Just when you thought it was safe to go outside again, mosquitos start buzzing around. And even worse: some people you know get bit, others don’t. So what makes those mosquitoes bite some and not others? That’s the question scientists are trying to answer to develop a natural Mosquito repellent. They would like to develop a natural mosquito repellent because they believe that chemicals used in products such as Off! are not without side effects. They are looking at plants as a possible source.
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a natural mosquito repellent.
To make lemon eucalyptus oil, you’ll need to collect the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus plant and then dry them out. After that, put them in a pot with a little bit of water. Bring this mixture to a boil and then let it simmer for about 3-5 hours. Once your mixture has cooled down, strain out any solids using cheesecloth or some other straining device (like coffee filters). Pour the remaining liquid into a jar with a lid and store it in a dark place for up to one year.
You can add this oil to anything from lotions and shampoos to body washes—and even bug sprays! And because it’s made from all-natural ingredients, there aren’t any harsh chemicals present in the finished product that could irritate sensitive skin types (or anyone else who chooses not to use chemicals on their bodies).
Citronella oil is another essential oil that repels mosquitos.
Citronella oil is another essential oil that repels mosquitos. It’s a good alternative to DEET and it is a great option for children and people with sensitive skin.
Citronella can be used as a mosquito repellent in two ways:
- Natural citronella candles are made from pure citronella oil, which you can buy at most grocery stores. To use this method, place the candle in an area where you want to keep mosquitos away and let it burn down completely before throwing it away (this will ensure that all of the citronellas has been released). You’ll need to re-light the candle throughout the evening—just make sure it doesn’t go out! It’s helpful if you have multiple citronella candles so they don’t have time between burns to restock on insects again.
- Another way to use natural citronella oils as a bug spray is by mixing one part water with 10 parts distilled witch hazel or vodka (vodka has no added scent). Mix together in an old spray bottle and shake really well before using on yourself or others who might be infected by mosquitoes during outdoor activities such as camping trips or hikes through wooded areas where there may be more bugs than usual due to weather conditions making them more active than usual too!
The scent of garlic may keep mosquitoes away, too.
The scent of garlic may keep mosquitoes away, too. Garlic is an effective repellent when used either in a lotion or as a spray. It can also be used with other oils to create your homemade mosquito repellent.
Lavender
- Lavender oil is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents.
- A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that lavender oil had a strong repellent effect against mosquitoes when applied topically. They found that it was as effective as DEET and Picaridin!
Cinnamon oil
Cinnamon oil is another natural mosquito repellent that can be applied directly to the skin. It can be used in a variety of forms, including candles and incense sticks, but it’s best when you add it directly to your skin. You can purchase cinnamon oil at health food stores or online through a reputable supplier.
To use cinnamon oil as a mosquito repellent:
- Rub the oil on exposed areas of your body (except for sensitive areas like eyes, ears, nose, and genitals) before going outside.
- Reapply after sweating profusely or swimming in water if necessary.
It’s important to note that cinnamon oil has been known to irritate sensitive skin—if you’re unsure whether or not you’ll have an allergic reaction, test the product on a small area first before applying it all over yourself.
Thyme oil
Thyme oil is an essential oil that can be used as a natural mosquito repellent. It is a very good choice for repelling mosquitos and other bugs, but it’s not the best choice available.
One of the reasons why thyme oil is such a good option for bug protection is that it comes from the same family as mint, which has been shown to have potential anti-inflammatory properties. Thyme also contains thymol, which gives the plant its smell and is known to be toxic to insects—even bees! This means that when you apply thyme oil on yourself or your clothes (or both), mosquitoes will avoid getting too close to you because they don’t want to get poisoned by eating any of your skin cells or sweat droplets containing thyme compounds.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural mosquito repellent that you can use to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Tea tree oil has a strong smell, which many people find unpleasant. However, this odor also makes it ideal for keeping mosquitoes away. The oil contains terpenes and phenols, which are what make tea trees so effective at repelling insects like mosquitoes. These chemicals are very irritating to the insects’ sensitive antennae and cause them to fly away from the source of the scent as quickly as possible—and they do not want any part of something that smells that bad!
Neem oil
You can use neem oil as a natural mosquito repellent. Neem is a tree native to India and Pakistan, but it’s also grown in other tropical regions. At home, you can find neem oil in most natural food stores or online.
It has been used as an insecticide for centuries, especially against mosquitoes and flies. It also has medicinal properties and is often used in Ayurvedic medicine as an antioxidant and detoxifier (1).
Neem oil has a strong scent that many people don’t like; however, this makes it more effective at keeping bugs away!
Conclusion
If you don’t want to use commercial sprays and want an all-natural solution, these natural mosquito repellents can help. If you prefer not to use any of these options, try a product like Skin So Soft Bath Oil instead!
