Spring is in the air…
And so are mosquitos.
These tiny insects are often a nuisance and we avoid them at all costs.
But most insect repellent have harsh chemicals in them. So how can we repel these pesky bugs in a natural, but effective way? I have 10 top natural repellent ideas for you!
1. Citronella
Citronella is a common natural and effective essential oil that works against mosquitoes. Made from a mix of herbs, it’s an ingredient in many mosquito repellents. This essential oil, used at concentrations of 5 to 10%, is one of the most popular natural repellents available. When outdoors, citronella candles can provide up to 50% extra protection.
2. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a lemon-scented essential oil that’s often used to repel insects. You can try diffusing lemon eucalyptus essential oil, or purchase a natural bug spray that has lemon eucalyptus oil as the natural ingredient. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is the only natural ingredient that’s CDC-approved as insect repellent.
3. Thyme Oil
Thyme oil can provide very effect and long-lasting repellents against mosquitoes. You can spray or diffuse thyme oil or burn thyme leaves (which you may already have in your spice collection)—it’s 85% effective.
4. Lavender Oil
The scent of crushed lavender flowers, found in lavender oil, has been proven to repel mosquitoes. You can diffuse lavender oil, spray it with a spray bottle, or apply it to your skin to reap the antifungal, analgesic, and antiseptic benefits. Plus it the scent can be very calming and relaxing to us.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is a beloved herb renowned for its culinary uses, but its insect-repelling properties make it even more valuable. The essential oil extracted from rosemary contains potent compounds like cineole, camphor, and limonene, known for their mosquito-repelling effects. If you are having a campfire, you can also toss rosemary leaves into the fire to help keep mosquitos at bay.
6. Neem Oil
2% neem oil, especially when mixed with coconut oil, has been found to be extremely effective at repelling certain species of mosquitoes. This naturally occurring pesticide is found in the seeds of the neem tree.
7. Geraniol
Geraniol is a type of alcohol used as a fragrance or flavor. It’s from plant oils like citronella, lemongrass, and rose. As an ingredient in mosquito repellent, it’s known to be effective for 2 to 4 hours, depending on the species.
8. Clove
Clove essential oil is one of the active ingredients in many commercial insect spray repellents, and diffusing the pure oil or spraying it on your body will also help keep mosquitoes at bay. Plus, planting cloves around the perimeter of your yard will reduce the local insect traffic.
9.Basil
This herb can be used as an essential oil on your clothes and skin to ward off mosquitoes. Apart from using the oil extracted from basil leaves, planting this herb in your garden can help repel mosquitos.
10. Peppermint
Peppermint oil masks natural human smells. Peppermint oil for mosquitoes can also be used as a bite treatment that cools that bite, which soothes the area and reduces inflammation.
Essential oils should never be put on the skin directly. They are always diluted in a carrier oil, such as almond oil. The recipe is usually 3 to 5 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil.
It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the active ingredients in essential oils. Before you use any new product, spot test the product on a small section of your skin and wait an hour or two to make sure that hives or burning sensations do not occur.
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