Create Your Own Natural Mosquito Repellent
Why should you make your own mosquito repellent?
The chemicals in the commercial repellents can be harmful to some if inhaled or cause skin irritations.
It is less expensive to create your own repellent, even when using essential oils.
You can create your own personalized aroma, blending your favorite essential oils.
Why are mosquitos attracted to some people more than others?
Granted, there are some people for whom homemade repellents don’t work (my husband is one). We all know at least a couple people like this—you’re sitting right next to them and they’re getting eaten alive while you’re only getting one or two nibbles.
Mosquitos are attracted to sweat and those who have a high metabolic rate, releasing more carbon dioxide. A floral fragrance (other than lavender and geranium) can also interest mosquitos.
For people who are loved by mosquitoes, a natural option is a repellent containing OLE, a synthetic derived from lemon eucalyptus trees. (It is not the same as lemon eucalyptus essential oil.) OLE is just as effective as DEET for repelling mosquitos and more effective for tick protection.
Lemon balm is a natural repellent
Which herbs repel mosquitos?
A mosquito repellent can be made into a spray or a skin oil. To make a spray, infuse fresh or dry plant material in 80-proof vodka for a month. For an oil, infuse dry herb in an oil of your choice for two weeks. For those with sensitive skin, infuse lavender, lemon balm, or yarrow.
Basil repels mosquitos, ticks, flies, ants, spiders, wasps, and cockroaches. It is an annual that needs full sun. Harvest the leaves by cutting the top of the plant when it is at least eight inches.
Catnip repels mosquitoes and flies and is reported to be as effective as DEET. It is a perennial that needs full sun but can be planted in nutrient-depleted soil. Harvest the leaves in moderation before the plant blooms.
Lavender repels mosquitoes, ticks, flies, ants, and moths. It is a tender perennial that requires full sun. Harvest the leaves, buds, and stems when buds have formed, but flowers are not fully open.
Lemon balm (aka sweet melissa) repels mosquitoes, gnats, fleas, and wasps. A member of the mint family, lemon balm is a perennial that likes full sun and can get away from you if not contained. Harvest the leaves when flowers start to bloom. Cut the top two-thirds of the stem just above a pair of leaves.
Oregano repels mosquitoes and ants. Oregano is a perennial that needs full sun. Harvest the leaves just before it blooms. Cut the stems just above the lowest set of leaves to keep it growing.
Peppermint repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, spiders, fleas, and mice. It is a perennial that can tolerate partial shade and spreads rapidly. Keep it contained in a pot or raised bed. Harvest leaves before it flowers just above the second set of leaves.
Sage repels mosquitoes, spiders, ants, and moths. Sage is a tender perennial that needs full sun. Harvest leaves by pinching off or cut a small spring from the plant.
Thyme repels mosquitos, ants, spiders, and cockroaches. It is a perennial that can be planted in partial shade. Harvest leaves throughout the season from the top.
Yarrow repels mosquitoes and ticks. It is a perennial that can tolerate some shade. Harvest leaves and flowers at full bloom. Deadhead flowers to get another round of blooming.
Which essential oils repel mosquitos?
The essential oils of the previous herbs also act as repellents for the insects listed with the following precautions:
I do not recommend using oregano essential oil in any preparation for the skin as it is a very “hot” oil, causing a burning sensation.
Basil essential oil should not be used by children under 5, during pregnancy, or by those with sensitive skin.
Peppermint essential oil should not be used with children under 3 or those with sensitive skin.
Sage essential oil should not be used during pregnancy.
These additional essential oils work well to repel mosquitos and other insects:
Cedarwood essential oil repels mosquitos, ticks, ants, and fleas. It is not to be used by children under 5.
Citronella essential oil repels mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and fleas. It should be avoided by those with sensitive skin.
Clove bud essential oil repels mosquitoes and mice. It should not be used by those with sensitive skin.
Eucalyptus essential oil repels mosquitoes, ticks, and sand flies. It should not be used by children under 5 or those with epilepsy.
Geranium essential oil repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, moths, lice, and gnats.
Lemongrass essential oil repels mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and fleas. It should not be used by children under 2 or those with sensitive skin.
Sweet orange essential oil repels mosquitoes, flies, ants, spiders, and fleas.
Rosemary essential oil repels mosquitoes, ticks, and white flies. It should not be used during pregnancy or by those with epilepsy.
Tea tree essential oil repels mosquitoes, flies, and ants.
How do you make a natural insect repellent?
Pour your infused oil or liniment into an appropriate bottle. Oils work best in squeeze bottles, liniments in spray bottles. If you do not have an infused oil or liniment, you can choose any oil or lotion for a squeeze bottle. For a spray, pour one part 80-proof vodka to two parts water into your container. Essential oils don’t mix with water alone, so the spirit acts as an emulsifier.
On paper, create a blend of essential oils according to your aroma preferences. Citrus aromas blend well with all other aromas—floral, herbal, spicy, woodsy. Keep in mind the scent of the herbal liniment or oil that you are using as the base of the repellent. You don’t have to use essential oils, but they will have a stronger repelling effect than the liniment or oil alone. Blends that I like include:
Basil and lemongrass
Lavender, geranium, and lemon balm
Cedarwood, eucalyptus, and citronella
Clove bud and sweet orange
Add your essential oils according to the following dilution guidelines:
Adults (12 and older): 5% dilution (30 drops of essential oil per ounce)
Pregnant, elderly, children 5-12: 1% dilution (6 drops per ounce)
Children 2-5: .5% dilution (3 drops per ounce)
Babies 0-2: .25% dilution (1.5 drops per ounce) Lavender only
What bug-related products does Golden Age Wellness sell?
Bug Off is our repellent spray that comes in 2- or 4-ounce sizes with variations in the herbal liniment base and essential oil blends. It can be customized according to allergies or aroma preferences.
Stop the Sting! is our bite relief formula made with plantain oil to soothe the itch, and yarrow liniment to heal the wound.