Tired of swatting away blood-hungry mosquitoes whenever you leave your home? These insects are a nuisance all year. While many people reach for store-bought repellents to keep themselves bite free, an increasing number are turning to homemade alternatives. Learning how to make mosquito repellents can offer a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution to help keep these pests at bay.
Learn more about the benefits of making your own mosquito repellent and how you may be able to use ingredients already in your cupboard to create mosquito-deterrent. Combined with professional mosquito control services like barrier sprays, you can enjoy your outdoor space again without the constant mosquito bites.
Potential Benefits of Homemade Mosquito Repellents
More people are turning to homemade mosquito repellents over commercial options for a range of reasons. Some potential advantages of learning how to make mosquito repellent include:
- Cost-effective: Making your own mosquito repellent can be more affordable than purchasing traditional products from the store, especially if you already have ingredients at home. Many ingredients, such as essential oils and witch hazel, are multipurpose and can be used for various other household needs, too.
- Eco-friendly: Some pest control products contain chemicals that could be harmful to humans, animals, and the environment. DIY repellents are usually biodegradable. You may find peace of mind by using plant-based ingredients to create pesticides with ingredients you know are usually okay for consumption and the environment.
- Free from harsh chemicals: Store-bought mosquito repellents often contain DEET and other chemicals that can be rough on sensitive skin, especially with regular use. DIY repellents made from ingredients like essential oils are typically gentler, with less risk of skin irritation and allergies. If you have family members with sensitive skin, this could be of particular interest to you.
- Less concern with pets: If you have pets, be extra careful about what plants, cleaners, and products you’re using. The same goes for insect repellents. While you may be unsure if your store-bought mosquito spray is okay to use around your furry friend, natural mosquito repellent recipes could help you rest easier.
Thinking about making the switch to making mosquito repellent at home? Explore key ingredients, the process for making DIY repellents, their potential advantages, and watch-outs.
Essential Ingredients for DIY Mosquito Repellents
Want to deter mosquitoes for good, but without chemicals, you don’t quite understand? Luckily, there are a ton of plant-based ingredients that mosquitoes just can’t stand. Here are the top 10 essential oils to consider:
- Eucalyptus oil
- Lavender oil
- Cinnamon oil
- Thyme oil
- Tea tree oil
- Rosemary oil
- Chamomile oil
- Peppermint oil
- Cedarwood oil
- Citronella oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Witch hazel
- Apple cider vinegar
You can find these oils at most health stores or even online. Best of all, creating a DIY mosquito repellent is almost too easy. With only a few ingredients, you can whip up the perfect homemade repellent for your family in no time. Plus, they may offer other qualities, like a great smell, that you and your household can enjoy.
Simple Recipes for Homemade Mosquito Repellents
Now that you know which ingredients work best, consider some of these easy-to-make DIY mosquito repellent recipes. These solutions can be highly effective on their own and when combined with other pest control services. However, make sure you’re aware of any potential allergies and seek medical attention if you have any adverse reactions to your mosquito repellents.
Coconut Peppermint Repellant
One of the most effective DIY repellents uses only coconut oil and peppermint. While this combination of scents is delightful to humans, it will chase away mosquitoes. Here’s what you need:
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 15 drops peppermint essential oil
Simply mix the ingredients in a jar. At room temperature, the substance will be a liquid you can apply to your skin. But if you store it in the refrigerator, it will solidify. You can apply it with your fingers on a hot day for a refreshing way to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Rosemary and Apple Cider Vinegar Repellent
Another effective DIY repellent has three ingredients—rosemary oil, apple cider vinegar, and water. Here are the exact measurements:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 40 drops of rosemary essential oil
Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and give it a good shake. If you don’t like the smell of rosemary, you can also try lavender. Generously spritz yourself before going outside.
Eucalyptus Repellent
Mosquitoes detest the strong aroma of eucalyptus, so this easy homemade mosquito repellent is sure to be a winner! All you need is eucalyptus oil, water, and witch hazel. Here’s the fool-proof recipe:
- 1/3 cup witch hazel
- 1/3 cup water
- 40 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Mix all the ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. That’s it! On its own, witch hazel doesn’t really have a scent, so you can also try adding lemongrass, citronella, or tea tree oil if you don’t care for eucalyptus.
Mosquito Repellent Essential Oil Lotion
If you’re not into spray mosquito repellents, you might consider a lotion you can make at home. This lotion provides a moisturizing way to repel mosquitoes while keeping your skin soft:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup shea butter (or any other carrier oil)
- 10 drops of essential oil (eucalyptus, citronella, or peppermint)
- One teaspoon of vitamin E oil (optional)
In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil and shea butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the essential oils and vitamin E oil, then pour the mixture into a small container and allow it to solidify. Apply to exposed skin as needed.
Mosquito Repellent Candle
This is a great option for sitting outdoors during the evening or hosting a summer barbecue.
- Soy wax or beeswax
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (lemongrass, citronella, or eucalyptus)
- A small glass jar or container
- Cotton wick
Melt the wax in a double boiler until it becomes liquid. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil for mosquito-repelling power, then pour the melted wax into a container and place the wick in the center. Allow the wax to cool and solidify to create a candle that can be placed in outdoor areas to deter mosquitoes.
How to Use DIY Mosquito Repellents Safely
To ensure you use DIY repellents properly, consider the following tips:
Test for allergies: Before applying any homemade repellent to a large area of your skin, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of the repellent to the inside of your wrist or elbow and wait 24 hours to see if any irritation or allergic reaction occurs. Do not proceed with using the repellent if you experience any reaction or discomfort.
Avoid sensitive areas: DIY mosquito repellents should never be applied near sensitive areas such as your eyes, mouth, or any open wounds. These areas are more prone to irritation. If you're using a spray, be extra cautious and avoid inhaling the mist, as excessive inhalation could irritate your respiratory system.
When in doubt, consult with your doctor, who can help advise on what ingredients may not be okay to use on your body.
Homemade Mosquito Repellent Watch-Outs
Just because you can easily buy the ingredients to make homemade mosquito repellents doesn’t mean they come without risk. You should always mix essential oils with a carrier liquid, such as coconut oil, olive oil, witch hazel, or vinegar. If you don’t, the essential oils may cause skin irritation.
Some essential oils are also toxic to pets. If you have furry friends, steer clear of peppermint, citrus, tea tree, and ylang-ylang. Always consult with your vet before applying a DIY repellent to your pets.
Most homemade mosquito repellent recipes don’t last very long. You should reapply every one or two hours for the best results.
Keeping Mosquitoes Away
Making your own mosquito repellent can be a simple, affordable, and effective way to protect yourself and your family from the discomfort and risks of mosquito bites. By using ingredients like essential oils, witch hazel, and apple cider vinegar, you can create a variety of repellents that combat mosquitoes and smell great to you.
While a homemade mosquito repellent is a good start, you should also treat your yard to prevent mosquitoes from invading or hatching in the first place. Mosquito Joe offers an eco-friendly pest control treatment to protect your property from mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas! We use our proven barrier system to ensure every inch of your yard repels mosquitoes. Contact us today for a free estimate, and rest assured that your happiness is our top priority with the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and our own Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
