Which Essential Oil Repels Mosquitoes

• Citronella
• Peppermint
• Lemon
• Eucalyptus
• Basil
• Clove
• Thyme
• Lemongrass
• Geranium
• Lavender
• Cinnamon Oil
• Tea Tree Oil

It is one thing being annoying, but mosquitoes do a lot more damage than causing sleepless nights. They also transmit dangerous diseases such as Malaria, which continues to kill hundreds and thousands of people across the world. These insects are tiny and deadly. Other diseases that mosquitoes transmit infect more than 1 billion people yearly, around the world. Their effects range from mild to deadly, fatal, or debilitating. 

Brain damage is one of the horrid effects of the diseases mosquitoes can spread. In 2003, research showed that every 30 seconds, 1 child died from malaria in Africa. A startling fact that has gotten the mosquito the title of one of the deadliest insects on the planet, all thanks to the number of people the diseases kill.  However, the use of essential oils can help you get rid of mosquitoes. Let’s take a look at these.

How to use essential oils to repel mosquitoes

Essential oils have a wide variety of benefits. and this is why they have been used for the longest time. They are natural extracts which means they are growing in popularity as more people are looking to live healthier and be kinder to the environment. 

Most of the scents that humans find appealing, actually send mosquitos running in the other direction. Before you choose an essential oil to use to repel mosquitos, it is important that you do your research well and understand how they work and how to use them. Not all oils have the same quality or the same effects. 

 You can use the oils on our list, to help repel mosquitos. Lemon eucalyptus oil, for example, can be added to a spray bottle that has water in it. Then spray around the home. 

You can also mix a few drops with a carrier oil of your choice and apply it to your skin. It is important, however, that you do a skin patch test before you do this. You don’t want to cause an allergic reaction.

Make sure it is safe to use. Another way to get the essential oil of your choice in the air to repel mosquitos is by using a diffuser. This will effectively fill the room with a great scent, and help gets rid of mosquitos.

Potential risks to be aware of

Using essential oils can cause allergic reactions. It is important that you dilute them properly and that you use only as directed. Using some essential oils, in their undiluted format, can irritate or burn sensitive skin or nostrils. It is also important to make sure that they are not, under circumstances, ingested. When taken orally, they can be poisonous and cause a lot of damage. [1]

DIY Mosquito Repellent Recipes

If you want to use peppermint oil as a spray repellent, you can fill a 16ounce spray bottle with 8ounces of distilled or boiling water. You can then top it up with witch hazel and add 20 drops of oregano essential oils. Shake it, and spray away.

Catnip can be used to repel mosquitos. You can mix it with a carrier oil like aloe vera and then apply it to the skin. You can also add a few drops of catnip into a room diffuser. Tea tree oil s a great antiseptic. You can mix a few drops with carrier oil you prefer like coconut oil. Use this mixture to rub all over yourself to prevent bites.

You can make ointments and lotions that will help you get rid of the insects, just make sure that whatever pot you make the ointment in, has a way to regulate the temperature.

You will need to melt one part beeswax and one part coconut oil. Mix these and then remove from the heat and allow it to cool. When it starts to cool, drop between 10 to 30 drops of essential oil per one-quarter cup of the mix. Make sure the mixture is well blended and kept in a cool place. 

Why do some people get bitten by mosquitoes more than others?

Have you ever wondered why when you go to certain places, it seems as if you get bitten by mosquitos more than anyone else? If there are mosquitos in a place then surely everyone around should be complaining about the same thing. But several factors make one person more of a target than anyone else.

Our levels of carbon dioxide differ and they can change depending on activity. Mosquitos can detect changes in the levels of carbon dioxide. When mosquitos get wind of the fact that there is a potential host around, they are immediately drawn to it. 

Our skin gives off certain scents, body odor, and compounds along with sweat, which mosquitos are attracted to. There are several compounds on human skin, that attract mosquitos. The body odor we give off varies, and this is thanks to genetics and other factors that are still being researched. It is also the reason why some people attract mosquitos more than others.

Mosquitos are also attracted to dark colors. There are no scientific reasons why this is so, but its an observation that has been made. Another aspect that attracts mosquitos is the level of heat and water vapor on your skin.

Just like they are attracted to warm damp marshy areas of land, the same applies to your skin. Mosquitos will be attracted to your skin if there is a temperature level they like. Sometimes mosquitos are more attracted to pregnant women. It is thought that this is because expectant mothers have a high body temperature.

What can I eat to repel mosquitoes?

Different communities deal with the issue of mosquitos differently. There are foods that you can eat to help repel mosquitos. These include lemongrass, garlic, onions, beans, chilli peppers, lentils, tomatoes, and apple cider vinegar.

Food like apple cider vinegar alters your body scent and sends mosquitos running. Whilst onions and other members of this plant family cause your body to release a compound called allicin, which mosquitos don’t like. You must eat them raw, for the full effects.