Although the majority of people reach for sprays and other commercially available insect repellents, the truth is that these products are laden with poisons and chemicals that do more harm than good.
The good news is that there are numerous natural solutions that can successfully and naturally repel mosquitoes. Contrary to common assumptions, becoming natural doesn't always entail giving up your ability to repel.
Any home cure has the advantage of being accessible to everyone. However, the internet is rife with false material that could mislead you and divert your attention.
So, you might be curious as to what distinguishes effective treatments from those that don't. In reality, you need to look no further than science, as experts are really enthused about a certain essential oil combination. The secret to having an all-natural mosquito repellent this summer mainly lies in its wonderful scent!
In addition to being quite unpleasant, mosquitoes also spread dangerous diseases like the malaria parasite and the Zika virus. Thus, avoiding mosquito bites is equivalent to safeguarding your health.
It has been scientifically shown that the blend of lemon and eucalyptus essential oils acts as potent mosquito repellent. It contains a compound that is far more effective than DEET, one of the most common and highly toxic insect repellents.
In fact, the researchers noted that DEET provided 84% protection in a 4-hour period, compared to the lemon-eucalyptus blend which provided 97% in the same time period!
Needless to say, preparing this mosquito repellent takes more than just dumping the oils into a spray bottle with water. But, although it requires a few extra ingredients, the preparation is super easy and simple!
Ingredients:
- 30 drops of lemon-eucalyptus essential oil blend
- 4 oz vodka, rubbing alcohol, or witch hazel
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions:
Simply mix all the ingredients above in a spray bottle and use as needed. Note that the formula lasts for up to 4 hours, so make sure you re-apply it regularly.
In addition to the lemon eucalyptus blend which has been approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an effective mosquito repellent; there are a few other natural options available. Check them out!
1. Lavender
Crush the lavender flowers and apply the oil onto the sensitive areas of the body, such as the arms or ankles. Another option is to pour a few drops on a clean cloth and rub in on the skin.
2. Cinnamon Oil
Mix 24 drops of oil for every 4 oz of water. Spray the solution on the skin or clothing, on plants, or around the home.
3. Thyme Oil
For a spray, mix 5 drops of thyme oil with 2 oz of water. For a homemade brew, mix 4 drops of the oil to every teaspoon of jojoba, olive, or other base oil of choice.
4. Greek Catnip Oil
It has been scientifically shown that Greek catnip oil repels mosquitoes for 2-3 hours. Additionally, scientists at Iowa State University found that it can work 10 times better than DEET.
5. Soybean Oil
The combination of soybean oil and lemongrass oil has been shown to repel different species of mosquitoes.
6. Tea Tree Oil
It has been shown that repellents containing tea tree oil are extremely effective against bush flies, biting midges, and mosquitoes.