Mosquito bites are no fun. They itch, they leave bruises, and they can make you sick. But did you know that there are some very cheap and easy ways to prevent them from biting in the first place? You don’t have to buy expensive bug spray or citronella candles anymore! Here’s how:
| Natural Remedies for Mosquito Repellent |
|---|
| Essential oils like citronella, peppermint, and eucalyptus can be effective at repelling mosquitoes. |
| Certain herbs and botanicals, like basil and marigolds, can also help keep mosquitoes at bay. |
| Garlic and neem oil can also be used as natural mosquito repellents. |
| Some commercial products use natural ingredients, like lemon grass or soybean oil, as the active ingredient. |
| DIY mosquito repellent recipes can be made using natural ingredients, but may not be as effective as commercial products. |
| Other ways to prevent mosquito bites include wearing long sleeves and pants, using mosquito nets, and removing standing water. |
Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is a natural mosquito repellent. It has been used in food and drinks. The oil can also be used for skin infections, asthma, diabetes, and other health problems.
Lemongrass Oil
Lemon grass oil is a natural mosquito repellent that has been shown to be effective against the Asian tiger mosquito, which transmits dengue fever, yellow fever and chikungunya.
It is an easy-to-use way of keeping away these pesky bugs without using harsh chemicals or DEET. Here’s how to use lemon grass oil as a mosquito repellent:
- Add 1 tablespoon of lemon grass oil to 2 ounces of water and mix well until completely dissolved.
- Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and shake well before each use.
- Spray onto exposed skin whenever you feel like being outdoors!
Mosquitoes are not only annoying, but they can also be carriers of dangerous diseases. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones by following our easy guide on how to get rid of mosquitoes.
Citronella Essential Oil
Citronella essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the Cymbopogon nardus plant. It is a natural insect repellent that can be used to repel mosquitoes, flies, and ticks.
The best part about citronella essential oil is that it has a pleasant aroma that many people enjoy. You can use this essential oil topically or diffuse it in your home for added protection against insects.
Basil Essential Oils
Basil essential oil is a natural mosquito repellent and can be used in a diffuser, mixed with water and sprayed around your house, or mixed with coconut oil and rubbed on the skin.
| Properties | Benefits | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | Kills bacteria | Add a few drops to cleaning solutions |
| Anti-inflammatory | Reduces inflammation | Apply topically to relieve pain and swelling |
| Insect repellent | Repels insects, including mosquitoes | Mix with carrier oil and apply to skin or use in diffuser |
Peppermint Oil
You can repel mosquitoes with peppermint oil. This is a great option for those who want to avoid the chemicals in store-bought sprays. It’s also effective against other insects, including ants, flies and fleas!
To use it as a natural mosquito repellent:
- Get a small bottle of peppermint essential oil and add 20-40 drops to 8 ounces of water (or aloe vera gel).
- Shake well before using on skin or clothing; apply 1/3 cup mixture per person according to instructions (about 3 times per week).
Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your outdoor activities. Discover proven ways to keep them at bay and enjoy the great outdoors without the annoyance of buzzing pests.
Garlic Spray
If you’re looking for a natural way to repel mosquitoes, garlic is your friend. Not only can it be used in a variety of ways to keep mosquitoes away, but it has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent.
Garlic contains allicin, which is known to repel mosquitoes. The best way to use garlic as a mosquito repellent is by rubbing the bulb on your skin or adding crushed cloves into your bath water.
You can also crush fresh garlic and rub it directly onto your skin if you don’t want to dilute the potency by using water.
If you’re not fond of the smell of garlic, there are several other ways (including baking soda) that will help keep away pesky insects–but nothing works quite like this pungent plant!
Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is a natural mosquito repellent that can be used in a variety of ways. You can use soybean oil as a spray, candles and even as an organic treatment for your yard.
To make the most of your soybean oil usage, you should use it at night when mosquitoes are most active.
If you want to keep the bugs away without using chemicals, try these recipes:
Nobody wants to get bitten by mosquitoes, but not everyone wants to use harsh chemicals to keep them away. Check out our guide on easy and effective ways to repellent mosquitoes naturally to keep your family safe and healthy
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is another natural mosquito repellent that can help you get rid of mosquitoes. It’s also a good idea to mix lavender oil with other essential oils like citronella and eucalyptus to create a more powerful mosquito repellent.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are an excellent natural repellent. A study conducted by Rutgers University found that coffee grounds are a good insect repellent and the smell of coffee grounds is a good deterrent for mosquitoes.
You can use the dry coffee grounds or you can make an infusion by soaking the dry grounds in water, adding it to your garden soil or using it as mulch around your plants.
Vanilla Extract Spray
>Ingredients:
1 cup vodka
2 vanilla beans, split and scraped
Directions: Place the ingredients in a bottle with a lid. Shake vigorously for one minute then set aside for at least 4 months.
Strain and store vanilla extract in an airtight container for future use. To make your homemade repellent spray, add 1/4 cup of vanilla extract to 1 cup of water (or witch hazel).
Add in a few drops of lavender oil and shake well before applying on skin as often as needed to keep mosquitoes away.
If you want to avoid using chemical-based products, you can still keep mosquitoes away using natural methods. Learn how to keep mosquitoes away naturally by reading our informative guide that explains the science behind natural mosquito repellents
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree. It has been used for centuries for its healing properties, and it can be used to repel mosquitos and other insects.
Tea tree oil works by having a strong scent that mosquitos don’t like. When you apply tea tree oil to your skin, it creates a barrier between you and them, which will prevent them from biting you.
You can find tea tree oil at most health stores or online retailers such as Amazon or eBay if you don’t want to make your own batch at home!
Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents. It’s derived from the leaves of lemon eucalyptus trees, which are native to Australia and Southeast Asia.
The essential oil has a pleasant aroma that can be used as an insect-repellent ingredient in candles, lotions and other personal care products.
It’s also been shown to repel mosquitoes better than DEET — a chemical compound found in many insect repellents — without posing any health risks for humans or animals (unlike DEET).
Plus, it’s considered safe for use around babies and kids because it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like DEET does.
Preventing mosquito bites can be one of the best ways to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses. To learn more about how to prevent mosquitoes, including tips on natural, chemical-free ways, check out our guide to staying safe during mosquito season.
Conclusion
We hope that you enjoyed this article as much as we did writing it. We had a lot of fun putting together all these great natural mosquito repellents and we’re sure you will too!
As always, feel free to let us know if there are any other natural ways for repelling mosquitoes that aren’t listed here and we would love to hear about them!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for natural mosquito repellent:
Healthline: Learn about the different types of natural mosquito repellents, including essential oils, herbs, and botanicals.
Grove Collaborative: Check out Grove Collaborative’s list of the best natural mosquito repellents, which includes sprays, candles, and even bracelets.
WebMD: Explore alternative mosquito repellents like citronella, garlic, and neem oil.
FAQs
What are natural mosquito repellents?
Natural mosquito repellents are substances that contain natural ingredients and are used to repel or deter mosquitoes. Examples of natural mosquito repellents include essential oils, herbs, and botanicals, among others.
Are natural mosquito repellents effective?
While natural mosquito repellents may not be as effective as chemical-based repellents containing DEET, they can still provide some level of protection against mosquitoes. However, the effectiveness of natural mosquito repellents can vary and depends on various factors, such as the concentration of the active ingredients and the species of mosquito.
Which essential oils are good for repelling mosquitoes?
Several essential oils are known to have mosquito-repelling properties, including citronella, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and lavender. These oils can be used in various forms, such as sprays, candles, and diffusers, to keep mosquitoes away.
How can I make my own natural mosquito repellent?
There are several DIY mosquito repellent recipes that you can make at home using natural ingredients like essential oils, herbs, and spices. These can be used in the form of sprays, lotions, and candles. However, it is important to note that homemade mosquito repellents may not be as effective as commercial products and should be used with caution.
What other ways can I prevent mosquito bites?
In addition to using natural mosquito repellents, there are various other ways to prevent mosquito bites. These include wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, using mosquito nets, avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours, and removing standing water around your home to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
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!
