DIY Natural Mosquito Repellent Using Essential Oils
Mosquitoes are such a pain in the bottom. These pesky little flying insects are the bane of the outdoor enthusiast’s existence, and they’re entirely too persistent for our own good. Thankfully for us, there are a couple of quick and easy DIY natural mosquito repellents that you can make in your own home.
Fortunately, essential oils are part of a solution which doesn’t have to break the bank – and we’re here to tell you how to make your very own natural mosquito and insect repellent using our citronella essential oil and just a few other ingredients. Let’s get started!
First off, we wanted to go over a brief list of the essential oils that can be used, and what insect they work best for, in case mosquitoes aren’t your only problem this summer.
What Essential Oils Repel Mosquitoes?
There are a number of essential oils that can be used as mosquito repellents. Some of the most effective include:
- Citronella oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Peppermint oil
- Rosemary oil
What Scents Do Mosquitoes Hate?
The most common scents that mosquitoes really seem to dislike and are often found in insect repellents are:
- Citronella oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Lavender oil
- Eucalyptus oil
DIY Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent Recipes
Recipe One – Natural Mosquito Repellent Spray
The “ingredients” and materials you will need for this particular insect repellent are:
- 1 12oz bottle of Witch Hazel (one without alcohol or parabens is your best bet for a completely natural repellent)
- 15 drops of citronella essential oil
- 15 drops of lemongrass oil
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops of tea tree oil (optional, but works great if you have ticks as well)
- 1 funnel
- 1 empty spray container
- 1 empty mixing jar to mix the ingredients in
With these, you’ll want to pour the witch hazel into the mixing jar, along with your essential oils. Once they are mixed well, you can use your funnel to pour them into the spray bottle, and go to town! Its best to shake the mixture up a little before each use to ensure it doesn’t separate, and you’re good to go.
Recipe Two – Homemade Mosquito Repellent Candle
This next recipe is for a mason jar luminary bug repellent candle, so not only do they keep the bugs away – they’re pretty, too! For the materials, you will need:
- 2 8oz Mason jars
- 1 16oz Mason jar
- 40 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 15 drops of citronella essential oil (optional)
- 1 lemon
- 2 key limes (or 1 lime)
- 8 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 3 tea light candles
- 32oz of water
With these gathered, you’ll first want to start by slicing the lemon and lime(s), and placing 3-4 slices of both in each Mason jar. Next in goes 4 rosemary sprigs for the large jar and 2 for each small jar – set those aside. Fill a measuring cup with your water and essential oils, and stir them well to combine, emptying the contents equally into each Mason jar afterwards. Your tea lights are next, and all you have to do is take them out of their containers, sit them on top of the water, light, and enjoy!
Recipe Three – DIY Natural Mosquito Lotion
This this recipe is for a mosquito-repelling lotion, so if you’re someone who has dry skin all year round, this one’s for you! The materials you will need are:
- 8 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 8 drops of lavender essential oil
- 8 drops of lemongrass essential oil
- 6 drops of citronella essential oil
- 6 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- 4 ounces of virgin coconut oil
For this one, the directions are incredibly easy. You’ll want to first mix all of your essential oils, and then mix them thoroughly with the virgin coconut oil. Once thoroughly mixed, allow the coconut oil to harden. Once that is done, you’ll simply scoop some out before you go and spread it onto the skin to keep the pests away!
Recipe Four – Use an Essential Oil Blend in a Nebulizing Diffuser
This might be the most effective method to keep mosquitoes away. The best part about using a Nebulizing Diffuser™ is you don’t have to apply anything directly to your skin. The materials you will need are:
- An Organic Aromas Nebulizing Diffuser™
- 8 drops of citronella essential oil
- 8 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 8 drop of lavender essential oil
The directions are relatively easy. You can mix and match and add different amounts of essential oils until you find a scent that is pleasing to you and your family and very unpleasant to pesky mosquitoes.
Scientific Research on Essential Oils Repelling Mosquitoes
There has been some scientific study on the use of essential oils to repel mosquitos. One such study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that a blend of essential oils including citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, and eucalyptus was effective in repelling mosquitos.
Toxicity and Safety of EOs as Repellents
There is little toxicity and safety data available on essential oils as repellents. However, some essential oils may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. It is important to test a small amount of essential oil on a patch of skin before using it to repel mosquitoes. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid essential oils altogether.
*** Disclaimer ***
Do Not Use on Your Pets! When using essential oils be aware that young children, older adults and pets (like cats, dogs and birds) can be affected differently by these powerful aromas.
