Mosquito bites can be itchy and annoying, and they can also carry serious diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. While there are many synthetic mosquito repellents available, many people prefer to use natural alternatives.
Essential oils are a great option for natural mosquito repellent. They are extracted from plants and have a variety of aromas that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Some of the most effective essential oils to repel mosquitoes include:
- Lemon eucalyptus oil: Lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the most well-studied natural mosquito repellents. It is as effective as DEET, the active ingredient in many commercial insect repellents.
- Citronella oil: Citronella oil is another popular natural mosquito repellent. It has a strong citrusy smell that mosquitoes dislike.
- Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil has a refreshing scent that is also effective at repelling mosquitoes.
- Lavender oil: Lavender oil is known for its calming properties, but it is also a good mosquito repellent.
- Geranium oil: Geranium oil has a sweet floral scent that mosquitoes find offensive.
To use essential oils as mosquito repellent, you can mix them with a carrier oil and apply them to your skin. A good carrier oil for mosquito repellent is coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil. You can also add essential oils to a diffuser or spray them around your home.
Here are some recipes for DIY mosquito repellent using essential oils:
DIY mosquito repellent spray:
Ingredients:
- 10 drops lemon eucalyptus oil
- 10 drops citronella oil
- 10 drops peppermint oil
- 1 ounce carrier oil
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Add all of the ingredients to the spray bottle.
- Shake well to combine.
- Spray on exposed skin, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
- Reapply every 2-3 hours.
DIY mosquito repellent diffuser blend:
Ingredients:
- 10 drops lemon eucalyptus oil
- 10 drops citronella oil
- 5 drops lavender oil
- 5 drops geranium oil
- Water
Instructions:
- Add all of the ingredients to the water reservoir of your diffuser.
- Turn on the diffuser and let it run for at least 30 minutes.
- Reapply every 2-3 hours.
It is important to note that essential oils are highly concentrated and can irritate the skin. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin. You should also do a patch test on a small area of skin before using an essential oil for the first time.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using essential oils. Some essential oils are not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Overall, essential oils are a safe and effective natural mosquito repellent. They are easy to use and can be made into a variety of products, such as sprays, diffusers, and lotions.
