18 Natural Ways To Rid Yourself Of Mosquitoes
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Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance; they can also carry diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. While chemical repellents are effective, many people prefer natural methods to avoid the potential side effects of chemicals. Here are 18 natural ways to keep mosquitoes at bay:
- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
- Why it’s good: Lemon eucalyptus oil contains citronellal and p-menthane-3,8-diol, which have proven mosquito-repellent properties.
- How to use: Mix 10-20 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil with 2 ounces of carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil. Apply this mixture to exposed skin. Reapply every few hours for continuous protection.
- Lavender
- Why it’s good: Lavender oil has a pleasant aroma and contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which repel mosquitoes.
- How to use: You can use lavender essential oil directly on your skin or place dried lavender flowers around your home. Alternatively, grow lavender plants in your garden or place them in pots around outdoor seating areas.
- Citronella
- Why it’s good: Citronella is a well-known natural mosquito repellent due to its strong scent that masks the smells that attract mosquitoes.
- How to use: Use citronella candles, oils, or plant citronella grass in your garden. You can also mix citronella oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin.
Citronella Candles /shutterstock
- Neem Oil
- Why it’s good: Neem oil has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent. It contains compounds like azadirachtin that interfere with mosquito reproduction and feeding.
- How to use: Mix equal parts of neem oil and coconut oil. Apply this mixture to exposed skin. It can also be burned in lamps for a larger area effect.
- Peppermint
- Why it’s good: Peppermint oil contains menthol, which is effective in repelling mosquitoes.
- How to use: Mix peppermint oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin. You can also plant peppermint around your home or use peppermint tea bags placed in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.
- Garlic
- Why it’s good: The sulfur compounds in garlic are known to repel mosquitoes.
- How to use: Crush a few cloves of garlic and boil them in water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it around your home. You can also eat more garlic, as the scent exudes from your pores and repels mosquitoes.
- Tea Tree Oil
- Why it’s good: Tea tree oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is effective in repelling mosquitoes.
- How to use: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin. Alternatively, add a few drops to a diffuser to spread the scent throughout a room.
- Basil
- Why it’s good: Basil contains estragole, which repels mosquitoes.
- How to use: Plant basil in your garden or in pots around your outdoor seating areas. You can also crush fresh basil leaves and rub them directly on your skin.
12 Clever Ways To Use Basil
- Marigolds
- Why it’s good: Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents.
- How to use: Plant marigolds around your home or in your garden. The scent from the flowers will help keep mosquitoes away.
- Catnip
- Why it’s good: Catnip contains nepetalactone, which has been found to be ten times more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes.
- How to use: Crush fresh catnip leaves and rub them on your skin. You can also plant catnip around your home or use catnip essential oil diluted with a carrier oil.
- Lemon Balm
- Why it’s good: Lemon balm contains citronellal and geraniol, both of which repel mosquitoes.
- How to use: Crush lemon balm leaves and rub them on your skin. You can also plant lemon balm in your garden or around outdoor seating areas.
- Rosemary
- Why it’s good: Rosemary has a strong scent that repels mosquitoes.
- How to use: Burn rosemary sprigs in your outdoor fire pit or grill to create a mosquito-repelling smoke. You can also apply rosemary oil mixed with a carrier oil to your skin.
- Sage
- Why it’s good: Sage emits a strong fragrance that repels mosquitoes when burned.
- How to use: Throw a few sage leaves onto a fire pit or barbecue grill to create a smoke barrier against mosquitoes. You can also apply sage oil diluted with a carrier oil to your skin.
- Cinnamon Oil
- Why it’s good: Cinnamon oil is effective in killing mosquito larvae and repelling adult mosquitoes.
- How to use: Mix a few drops of cinnamon oil with water and spray it around your home or on your skin. Be sure to avoid direct application to your skin without dilution.
- Thyme
- Why it’s good: Thyme contains thymol, which repels mosquitoes.
- How to use: Burn thyme leaves in an outdoor fire pit or grill. You can also apply thyme oil mixed with a carrier oil to your skin.
- Soybean Oil
- Why it’s good: Soybean oil contains natural compounds that repel mosquitoes.
- How to use: Mix soybean oil with a few drops of an essential oil like lavender or peppermint, and apply it to your skin. Soybean oil can also be used as a base for homemade mosquito repellents.
- Clove Oil
- Why it’s good: Clove oil contains eugenol, which is effective in repelling mosquitoes.
- How to use: Mix clove oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin. Alternatively, place whole cloves around your home or burn them in a fire pit.
- Cedar Oil
- Why it’s good: Cedar oil contains compounds that repel mosquitoes and other insects.
- How to use: Mix cedar oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin. You can also use cedar mulch in your garden or place cedar chips around outdoor seating areas.
These natural methods offer effective and chemical-free ways to keep mosquitoes at bay. Combining several of these approaches can enhance your protection and create a more pleasant environment free from these pesky insects.