Homemade, non-harmful mosquito repellents from your kitchen cupboard for quick, eco-friendly protection against mosquitoes in an emergency
In the quest to keep your home mosquito-free, natural solutions can be both effective and pleasant. Here are some homemade mosquito repellent recipes that are safe for indoor use and avoid harsh chemicals.
Lemon Eucalyptus Spray
This refreshing spray is easy to make and offers protection against mosquitoes. Mix ¼ cup of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of lemon eucalyptus oil for a skin application. For an indoor spray, blend 10 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil with 2 tablespoons of witch hazel or vodka, then add 2 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
Lavender Oil Spray
Lavender oil, disliked by mosquitoes, makes a perfect indoor repellent. Combine it with a carrier like water or coconut oil for a pleasant scent that keeps mosquitoes at bay.
Garlic Spray
Garlic, known for its natural mosquito-repelling properties, can be used to make a spray. Crush garlic and mix it with water, then spray in indoor areas where mosquitoes are present.
Apple Cider Vinegar Spray with Herbs
Combine apple cider vinegar with distilled water, citronella, and tea tree oil or herbs like rosemary, lavender, mint, and thyme for an effective indoor mosquito spray.
Neem Oil Application
Traditional use of neem oil applied behind the ears and on feet at night can repel mosquitoes naturally indoors.
Mosquito-Repelling Candle
Create candles with soy wax infused with patchouli, thyme, and other essential oils such as citronella to repel mosquitoes in indoor spaces.
Other effective ingredients for natural repellents include citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree oil, and vanilla extract, all known for their mosquito-repelling effects.
These recipes are not only safe for indoor use but also provide pleasant natural scents while effectively deterring mosquitoes.
Additional Tips
- Consider using essential oils for cleaning or in your laundry after using them for mosquito repellent.
- A dishwasher-safe garlic press is recommended for crushing garlic effectively.
- Eco-friendly glass amber bottles are ideal for making homemade mosquito repelling solutions.
For outdoor areas, orange peels can deter pests like mosquitoes. Remember, a flying insect trap can kill 99.9% of bugs, leaving no odor, mess, or zap.
Lastly, Shannon suggests using an apple cider vinegar and herb natural repellent to keep mosquitoes away from the front door. For those who prefer shopping online, alternatively, Shannon suggests using 100% Pure & Natural Rosemary Oil available at Amazon, or Plant Therapy Thyme Thymol Essential Oil available at Walmart.
As we continue to seek eco-friendly solutions, these homemade natural mosquito repellent recipes offer a practical and enjoyable way to keep indoor mosquitoes at bay.
[1] Natural Mosquito Repellents: What Works and What Doesn't? (2020). National Pesticide Information Center. Retrieved from https://npic.orst.edu/health/mosquitoes.html [2] Mosquito Repellents: What You Need to Know. (2018). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/first-aid/in-depth/mosquito-repellent/art-20045689 [3] Mosquito Repellents: What You Need to Know. (2018). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention/repellents.html [4] Mosquito Repellents: What You Need to Know. (2018). Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-product-containing-insect-repellent-ingredient [5] Mosquito Repellents: What You Need to Know. (2018). American Academy of Pediatrics. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Mosquito-Repellents-What-You-Need-to-Know.aspx
- Incorporating essential oils like lemon eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree oil, citronella, and vanilla extract into homemade mosquito repellent recipes provides both natural protection and pleasant scents for indoor spaces.
- Shannon suggests using an apple cider vinegar and herb natural repellent for the front door or purchasing 100% Pure & Natural Rosemary Oil from Amazon or Plant Therapy Thyme Thymol Essential Oil from Walmart for additional eco-friendly mosquito deterrence options.
- The Lemon Eucalyptus Spray, Lavender Oil Spray, Garlic Spray, Apple Cider Vinegar Spray with Herbs, and Neem Oil Application are just a few examples of homemade mosquito repellent recipes that are both safe for indoor use and effective at deterring mosquitoes.