How to Natural Mosquito Repellents

Summer is the season for outdoor activities, from camping and hiking to backyard barbecues and picnics. However, with the warm weather also comes the annoyance of mosquitoes. While commercial mosquito repellents can be effective, they often contain harsh chemicals that may be harmful to our health and the environment. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that can keep these pesky insects at bay. In this article, we will explore different ways to make natural mosquito repellents using ingredients such as citronella oil, lavender, lemon eucalyptus oil, neem oil, peppermint, and garlic. Whether you prefer a spray or a lotion, there’s a natural solution for everyone. So, let’s dive in and discover how to make your natural mosquito repellents and enjoy the great outdoors without the annoyance of mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes can be a pesky problem, but there are natural ways to keep them at bay. Here are some natural mosquito repellents:

Citronella oil

Citronella oil is a natural mosquito repellent that is derived from several species of lemongrass. Here are the steps to make a natural mosquito repellent with citronella oil:

1. Get a small spray bottle holding at least 4-6 ounces of liquid.
2. Fill the spray bottle with water, leaving a little space at the top for the other ingredients.
3. Add 10-20 drops of citronella oil to the spray bottle. The amount of fat you add will depend on the size of the spray bottle and how strong you want the scent to be.
4. Add 1-2 tablespoons of witch hazel to the spray bottle. Witch hazel helps to disperse the oil and helps the spray to adhere to your skin better.
5. Shake the bottle well to mix all the ingredients.
6. Spray the natural mosquito repellent on your skin or clothing, avoiding your eyes and mouth. You can reapply the spray every 2-3 hours or as needed.

Note: You can also add other essential oils like lemon, lavender, or peppermint to the mix for added benefits and a more pleasant scent. Also, make sure to store the spray bottle in a cool and dry place to preserve its potency.

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that is known to repel mosquitoes. Here are the steps to make a natural mosquito repellent with lavender:

1. Get a small spray bottle holding at least 4-6 ounces of liquid.
2. Fill the spray bottle with water, leaving a little space at the top for the other ingredients.
3. Add 10-20 drops of lavender essential oil to the spray bottle. The amount of fat you add will depend on the size of the spray bottle and how strong you want the scent to be.
4. Add 1-2 tablespoons of vodka or witch hazel to the spray bottle. Vodka or witch hazel helps to disperse the oil and helps the spray to adhere to your skin better.
5. Shake the bottle well to mix all the ingredients.
6. Spray the natural mosquito repellent on your skin or clothing, avoiding your eyes and mouth. You can reapply the spray every 2-3 hours or as needed.

Note: You can also add other essential oils like citronella, lemon, or peppermint to the mix for added benefits and a more pleasant scent. Also, make sure to store the spray bottle in a cool and dry place to preserve its potency.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Lemon eucalyptus oil is a natural mosquito repellent that is as effective as DEET in repelling mosquitoes. Here are the steps to make a natural mosquito repellent with lemon eucalyptus oil:

1. Get a small spray bottle holding at least 4-6 ounces of liquid.
2. Fill the spray bottle with water, leaving a little space at the top for the other ingredients.
3. Add 10-20 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil to the spray bottle. The amount of fat you add will depend on the size of the spray bottle and how strong you want the scent to be.
4. Add 1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil to the spray bottle. A carrier oil helps to dilute the essential oil and helps the spray to adhere to your skin better.
5. Shake the bottle well to mix all the ingredients.
6. Spray the natural mosquito repellent on your skin or clothing, avoiding your eyes and mouth. You can reapply the spray every 2-3 hours or as needed.

Note: Lemon eucalyptus oil can be a skin irritant for some people, so it’s important to do a patch test before applying it all over your skin. Also, make sure to store the spray bottle in a cool and dry place to preserve its potency.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural insecticide and repellent that is effective against mosquitoes. Here are the steps to make a natural mosquito repellent with neem oil:

1. Get a small spray bottle holding at least 4-6 ounces of liquid.
2. Fill the spray bottle with water, leaving a little space at the top for the other ingredients.
3. Add 10-20 drops of neem oil to the spray bottle. The amount of oil you add will depend on the size of the spray bottle and how strong you want the scent to be.
4. Add 1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil to the spray bottle. A carrier oil helps to dilute the neem oil and helps the spray to adhere to your skin better.
5. Add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the spray bottle. Apple cider vinegar helps to enhance the effectiveness of the neem oil.
6. Shake the bottle well to mix all the ingredients together.
7. Spray the natural mosquito repellent on your skin or clothing, avoiding your eyes and mouth. You can reapply the spray every 2-3 hours or as needed.

Note: Neem oil has a strong odor that some people may find unpleasant. You can add a few drops of essential oil like lavender or peppermint to the mix for a more pleasant scent. Also, make sure to store the spray bottle in a cool and dry place to preserve its potency.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a natural mosquito repellent that is easy to use and smells refreshing. Here are the steps to make a natural mosquito repellent with peppermint:

1. Get a small spray bottle holding at least 4-6 ounces of liquid.
2. Fill the spray bottle with water, leaving a little space at the top for the other ingredients.
3. Add 10-20 drops of peppermint essential oil to the spray bottle. The amount of fat you add will depend on the size of the spray bottle and how strong you want the scent to be.
4. Add 1-2 tablespoons of witch hazel or vodka to the spray bottle. Witch hazel or vodka helps to disperse the oil and helps the spray to adhere to your skin better.
5. Shake the bottle well to mix all the ingredients.
6. Spray the natural mosquito repellent on your skin or clothing, avoiding your eyes and mouth. You can reapply the spray every 2-3 hours or as needed.

Note: Peppermint oil can be irritating to some people’s skin, so it’s important to do a patch test before applying it all over your skin. Also, make sure to store the spray bottle in a cool and dry place to preserve its potency. You can also add other essential oils like citronella, lavender, or lemon to the mix for added benefits and a more pleasant scent.

Garlic

Garlic is a natural mosquito repellent that has been used for centuries. Here are the steps to make a natural mosquito repellent with garlic:

1. Peel and crush 5-6 garlic cloves.
2. Add the crushed garlic to 2 cups of water in a pot.
3. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the garlic water into a bowl and let it cool down.
5. Pour the garlic water into a spray bottle.
6. Add a few drops of essential oil like peppermint or eucalyptus to the spray bottle for added repellent power and a more pleasant scent.
7. Shake the bottle well to mix all the ingredients.
8. Spray the natural mosquito repellent on your skin or clothing, avoiding your eyes and mouth. You can reapply the spray every 2-3 hours or as needed.

Note: Garlic has a strong odor that some people may find unpleasant. You can add essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus to the mix for a more pleasant scent. Also, make sure to store the spray bottle in a cool and dry place to preserve its potency.

Conclusion

Using natural mosquito repellents, we can avoid exposing ourselves and the environment to harmful chemicals while effectively keeping mosquitoes at bay. Whether you prefer the refreshing scent of peppermint or the earthy aroma of neem oil, there are plenty of natural options to choose from. Experiment with different ingredients and find the one that works best for you. With these simple and effective natural mosquito repellents, you can enjoy your time outdoors without the annoyance of mosquito bites. So, gear up, head outside, and enjoy a bug-free summer!