs.
Further Reading
DIY Homemade Mosquito Repellent from Bob Vila: Bob Vila provides several homemade mosquito repellent recipes that are safe, effective, and affordable.
5 Homemade Mosquito Repellent Sprays That Work Efficiently from India Today: India Today offers five different DIY mosquito repellent sprays that use natural ingredients and are tested to be effective.
How to Make Mosquito Repellent from wikiHow: This wikiHow guide provides step-by-step instructions for making mosquito repellent using essential oils and other materials.
FAQs
How to make mosquito repellent at home?
To make mosquito repellent at home, you can use natural ingredients such as essential oils and herbs, and mix them with a carrier oil or alcohol. There are many recipes available online that use different combinations of ingredients for effective mosquito repellent.
What essential oils repel mosquitoes?
Essential oils such as citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass are known to repel mosquitoes. These oils can be used in combination with carrier oils or alcohol to make effective mosquito repellents.
Can vinegar repel mosquitoes?
Yes, vinegar can repel mosquitoes. You can make a mosquito repellent by mixing vinegar and essential oils, or simply use undiluted vinegar as a spray or on a cloth.
What is the most effective mosquito repellent?
DEET and picaridin are known to be the most effective chemical mosquito repellents, but there are many natural alternatives available such as essential oils and herbs that can work just as well.
How long does homemade mosquito repellent last?
The duration of a homemade mosquito repellent can vary depending on the type and quality of ingredients used. Essential oil-based repellents usually last for up to 2-4 hours, while alcohol-based repellents can last for up to 6-8 hours. Reapply the repellent as necessary for maximum effectiveness.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I write about how to keep pests from invading your home. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in pest control and am excited to share my expertise with you!
