Did you know that mosquitoes don’t find you, but it is you who unintentionally attracts them? Yes, that’s right. Human features from your scent to the carbon dioxide you exhale, heat, sweat, blood type, besides environmental factors including light, the color of your clothing, humidity, etc., are all that make humans a mosquito magnet. Well, unless you are among the few lucky ones who are not mosquitoes’ favorite person to bite, chances are you already have tried plenty of aids, including mosquito traps, repellents, sprays, etc., for these tiny bloodsuckers. The following article discusses some effective and natural ingredients to repel mosquitoes naturally without using toxic chemicals and futile efforts.
Contents
Precautionary Note
You must always apply essential oils in a diluted form in combination with a carrier oil such as almond oil since pure essential oil tends to irritate the skin. What’s more, try spot testing the oil to avoid allergic reactions before going ahead with the application.
As for how to make it, you can simply use 3-5 drops of essential oils with 1 ounce of carrier oil as your go-to recipe.
Citronella
Citronella is one of the most effective and natural mosquito repellant essential oils made using a mix of herbs. Citronella is a popular ingredient in most mosquito repellants.
Citronella candles have up to 50% more protection from mosquitoes outdoors, with a correct formulation being as effective as DEET and in effect for about two hours. However, that is only the case if the formulation is right, as a wrong formula tends to evaporate quicker with reduced protection.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a well-known CDC-approved natural mosquito repellant that has been in use since as early as the 1940s.
A recent study has shown the effectiveness of lemon eucalyptus oil, which suggests that just 32% mixture of oil provides more than 95% protection against mosquitoes for about three hours. It is, therefore, used as an effective ingredient in several insect repellents on the market for pests, including bed bugs, mites, and even fleas.
To create your mixture, take 1 part of lemon eucalyptus oil and mix it with 10 parts of sunflower oil or witch hazel. However, the mixture must not be on children below the age of 3.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, or what is also known as melaleuca oil, is known for its antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies suggest that this popular essential oil from Australia is also an effective insect repellent.
Tea tree oil also finds wide usage in repellants for bush flies and biting midges, preventing mosquitoes.
Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon is much more than just an aromatic spice for your pies and rolls. A study conducted in Taiwan reveals that cinnamon oil can effectively kill off mosquito eggs while keeping adult mosquitoes at bay, especially the Asian tiger mosquitoes.
However, since concentrated cinnamon oil can irritate your skin, one must always use a diluted version of it. To make a weak 1% solution, simply mix 24 drops of oil (1/4 tablespoon) in 4 ounces of water. You may perhaps fill this mixture in a spray bottle and use it on clothes, plants, and around the house for best results.
Switch The Light Bulbs
Though it is no secret that light attracts bugs, including mosquitoes, did you also know that certain lights favor this attraction more than others?
Using yellow light bulbs instead of the traditional white light bulbs is a great way to minimize invitation to bugs. And, for anyone wanting to take a step more, investing in bug lights that deter bugs is also a smart way to go.
The golden glow of these pretty lights will not only protect you and your family against mosquito attacks but will provide a pleasant ambiance for all your outdoor summer activities.
Mosquito Repelling Plants
Basil, Citronella, Greek Catnip, Lavender, Ageratum, Lemongrass, Marigolds, Calendula are just a few of the many multi-purpose, pretty, and natural mosquito repellant plants that you can quickly grow in your backyard.
You may as well choose to plant certain plants in a pot and keep them inside your home or near your patio or deck for maximum effect.
Spraying Hydrogen Peroxide
Gardening becomes especially difficult if you also have to deal with bug bites to take care of your greens. However, there is a home remedy to keep the bug issue, including mosquitoes, away from your yard and home.
You just need to mix 1/3 of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 2/3 of water and use this batch to spray all around the patio and garden, especially near the sitting area, to rid it of common pests.
CONCLUSION
Despite the many efforts, from keeping an eye out for standing water to closing the windows each evening, mosquitoes seem to find a way into one’s home.
But, instead of using chemically loaded insect repellants in such cases, try and opt for natural ways to keep mosquitoes at bay. It will not only provide you adequate protection but keep you and the environment healthy, not to mention the pleasant natural scent of essential oils.
