Mosquitos are a major pest and no one needs them around. They carry many diseases in addition to the fact that they are a big nuisance. That is why people dread hot summer nights. And there are plenty of mosquito repellants around but many people are hesitant to buy them because of the chemicals that are in them.
However, the good news is that there is no need to worry about that.
That is why there are natural and safe mosquito repellants that work, and let’s go over 14 of them right now.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
This mixture has been used as a natural mosquito repellant since the 1940s and it works well. What you need to do is create a mixture that is one part lemon eucalyptus oil and then 10 parts of carrier oil such as sunflower and place it on your exposed areas. Only a few drops at a time as it is strong. It will protect you for 3 hours and do not put this mixture on children under 3 years of age.
- Mix 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil with 10 parts witch hazel.
- Put the solution in a spray bottle.
- Spray it onto your pulse points to repel mosquitoes.
- Repeat every few hours.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass works as an effective mosquito repellent. This pleasant smelling herb contains natural citronella oil that repels mosquitoes.
Break off a lemongrass stalk and peel off the outer leaves. Rub the pulp on your skin to help repel mosquitoes.
Another option is to fill a spray bottle with 4 ounces of witch hazel. Add 1 teaspoon each of eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oils. Shake it vigorously and spray it on your exposed skin every few hours.
Quick TIP: Eliminate Standing Water. Any pools or puddles around your home or yard can quickly become a mosquito breeding ground, according to the Mayo Clinic
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is great as you can put a few drops on children and on adults. The great thing about this oil is that it has antimicrobial properties and it also repels adult mosquitos so they will stay away from you. Just take a clean cloth and use it to rub it into you.
Quick TIP: Avoid going out during mosquitoes’ peak feeding times, such as at dawn and dusk and a few hours into the night. This will reduce your risk of getting bitten.
Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon has many great properties and it can help with repelling mosquitos which includes the eggs. Take ¼ of a teaspoon of cinnamon oil which is 24 drops and do it for every 4 ounces of water. Put it in a spray bottle and you can spray it on yourself even on your clothing and around your house as well to repel those pests.
Quick TIP: Dark-colored clothes are more attractive to mosquitoes than light-colored outfits. So, try to wear clothes in lighter shades.
Thyme Oil
Thyme oil will repel mosquitos and you’ll need to apply it on your skin. The way it is done is to add 4 drops of thyme oil to each teaspoon of carrier oil such as olive oil. You can also put it in water if you prefer to use a spray. Mix 5 drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water which may be enough to provide ample protection.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is another natural deterrent against mosquitoes and other insects that you may notice in your home.
Bugs do not like the energizing and strong scent of peppermint oil.
A 2011 study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine found peppermint essential oil to be an efficient larvicide and repellent against dengue vector. However, further studies are needed to identify the possible role of oil as adulticide, oviposition deterrent and ovicidal agent.
Before heading outdoors, apply peppermint oil directly on exposed skin. You can even dab a little on your clothes.
Also, pour ¼ cup of distilled water into a small spray bottle. Add 2 teaspoons of witch hazel and 20 to 25 drops of peppermint essential oil, then shake it to combine all the ingredients. Spray the solution in areas where you notice the tiny insects.
Quick TIP: Even with mosquito repellent, you may get bitten. To reduce the pain and itchiness, rub some raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar on the site of the bite.
Greek Catnip Oil
Greek catnip is a great mosquito repellant as it is and you will want to have some of these flowers around your home. Especially if the leaves are bruised as they have the oil exposed which is what really does a great job with repelling them.
Elderflower Twigs
This is a strong smell and it will kill mosquitoes right then and there. You will want to take some Elderflower twigs and keep it in your room. Make sure they are fresh. However, because the fragrance is strong, you will want to take them out before you sleep so you can fall asleep easily.
Quick TIP: Bring natural predators of mosquitoes to your home, such as fish, turtles and birds to help reduce the population.
Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is safe for adults and kids as a topical solution as it will provide protection from mosquitos. You can add some lemongrass oil to the soybean oil if you want to make it a little more effective. You only need to add a few drops to it and that is all.
Citronella
Citronella is made with several herbs and a few drops of the oil onto you can provide you up to 2 hours of protection from mosquitos. You can also use citronella candles to place outdoors which can help as well but it is not as effective as using the oil.
Quick TIP: Apply a cold compress or put a slice of raw onion on the bite to get relief and guard against infection.
Basil Leaves
These basil leaves are a major repellant to mosquitoes. All you even need to do is rub some of them onto your body and that will scare them off. You can keep the leaves in your room as well to keep them away.
Geraniol
Geraniol is a type of alcohol that is used as either a flavor or fragrance and it comes from plant oils such as rose or citronella. There is an ingredient in geraniol that repels mosquitos and it is effective from 2 to 4 hours. If you apply geraniol be sure to keep it away from your eyes as it will cause irritation as well as sensitive areas of your skin. It is strong.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is 70 percent effective and not approved as a topical solution just as of yet. But you can dilute 50 to 100 ml of neem oil into the water and be sure to only use cold-pressed and extra virgin need oil if you want to go this route. The recommendations above are preferable but since this can work, it is worth adding to the list.
Now you don’t need to worry about questionable mosquito repellants so you can use natural and safe ones instead!
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is also known as melaleuca oil and this comes from Australia. This oil has microbial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This essential oil is known to help with not just repelling mosquitos but repelling insects of any kind. Many products contain tea tree oil such as body soaps and washes.
Now you don’t need to worry about questionable mosquito repellants so you can use natural and safe ones instead!
