Best Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent 4 Recipes (Easy Homemade Bug Spray)

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No matter where you are in the world I am sure, at one time or another, you have been the victim of the mosquito bite! Discover the best natural remedies and herbal tips for keeping biting bugs at bay, with the best essential oil mosquito repellent and homemade bug spray – easy to make and super effective!

As well as being extremely irritating and summer spoiling pests the Mosquito bite can lead to serious health complications. So it’s time to use the best, safe and all natural relief!

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Forget Chemicals! Homemade Bug Spray Is Better!

Everyone has bought insect or mosquito repellent at ome stage

life. We think because they are stocked in supermarkets or convenience stores that they are safe, easy to use and effective at ridding the biting bugs.

While they may be easy to use and certainly effective at ridding biting bugs, most off the shelf repellents are laden with DEET.  DEET, the active ingredient for most repellants is actually a highly toxic pesticide.

In a study of DEET on Everglades National Park employees using it over one quarter of employees showed adverse reactions to the chemical.

The effects of DEET usage included rashes, skin irritation, numb or burning lips, nausea, headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating.

It goes without saying that DEET not only repels bugs, but is highly toxic to mosquitoes. This is why it is used. It is extremely effective.  However it is also highly toxic to every other living organism. Used over an extended period of time and in large doses it is equally toxic and dangerous to human health.

Other studies show exposure to DEET in humans is linked to shortness of breath, joint and muscle pain, tremors, weakness, skin irritation, headaches, memory loss and severe migraine. These symptoms were especially severe in children and infants. My advice, stay away from DEET if at all possible.

There are many simple to prepare and easy to use natural repellents that are highly effective and truly safe that will ensure bugs are kept at bay. The following remedies can be used individually or you can mix and match them.  These suggestions form the building blocks of our recipe for best natural mosquito repellent.

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Citronella or Lemon Grass

Oil of citronella is an all natural insect and animal repellent made from the distilled oils of a certain variety of grass. The oil is derived from the grasses citronellol, citronellal and geraniol.

The Lemongrass is my favourite and is among the most highly prized and most often used. Purchase some Citronella Oil and use it diluted in a carrier oil as a personal repellent. If you do not wish to apply the oils topically to the skin you can add a few drops to an essential oil diffuser.  

Citronella is perfectly safe to use. It is not a pesticide so it doesn’t kill the bugs it simply repels them. The fragrance is repelling to bugs, and very effective. A benefit is that the essential oil infuses your atmosphere with a delightful citrus fragrance, well delightful to humans anyhow!

Citronella candles are another wonderful alternative and an excellent addition to a BBQ or picnic. At night when insects are at their worst the candles will add a wonderful ambiance and they are brilliant repellents.

Citronella Essential Oil - 16 fl oz (473 ml) – 100% Pure Essential Oil - GreenHealth
Plant Therapy Citronella Organic Essential Oil 100% Pure, USDA Certified Organic, Undiluted, Natural Aromatherapy,...
NOW Foods Essential Oils, Citronella Oil, Freshening Aromatherapy Scent, Steam Distilled, 100% Pure, Vegan, Child...
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Citronella Plants.

We have discussed Citronella Oil and Lemongrass Oil so for those of you who like DIY why not try growing it!

The distinctive Citronella, and the lemongrass, both have very strong citrus fragrance.

This lemon scent is what you want. The fragrance masks the odors that would normally attract mosquitoes.  

Citronella plants growing in the garden are known to repel mosquitoes even more effectively than the oil alone.

Be aware these plants don’t like snow or frost so need to be in a protected area. A good idea is to have them in pots that can be moved.  Also be aware if left untrimmed the Lemongrass can reach up to 5 foot tall. Definitely a back of the garden, rather than a front of the garden plant!

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Lavender for Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent.

Lavender has to be one of the most popular fragrances around the world. However what is a beautiful fragrance to humans, is not to a mosquito! In fact biting bugs cannot stand the smell of lavender and will keep as far away from it as possible.  

There are 2 super simple and super effective ways to utilize lavender oil that will help keep you bite free.

Use a good organic lavender essential oil. Place one or two drops onto a piece of ribbon or fabric and hang the fabric in an open window or doorway.  

Not only will it send the gorgeous fragrance of lavender into your home, it will form an invisible repellent barrier to keep mosquitoes out! They wont cross the lavender border!

Make your own essential oil mosquito repellent “lavender body oil”.  Not only will you smell great and have smooth skin you’ll also protect yourself from any mosquito attack.  

There are 2 simple ways to make a lavender body oil.  

The first is to place a few drops of lavender essential oil into a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond. Then rub this mix onto your skin.  

The second is to make your own lavender infused oil.  This oil is infused with natural organic lavender from your home garden and is extremely effective plus it’s a brilliant way to utilize your lavender plants.

Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil 100% Pure, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade, Aromatherapy Diffuser for Relaxation...
dōTERRA Lavender Essential Oil - 15 ml (Lavender)
NOW Foods Essential Oils, Lavender Oil, Soothing Aromatherapy Scent, Steam Distilled, 100% Pure, Vegan, Child...
MAJESTIC PURE Lavender Essential Oil with Glass Dropper | 100% Pure and Natural Lavender Oil | Premium Grade...
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Rosemary for Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent

Often mosquitoes attack when you first strike up the Barbecue.  This is due to the carbon dioxide given off which attracts the biting bugs.

The solution? Throw a few sprigs of fresh rosemary onto your barbecue, or fire. Not only will you add a wonderfully fragrant aroma to the air, and a wonderful flavor to your food, you will also turn your fireplace into a natural essential oil mosquito repellent.

Mosquito Repelling Plant Essential Oils.

There are many plants that naturally repel mosquitoes.  Adding these plants to pots, or your garden beds, will repel the biting bugs naturally.  

If you do decide to grow these plants they have a multitude of uses. All stemming from their natural fragrance! You can make your own herbal infused oil from these plants or you can purchase the essential oils.

Below are 5 highly recommended plant essential oils you can use in your Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent.

NOW Essential Oils, Rosemary Oil, 2-Ounce
Plant Therapy Organic Rosemary Essential Oil 100% Pure, USDA Certified Organic, Undiluted, Natural Aromatherapy,...
Monarda Essential Oil (Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot), 100% Pure and Natural, Therapeutic Grade, Undiluted, Great in...
Wild Herb Bergamot Pure Essential Oil (8 OZ)
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1. Horse Mint

Commonly known as Bee-balm or Lemon Horsemint, this highly adaptable perennial plant repels mosquitoes in a similar manner as the citronella.  

It repels mosquitoes by confusing their sensory perception. In layman’s terms its strong incense like odor masks the smells which usually attract the mosquito.

Horsemint is a great choice of plant as it is fast growing, shade-tolerant and drought-resistant. It reaches 2-3 feet in diameter and is especially fond of dry sandy soils.  Highly resistant to salty conditions this is ideal for beach planting or gardens near the ocean

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2. Marigold Essential Oil for Mosquito Repellent

Often seen as decorative border plant the Marigold has a very distinct smell. It is a smell that mosquitoes and, in all honesty, a lot of people find offensive.  

If you, like me, find the smell of marigolds to be acceptable then it is the Pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents, produced by the marigold that will ensure a bug free garden and environment.

Marigolds need decent soil, or soil that is regularly fertilized, and enjoy full sun placement. Marigolds are easily grown from seed or from small plants.  Once established these annuals will self sow each year so you should only need to plant once!  

Remember to keep your marigolds trimmed and remove dead flower heads. This will keep your plants in bloom throughout the late spring, summer and early autumn seasons.

Potted marigolds positioned by house entrances will form a natural bug repellent.

Tip: Growing marigolds in your vegetable patch or among tomatoes will deter all forms of crop destroying bugs!

www.healthynatured.com
Herb Pharm Certified Organic Calendula Oil, 1 Fl Oz
Botanical Beauty CALENDULA OIL Egyptian Calendula Officinalis Marigold Oil Pure Natural for FACE, SKIN, BODY, HAIR,...
Florida Herbal Pharmacy, Calendula (Marigold) Oil 3.4 oz. (100 ml)
YELLOW MARIGOLD OIL 100% NATURAL PURE UNDILUTED UNCUT ESSENTIAL OIL 100ml by SALVIA
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3. Ageratum for Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent

Ageratum, or Floss flowers as they are commonly known, emit a smell which mosquitoes find particularly offensive.

The active ingredient in Ageratum is Coumarin, which is another natural plant secretion widely used in commercial mosquito repellents.

Ageratum is fabulous for borders, pots and front beds as it is low lying reaching no more than 12 inches in height. It is easily recognized by its blue or lilac flowers which have a fluffy, flossy look.

The Ageratum plant will grow easily in even the poorest of soils and harshest of conditions and is often seen in rock gardens or roadside verges. The leaves can be crushed to produce even more of an insect repelling odor however the oils are strong and can be irritating to the skin. So if used topically make sure you do a small patch test first!

Plant Therapy Organic Helichrysum Italicum Essential Oil for skin 100% Pure, USDA Certified Organic, Undiluted,...
MAJESTIC PURE Helichrysum Essential Oil | 100% Pure and Natural Helichrysum Oil | Premium Grade Essential Oils for...
Gya Labs Helichrysum Oil for Skin - 100% Natural Helichrysum Essential for Massages DIY Self-Care Aromatherapy &...
Healing Solutions Oils - 0.33 Helichrysum Essential Oil Organic, Undiluted, Pure Helichrysum Oil for Skin, Diffuser -...
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4. Catnip Essential oil.

Catnip is a natural mosquito repellent. In August 2010, entomologists at Iowa State University reported that catnip is ten times more effective than DEET, the chemical found in most commercial insect repellents.

Catnip as a plant is extremely easy to grow. Closely related to the mint this perennial herb is almost weed like in its tolerance of almost any growing condition. Close proximity to Catnip will keep mosquitoes at bay.

You can also crush the leaves and rub on the body or add catnip oil to a carrier and apply as a body lotion for more robust mosquito protection.

Tip: If you are a cat owner perhaps think twice about applying catnip oil or crushed leaves to your skin as your moggy will react to you the same way they react to your catnip plant.

HealthyNatured
Sheer Essence Catnip Oil 15 ML (0.51 Fl.OZ) | 100% Pure Natural Undiluted Uncut Therapeutic Grade Nepeta Cataria...
Edens Garden Catnip Essential Oil, 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade (Undiluted Natural/Homeopathic Aromatherapy Scented...
Plant Therapy Catnip Essential Oil 100% Pure, Undiluted, Natural Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Grade 10 mL (1/3 oz)
Catnip Liquid Extract, Organic Catnip (Nepeta Cataria) Tincture Supplement 4 oz
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5. Garlic for Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent

Eating garlic is one of the best natural remedies as it results in the garlic oil being released from your pores.  This oil acts as a repelling barrier between your skin and those biting beasties. However too much garlic may repel more than mosquitoes…just saying!

A less smelly method may be to purchase the garlic essential oil.

Dr. Christopher's Original Formulas Oil of Garlic 2 Oz
Garlic Essential Oil - 4 oz. 100% Pure Natural Undiluted Therapeutic Grade Allium Sativum
HBNO Garlic Fragrance Oil - Huge 4 oz (120ml) Value Size - Ideal for Soap and Candle Making, Perfumes, Home...
Pure Garlic Extract with Allicin Classic Formula Boost Immune Support Vegan Friendly Natural Supplement, Raw Organic...
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Use Neem Oil To Deter Mosquitos.

Neem oil is derived and extracted from the Neem tree which is native to the Indian sub-continent.  In Indian subcultures and various religions it is often referred to as “the tree of life”.

Neem oil is more often used as a natural and safe insecticide and applied to other plants to stop insect invasion and protect crops. 

Applying Neem oil to the skin acts in the same way and keeps mosquitoes away. Perfect for the Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent

Organic Neem Oil for Skin Neem Oil for Hair Need Oil 100% Pure Cold Pressed Neem Oil for Essential Oil Mixing Neem...
Theraneem Neem Oil, 1 Ounce
Coera Neem Oil | 4 fl oz | Certified Organic | Moisturizing Oil for Face, Hair, Skin, & Nails | Free of Parabens,...
Kate Blanc Cosmetics Neem Oil for Skin, Hair & Face. Safe for Dog, Plants, Scalp & Hair Growth (4oz, Organic, Cold...

Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent

There are many natural bug and mosquito repellent sprays that are easy to prepare and simple to use. They are highly effective and safe, ensuring that bugs are kept at bay. The following recipe provides directions using specific oils, but you can also mix and match them. These oil suggestions serve as the foundation for the best natural mosquito repellent recipe.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook time5 minutes
Extra Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Recipes
Keyword: essential oil mosquito repellent, homemade bug spray
Servings: 20 applications
Calories: 138kcal
Author: HolisticJB
Cost: $7.55

Equipment

Ingredients
 

Instructions

  • Add carrier liquids, 2 tbsp witch hazel water, ½ tsp vodka and 2 tbsp jojoba oil to a small bottle, preferably glass and a dark brown or blue.
  • Add 55 drops lemongrass essential oil, 15 drops cedarwood essential oil, 15 drops lavender essential oil, 15 drops rosemary essential oil and shake vigorously.
  • Store in cool dark place when not in use. Apply to the skin. Reapply every 2-3 hours and shake the bottle before application.  

Video

Make Your Own Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent

Notes

1. This is The Homemade Bug Spray Essential Oil Blend That I Recommend:
  • 55 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
  • 15 drops cedarwood essential oil
  • 15 drops lavender essential oil
  • 15 drops rosemary essential oil
2. For the carrier oil if you don’t want to use jojoba you can substitute with grapeseed, almond, olive or Neem oil (or a combination of them)
3. Vodka is used as a preservative. If you will use the bug repellent within 3 to 4 days it isn’t needed.
4. Lemongrass can be substituted with eucalyptus, lemon, both, or you can mix and match.
Did You Make This? We would love to see it! If you share socially please mention @healthynatured or tag #healthynatured!

Other Choices for Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent

These can be used in combination or on their own.

  • citronella
  • eucalyptus
  • tea tree
  • peppermint
  • cypress
  • rose geranium
  • bergamot
  • lemon

I hope you enjoyed this post and now are confident in ridding your outdoor activities of mosquitoes.   As well as removing the pest you are also removing the risk of mosquito borne disease and illness.   If you enjoyed this post please do share it!

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Author
HolisticJB
DipTchg, BEd, NPQH - Education and International Leadership Consultant with over 20 years Senior Management and Leadership experience! Qualified and Licensed Reiki Master Teacher, Hypnotherapist and Energy Body Worker. A traveler, a foodie and a knowledge seeker with a passion for all things healthy, herbal and energy holistic! Say Hi at my page on Mastodon

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