Mosquito bites are irritating and can transmit dangerous diseases such as yellow fever. To combat this, many seek natural mosquito-repellent solutions that are gentle on human skin but effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay. Essential oils such as oil of lemon eucalyptus, clove oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, thyme oil, tea tree oil, geranium oil, and lemongrass oil have gained popularity for their efficacy as natural repellents.
In a previous study sanctioned by the Environmental Protection Agency, different essential oils were tested for their repellent properties. Oil of lemon eucalyptus, notably recognized for its use in natural insect repellents, stood out for delivering the best results when applied correctly. For safe and effective use, essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil or combined with other substances like witch hazel or neem oil in a spray bottle.
Applying a few drops of essential oil to the human hand or incorporating it into a spray solution can help mitigate skin irritation risk, a common concern with direct applications. The best essential oils prevent insect bites and offer a pleasant aroma, doubling as a personal care product.
Mosquito Repellent Essential Oil Combos That Work
Let’s break down what effective homemade mosquito repellent you can use by incorporating natural ingredients you have at home. Here are some of the best mosquito repellent essential oils, along with advice on whether they’re best used applied to the skin or used in a diffuser:
- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil – Best applied to the skin. It’s recommended to dilute it with a carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil, due to its strength, which can prevent skin irritation.
- Lavender Oil – Can be used both on the skin and in a diffuser. Lavender oil is known for its soothing properties, making it a great choice for direct skin application as well as for creating a mosquito-repellent ambiance in your surroundings.
- Tea Tree Oil – Best used in a diffuser. While it can be applied to the skin when properly diluted, its potent aroma and potential to irritate sensitive skin make it more suitable for airborne repellent methods.
- Citronella Oil – Commonly used in a diffuser but can also be applied to the skin when diluted. It’s well-known for its effectiveness in outdoor environments, making it a staple in mosquito-repelling candles and torches.
- Peppermint Oil – Suitable for both skin application and use in a diffuser. Its refreshing scent and cooling sensation on the skin can deter mosquitoes effectively.
- Geranium Oil – Generally used in a diffuser. Geranium oil can also be applied to the skin, particularly when blended with other oils, to enhance its mosquito-repellent properties.
- Neem Oil – Best applied to the skin, often mixed into lotions or carrier oils. It’s noted for its strong scent and powerful mosquito-repelling capabilities.
- Clove Oil – Typically used in a diffuser due to its strong, potentially irritating properties. If applied to the skin, it must be heavily diluted to avoid irritation.
- Thyme Oil – More commonly used in a diffuser. For skin application, dilute it with a carrier oil to minimize the risk of skin irritation, especially on sensitive skin.
- Lemongrass Oil – Can be used in both diffusers and on the skin. It shares similar properties to citronella and is effective in personal and area mosquito repellent strategies.
When using any essential oil as mosquito repellent directly on the skin, it’s essential to first perform a patch test and ensure proper dilution to avoid any adverse reactions. For diffusers, these oils help repel mosquitoes and add a pleasant scent to your environment. These pure essential oils are just a start! People have also found success using cedarwood oil, cinnamon oil, sage oil, and garlic oil.
How to make a mosquito repelling room spray using essential oils
Creating a mosquito-repelling room spray with essential oils is a natural and effective way to keep mosquitoes at bay. Here’s a simple recipe that you can make at home:
Ingredients:
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol: 1/2 cup
- Essential oils: 30-50 drops total (see blend suggestions below)
Equipment:
- Spray bottle (preferably glass)
- Measuring cup
- Funnel (optional, for ease of pouring)
Essential Oil Blends:
Choose from the following oils, mixing and matching as preferred:
- Lemon Eucalyptus and Lavender
- 15 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil
- 15 drops of lavender oil
- Citronella, Lemongrass, and Geranium
- 10 drops of citronella oil
- 10 drops of lemongrass oil
- 10 drops of geranium oil
- Peppermint, Tea Tree, and Clove
- 10 drops of peppermint oil
- 10 drops of tea tree oil
- 10 drops of clove oil
- Thyme, Neem, and Lavender
- 10 drops of thyme oil
- 10 drops of neem oil
- 10 drops of lavender oil
Instructions:
- Combine Liquids:
- In a measuring cup, mix the water and witch hazel or rubbing alcohol together. Witch hazel is less harsh and has soothing properties, while rubbing alcohol can help the spray evaporate faster when used on surfaces.
- Add Essential Oils:
- Add your chosen essential oil blend to the liquid mixture. Adjust the number of drops based on how strong you want the fragrance and repellent properties to be. Generally, a total of 30-50 drops is sufficient for effective repelling action.
- Mix Well:
- Stir or shake the mixture thoroughly to ensure that the oils are well dispersed.
- Transfer to Spray Bottle:
- Using a funnel, carefully pour the mixture into a spray bottle. If you don’t have a funnel, you can pour carefully from the measuring cup.
- Label Your Spray:
- Label your spray bottle with the date and contents so you know what’s in it and when you made it.
- Use Your Spray:
- Shake well before each use. Spray around the room, especially near windows, doors, and other entry points where mosquitoes might enter. Avoid spraying directly on delicate fabrics or surfaces that may be damaged by oils or alcohol.
Tips:
- Safety: If you plan to use the spray on your skin, make sure all the oils you choose are safe for topical use and perform a patch test first.
- Shelf life: Since this spray contains water and no preservatives, it’s best used within a few weeks and stored in a cool, dark place.
- Refreshing: Periodically shake the bottle and refresh the contents if not used up within a few weeks.
This homemade room spray helps keep mosquitoes away and leaves your room smelling fresh and pleasant. Such a fresh scent!
Do citronella candles work to repel mosquitos?
Yes, citronella candles can be effective at repelling mosquitoes to some extent. Citronella oil, derived from the leaves and stems of different species of Cymbopogon (lemongrass), is a popular natural mosquito repellent. The oil emits a distinctive odor that is unpleasant to mosquitoes, helping to keep them at bay.
Citronella works primarily by masking scents that mosquitoes find attractive, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid exuded by humans, making it harder for mosquitoes to locate a target.
Essential oil repellents are a great way to protect yourself against a variety of mosquito species. You can use fragrance lamps, repellent spray, consider topical application, or include a few drops in distilled water.