Summertime is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather. However, one thing that can put a damper on your outdoor fun is pesky insects. These little bugs can ruin a summer evening by making you itch. If you’re looking for a natural alternative to keep mosquitoes away, then look no further than essential oils! In this guide, we will discuss the best essential oils that repel mosquitoes and how to use them. Let’s get started!
Why do mosquitoes bite?
Mosquitoes bite humans because they need the blood to help them develop their eggs. Female mosquitoes will bite humans in order to acquire proteins for mosquito larvae. Male mosquitoes do not bite and eat only nectar.
These pesky bugs are attracted to a number of things, including carbon dioxide, sweat, lactic acid, and body odour. Many essential oils work by masking these scents, which in turn, prevents mosquito bites.
What are essential oils and how do they work to repel mosquitoes?
Essential oils are extracts from plants that have been used for centuries for their medicinal and therapeutic properties. Essential oils work to repel mosquitoes by masking the human scent that attracts these bugs, as well as by repelling them chemically.
When using essential oils to repel mosquitoes, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way. You only need to use a few drops of oil in your diffuser or on your skin to get relief from these bugs.
Top 15 Essential Oils that Repel Mosquitoes
The best essential oils for repelling mosquitoes are lemon eucalyptus, peppermint oil, lemon oil, and eucalyptus oil. All of these oils have a strong scent that bugs don’t like, and they can be used in a variety of ways to keep you safe from bites.
Citronella essential oil is a popular essential oil that is known to repel mosquitoes. This oil is extracted from the leaves of the Citronella plant, and it has a strong, citrus-like scent that bugs don’t like.
When used in a diffuser, citronella oil can help keep mosquitoes away from your home.
Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is well-known for it’s ability to repel bugs, and it’s a great choice if you’re looking for an essential oil that can multitask. It has a classic citronella like scent and is a great choice to use on your skin or in a diffuser.
Lemon eucalyptus essential oil comes from the lemon scented gumtree. It is a potent essential oil that has been shown to be as effective as DEET in repelling mosquitoes.
It provides a natural-based mosquito repellant that not only smells great but works!
Peppermint essential oil is a great choice because it is a natural pesticide and it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the swelling and itchiness that often comes with insect bites. The smell of peppermint makes it an effective insect repellent as bugs don’t like its strong, minty scent. It’s also a great choice to help keep you cool during the summer months.
Peppermint oil contains menthol, which is a natural insect repellent. The strong scent of peppermint oil also masks the human scent that attracts mosquitoes, and it can be used in a diffuser or on your skin to keep these bugs away.
Peppermint oil is not safe to use around cats so if you have any furry friends in your home, be sure to use a different oil.
Eucalyptus essential oil is known for its ability to ward off mosquitoes and ticks, and it’s also a great essential oil for respiratory health.
The strong scent of eucalyptus repels mosquitoes and other bugs. Eucalyptus oil is also a good choice for bug bites.
The cooling, soothing effect of eucalyptus oil helps to relieve the itchiness and inflammation caused by bug bites.
Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply to the skin. You can also use eucalyptus essential oil in a diffuser to keep mosquitoes away.
Lemon essential oil is another good option, as it contains citronella which is a natural insect repellent. It has a strong citrus scent that bugs don’t like, and it can also help to repel other pests like spiders and ants.
Lavender essential oil is another great choice, as it has a soothing scent that can help to calm the skin. Insects cannot stand fragrances. When you apply lavender to your skin or use it in a diffuser, the strong fragrance will deter bugs like mosquitoes, ticks and little flies called midges. Lavender is an excellent choice because not only does it repel mosquitoes, but it smells fantastic!
Rosemary oil is another oil that can be used to repel mosquitoes. It has a strong, pine-like scent that mosquitoes find offensive, and it’s also a great choice for respiratory health.
Lemongrass oil contains citronella, which is a natural insect repellent. It has a strong citrus scent that bugs don’t like, and it can also help to repel other pests like spiders and ants.
Clary Sage essential oil is not as well known for repelling mosquitoes, but it has been shown to be effective. It has a strong, herbaceous scent that bugs don’t like, and it can also be used to repel other pests like spiders and ants.
Tea tree essential oil contains compounds that repel mosquitoes, and it also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help to soothe bites and reduce swelling. It has a strong, medicinal scent that bugs don’t like, and it’s also a good choice for keeping your skin healthy.
Cinnamon essential oil is known to repel mosquitoes because of its strong scent. The oil is distilled from the bark of the cinnamon tree, and it has a spicy, woodsy smell that bugs don’t like. It is not safe to use around cats, so be sure to use a different oil if you have any furry friends in your home.
Thyme oil contains a chemical known as thymol that is effective at repelling mosquitoes. It has a strong, herbal scent that bugs don’t like, and it can also be used to repel other pests like spiders and ants.
Geranium oil is known to repel mosquitoes because of its strong smell. The oil is distilled from the leaves of the geranium plant, and it has a floral, earthy smell that many bugs don’t like. It is not safe to use around cats, so be sure to use a different oil if you have any furry friends in your home.
Clove essential oil is a natural insect repellent that contains the active ingredient eugenol. The strong, spicy scent of clove oil repels mosquitoes and other bugs. Clove oil is also a good choice for bug bites. The cooling, soothing effect of clove oil helps to relieve the itchiness and inflammation caused by bug bites.
Sage essential oil is a natural mosquito repellent because it contains compounds that are harmful to mosquitoes. When sage oil is diffused, it releases an aroma that masks the carbon dioxide that humans and animals produce, which mosquitoes use to find their prey. Additionally, the strong scent of sage oil confuses mosquitoes and disrupts their ability to find their target
All of these essential oils are safe to use, but be sure to test them on a small patch of skin before using them on a larger area. Some people may be allergic to certain essential oils, so it’s best to do a test first.
How to use essential oils to repel mosquitoes
You can use these oils in a variety of ways to repel mosquitoes. The easiest and most popular way is to put a few drops of oil in a diffuser, which will release the scent into the air and help keep bugs away.
You can also mix the oils with water to create a spray, which can be used on your skin or in your home.
Mixing the oils with a carrier oil like coconut oil and putting them in a roller ball makes it easy to apply them directly to your skin but be sure to do a patch test first to check for allergic reactions.
Precautions you should take when using essential oils around children and pets
Be sure to take precautions when using essential oils around children and pets. Keep oils away from eyes and mouth, and be sure to store them out of reach of children and animals. Some oils are toxic if ingested, so it’s important to keep them safe and out of reach.
If you’re using the oils topically, be sure to dilute them with a carrier oil before applying. Although natural, essential oils can be irritating to the skin if applied directly, so it’s best to dilute them first.
Be sure to do a patch test before using any essential oils around children or pets, as some people may be allergic.
These are just a few of the precautions you should take when using essential oils around children and pets. For more information, be sure to consult an aromatherapist or other health professional.
Recipes
These essential oil blends make great insect repellents. It’s important to remember that natural repellents can still cause skin irritation and you should take care when handling essential oils to avoid developing an allergic reaction.
DIY Natural Mosquito Repellent Spray Using Essential Oils
Ingredients:
- Distilled water
- Witch hazel or vodka
- Essential oils of your choice (lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, etc.)
Instructions:
Add distilled water and witch hazel or vodka to a spray bottle. Add 20-30 drops of essential oil of your choice for a natural bug spray.
Homemade Mosquito Repellent Lotion Using Essential Oils
Ingredients:
- 15 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil
- 12 drops of peppermint oil
- 11 drops of lavender oil
- Carrier oil (like coconut or almond oil)
Instructions:
Mix all of the oils together in a small bowl, then add to a lotion bottle. Shake well and apply liberally to skin. Reapply as needed.
Homemade Candle Using Essential Oils
Ingredients:
- 14 ounces soy wax or beeswax
- 30 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil
- 20 drops of peppermint oil
- 15 drops of lavender oil
- 12 drops of tea tree oil
- Wick
Instructions:
Melt wax in a double boiler or microwave. Add essential oils and mix well. Pour into a jar or tin and add wick. Let cool completely before using. Light candle and enjoy the citronella scent. Keep away from children and pets.
DIY Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent Bracelet
Ingredients:
- Thin elastic band
- 20 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil
- 18 drops of peppermint oil
- 16 drops of lavender oil
- 14 drops of tea tree oil
Instructions:
Mix all of the oils together in a small bowl. Cut elastic band to fit around your wrist and soak in the oil mixture. Let dry completely before using. Wear bracelet when outdoors.
DIY Mosquito Trap
Ingredients:
- An old glass or plastic bottle
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
Instructions:
Add enough baking soda to the bottle to make a layer in the bottom that’s around 2 cm deep. Pour in approximately 300 mls of vinegar. The mixture will react and fizz releasing carbon dioxide which will attract the mosquitoes away from you. Once the mosquitoes have entered the neck of the bottle they are unlikely to find their way back out! Place the jar strategically so that the mosquitoes are attracted to the stronger scent in the jar.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the ways you can use essential oils to repel mosquitoes this summer. Be sure to experiment and find what works best for you. And remember, always use caution when using essential oils, especially around children and pets. For more information, consult an aromatherapist or other health professional.
Be sure to try out a few of these essential oils to see which ones work best for you. Not all oils will work for everyone, so it’s important to find the oil or oils that work best for you and your family. Enjoy your bug-free summer!
FAQ’s
What are the best carrier oils to use to repel mosquitoes?
Neem oil is a good option as it has been shown to be effective at repelling a variety of insects, including mosquitoes. Neem oil repels mosquitoes by deterring them from landing on your skin.
Some of the best carrier oils to use to repel mosquitoes include coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, and grape seed oil.
Does coconut oil repel mosquitoes?
There is some evidence that suggests coconut oil may be effective at repelling mosquitoes. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
Does Vinegar Repel Mosquitoes?
There is some evidence that suggests vinegar may be effective at repelling mosquitoes. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
What essential oils repel mosquitoes?
Some essential oils that have been shown to be effective at repelling mosquitoes include lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
Is there an essential oil that repels ticks?
There is some evidence that suggests lemon eucalyptus oil may be effective at repelling ticks. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
Is it safe to use essential oils around children?
When used properly, essential oils are generally safe for children. However, it’s important to take precautions when using them around young children, such as diluting them with a carrier oil. Be sure to consult an aromatherapist or other health professional for more information.
Is it safe to use essential oils around pets?
When used properly, essential oils are generally safe for pets. However, it’s important to take precautions when using them around pets, such as diluting them with a carrier oil. Be sure to consult an aromatherapist or other health professional for more information.
Do I need to dilute essential oils before using them?
When using essential oils topically, it’s important to dilute them with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil. This helps protect the skin and prevents any adverse reactions. Consult an aromatherapist or other health professional for more information.
How often should I reapply essential oil mosquito repellent?
Reapply essential oil mosquito repellent as needed. How often you need to reapply will depend on the type of repellent you’re using, the climate, and how much exposure you’re getting to mosquitoes. Be sure to read the instructions on the repellent bottle for more information.
Will diffusing essential oils keep bugs away?
Yes, you can use essential oils in your diffuser. However, it’s important to note that not all essential oils are safe to diffuse. Be sure to consult an aromatherapist or other health professional for more information.