15 DIY Mosquito Repellent Ideas

Mosquitoes are more than just annoying pests; they can also carry diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. While commercial mosquito repellents are effective, they often contain chemicals that can be harmful to humans and the environment.

DIY mosquito repellents offer a natural and eco-friendly alternative that you can easily make at home. In this article, we’ll explore 15 effective DIY mosquito repellent ideas that are simple to create and safe to use.

1. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Spray

Lemon eucalyptus oil is a well-known natural mosquito repellent. It contains citronellal, which has been proven to be effective against mosquitoes.

How to Make:

1. Mix 10 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil with 2 tablespoons of witch hazel.
2. Add water to fill a spray bottle.
3. Shake well and spray on exposed skin.

2. Lavender Oil and Coconut Oil Mix

Lavender oil not only smells great but also repels mosquitoes. Combined with coconut oil, it can be applied directly to the skin.

How to Make:

1. Mix 10 drops of lavender oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
2. Store in a small jar and apply as needed.

3. Peppermint Oil and Water Spray

Peppermint oil is another effective mosquito repellent. Its strong scent keeps mosquitoes at bay.

How to Make:

1. Combine 10 drops of peppermint oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before each use and spray around the house.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar and Essential Oils Spray

Apple cider vinegar can be used as a base for a mosquito repellent spray when combined with essential oils.

How to Make:

1. Fill a spray bottle halfway with apple cider vinegar.
2. Add 10 drops each of eucalyptus, lavender, and citronella oils.
3. Fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well.

5. Basil and Witch Hazel Spray

Basil is a natural mosquito repellent due to its strong scent.

How to Make:

1. Boil 1 cup of fresh basil leaves in 1 cup of water.
2. Let it steep for 2 hours.
3. Strain the liquid and mix with an equal amount of witch hazel.
4. Pour into a spray bottle.

6. Tea Tree Oil and Coconut Oil Mix

Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an effective mosquito repellent.

How to Make:

1. Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
2. Apply to exposed skin.

7. Neem Oil and Coconut Oil Blend

Neem oil is known for its mosquito-repelling properties. Blended with coconut oil, it can be used directly on the skin.

How to Make:

1. Mix 10 drops of neem oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
2. Apply to skin as needed.

8. Catnip Oil Spray

Catnip oil has been found to be more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes.

How to Make:

1. Mix 10 drops of catnip oil with 2 tablespoons of witch hazel.
2. Add water to fill a spray bottle.
3. Shake well before use.

9. Clove Oil and Vodka Spray

Clove oil is a strong mosquito repellent. Combined with vodka, it makes an effective spray.

How to Make:

1. Mix 10 drops of clove oil with 1 tablespoon of vodka.
2. Add water to fill a spray bottle.
3. Shake well before use.

10. Lemon and Rosemary Infusion

Lemon and rosemary make a fragrant and effective mosquito repellent.

How to Make:

1. Boil 1 cup of water with a few sprigs of rosemary.
2. Add the juice of one lemon and let it cool.
3. Strain and pour into a spray bottle.

11. Cinnamon Oil and Water Spray

Cinnamon oil is effective in killing mosquito larvae and repelling adult mosquitoes.

How to Make:

1. Mix 10 drops of cinnamon oil with 1 cup of water.
2. Pour into a spray bottle and shake well.

12. Soybean Oil and Lemongrass Oil Blend

Soybean oil can be used as a base for a mosquito repellent when mixed with lemongrass oil.

How to Make:

1. Mix 10 drops of lemongrass oil with 2 tablespoons of soybean oil.
2. Apply to exposed skin.

13. Garlic and Mineral Oil Spray

Garlic is a natural mosquito repellent due to its strong odor.

How to Make:

1. Crush a few garlic cloves and soak them in mineral oil overnight.
2. Strain the oil and mix with water in a spray bottle.

14. Vanilla Extract and Witch Hazel Spray

Vanilla extract can be combined with witch hazel to create a sweet-smelling mosquito repellent.

How to Make:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract with 1 cup of witch hazel.
2. Pour into a spray bottle and shake well.

15. Cedarwood Oil and Olive Oil Mix

Cedarwood oil is a natural insect repellent that can be mixed with olive oil for easy application.

How to Make:

1. Mix 10 drops of cedarwood oil with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Apply to exposed skin.

Conclusion

DIY mosquito repellents are an excellent way to keep mosquitoes at bay without resorting to harsh chemicals. These 15 natural remedies are easy to make and use, ensuring you can enjoy the outdoors without the nuisance of mosquitoes. Remember to test a small amount on your skin first to check for any allergic reactions, and reapply as necessary for the best protection.