Homemade Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitoes swarming around you is an annoying experience, but it also can negatively affect your health. Of course, their bites cause itching for days along with pink swells across your skin.

In addition, mosquitoes are known to carry dangerous diseases like West Nile, Zika, malaria, dengue and many others. The most common way to repel mosquitoes is with a store-bought repellent containing DEET.

However, DEET can cause skin reactions, headaches, breathing difficulties and other issues. It can damage fabrics, and it even impacts wildlife. You can avoid these effects and keep mosquitoes away with a homemade mosquito repellent.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

Some people claim to be mosquito magnets, and there may be some truth to that. Mosquitoes are drawn to certain body scents. However, they are also attracted by humidity, heat and light. Different mosquito species are attracted to different elements.

For example, malaria-carrying mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and bacteria. Hand odors and carbon dioxide attract other types of mosquitoes. This means that mosquitoes can be problematic and dangerous to everyone.

Are Homemade Mosquito Repellents Effective?

Homemade mosquito repellant is both safe and effective. However, some people are sensitive to specific ingredients used in homemade remedies, so you need to find the one that is best for you. If you are traveling to an area where mosquito-borne illnesses are widespread, use of a DEET repellent is recommended.

What Is the Best Homemade Mosquito Repellent?

One of the best homemade mosquito repellents is lemon eucalyptus oil. This natural oil has been used for at least the last 80 years to repel mosquitoes, and it is commonly used as an ingredient in store-bought products. It has been proven to provide three hours of protection with 95% effectiveness when the homemade solution has at least 32% oil.

Natural Remedy to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Lemon eucalyptus oil is just one of several effective solutions to keep mosquitoes away naturally. Consider these other remedies:

Tea Tree Oil

In addition to repelling mosquitoes, tea tree oil is used as an anti-inflammatory solution. It also has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Combine tea tree oil to a base oil or witch hazel, and spritz it on your skin.

Citronella

Many people are familiar with citronella as a mosquito-repellent candle. Aside from lighting citronella scented candles, you can make a citronella repellent by mixing 10 drops of citronella oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle, shake well, and spray it on your clothes and exposed skin.

Lavender

Lavender flowers have an appealing fragrance that is popular in everything from dryer sheets and candles to hand lotion and more. Both the scent and the oil from crushed lavender flowers repel mosquitoes. Because the oil is also an antiseptic, antifungal and analgesic, it can enhance skin health. The oil can be applied directly to your skin using a cloth.

Soybean and Lemongrass Oils

These two natural oils are both effective repellents. Using a dropper, add a few drops of each oil to your base at a 10 to 1 ratio. Then, apply it directly to your skin.

Coffee Grounds

Using coffee grounds as a homemade mosquito repellent is an interesting and eco-friendly approach. Coffee grounds can help repel mosquitoes due to their strong scent and certain compounds that are unpleasant to these pests. Here’s how it works and some tips on how to use it:

Greek Catmint Oil

Greek catmint is a flowering plant that makes white and pink blooms. The mosquito-repelling properties of this plant, however, comes from an oil made from its leaves. The oil may be up to 10 times more effective than products containing DEET, and it can repel pesky insects for up to three hours.

Cinnamon

If you enjoy the recognizable smell of cinnamon, you may be excited to learn that mosquitoes hate it. Create a solution using a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon oil and four ounces of cool water. This mixture is effective at killing the pests’ eggs and repelling adult mosquitoes. As a word of warning, a high concentration of cinnamon oil is a skin irritant. Ensure that you dilute the oil properly.

Thyme Oil

If you grow fresh thyme in your garden, you don’t have to go far to find a natural mosquito repellent. Thyme leaves are also available at your grocery store. An oil made from these leaves is 91% effective at keeping mosquitoes away.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a safe, natural option to prevent mosquito bites. In studies, it has been proven to remain effective for three hours. Just combine neem oil with aloe vera gel, mixing 10 drops of neem oil with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera, and apply it to your skin for added moisture and protection.

Say goodbye to mosquitoes with another easy homemade mosquito repellent recipe that you can make at home:

FAQs

Are Homemade Mosquito Repellents Safe?

Homemade mosquito repellents are generally safe, but some people may be sensitive to specific natural oils. To minimize the chance of skin irritation, always dilute the natural oil with a base, such as witch hazel or sunflower oil.

How Long Does DIY Mosquito Repellent Last?

Both the overall effectiveness of a DIY repellent solution and the length of time for its protection vary. Most of these homemade remedies last at least two hours.

How Often Should You Reapply a Repellent?

Because the protective benefits of a DIY repellent vary, you should research the re-application recommendations for the solution that you prefer. Generally, the repellent should be re-applied on the tail end of its expected life.

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