Pack some bug spray in your bag if you’re going on a trip or camping trip in the summer. It’s crucial to protect oneself against mosquito bites.
They are not only uncomfortable, but they can also lead to a number of illnesses like dengue, the West Nile virus, the zika virus, malaria, etc.
You can simply purchase repellents from local neighborhood stores, but if you read the label, you’ll discover that they include harsh chemicals. Some frequently have skin reactions after prolonged use, and some smell terrible.
But what about the essential oils? Let’s find out.
Essential oil to repel mosquitoes
A natural mosquito repellent is essential oils. Although it is harmless for people, it can prevent insects. Citronella oil is one of the best essential oils for mosquito repulsion. Essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil and patch testing is advised before using them as repellents.
Table of Contents
One essential oil can serve different purposes. It is better to gather ideas about all kinds of essential oils, such as,
Peppermint essential oil:
In addition to having a cooling effect, peppermint essential oil is effective at keeping mosquitoes away. The insects detest it, but you find it invigorating. In addition to repelling insects, this oil can reduce swelling and itching brought on by mosquito bites.
Lavender essential oil:
In addition to being safe, essential oil offers a wide variety of purposes. It smells strongly of flowers. Aromatherapy and the usage of scented candles both frequently employ this oil. But the potent scent has the power to repel insects.
Lemon essential oil:
It is a popular oil for use topically or in diffusers. This oil’s ingredients, which also include ingredients that clear your skin and reduce inflammation, can battle fatigue, depression, dangerous viruses, and infections.
Cedarwood essential oil:
The aroma of cedarwood essential oil repels insects. Additionally, it has the ability to terminate insects by drying out their moisture. This is a natural pesticide that can be utilized. Clothes are protected from insects in cedarwood wardrobes.
Tea tree essential oil:
The numerous medicinal advantages of the tea tree are well known. Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory qualities. Insects are effectively repelled by tea tree oil.
Eucalyptus essential oil:
Eucalyptus oil is typically used to treat nasal congestion and asthma, but it is also effective at keeping mosquitoes and ticks away. Additionally, arthritis and skin ulcers can be treated with diluted eucalyptus oil.
Cinnamon essential oil:
Food-grade oil is used in cinnamon essential oil. It is frequently used in baked products, hard candies, tea, and sugar-free gum. It is a typical component found in products like toothpaste and mouthwash.
Used topically, this oil can calm dry skin, relieve aches, and stiffness in the muscles and joints, address acne, rashes, and infections, promote circulation, rejuvenate the skin tone. Most importantly, it can terminate mosquito eggs.
Lemongrass essential oil:
Popular essential oil for treating stress, anxiety, and depression in aromatherapy is lemongrass. Healthcare professionals also use it to treat high blood pressure and intestinal issues. Lemongrass can reportedly keep mosquitoes away, according to study.
Orange essential oil:
In addition to its antibacterial, analgesic, and anticancer qualities, orange essential oil is frequently used in aromatherapy to improve mood and create a sweet, zesty atmosphere.
While most insects detest citrus scents, you enjoy it. It is effective at keeping insects away.
Mint essential oil:
Mint essential oil is a cure for headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching. This oil is used in aromatherapy to treat coughs and colds as well as to ease discomfort, enhance cognitive function, and lessen stress.
Citronella essential oil:
The Cymbopogon genus of Asian grass plants is used to produce citronella essential oil. Flying insects are repelled, harmful airborne microorganisms are slowed or prevented from growing or spreading, bad moods are lifted, and the body and mind are relaxed.
But due to reports that it can harm the lungs and irritate mucosal membranes, the highly concentrated oil cannot be inhaled.
How effective are essential oils in repelling mosquitoes?
Essential oils are quite effective in mosquito repelling. Eucalyptus oil is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC-approved insect repellant. A 32% eucalyptus oil blend provides 92% protection for 3 hours, according to research.
Lavender oil deters adult mosquitoes, according to a 2002 study. It can calm, soothe, and relieve the skin with aromatherapy. A Taiwanese study says cinnamon oil terminates mosquito eggs. Also, it can repel adult mosquitoes, especially the Asian tiger mosquito.
Thyme oil and leaves are beneficial. You can add thyme leaves to the fire. Burning thyme leaves offers 85% protection for 60 to 90 minutes.
According to 2011, citronella’s composition impacts its effectiveness. When correctly prepared, the element is as effective as DEET for up to two hours.
What essential oil repels mosquitoes?
There are numerous oils that can keep mosquitoes away. Citronella, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, catnip, basil, clove, thyme, lemongrass, geranium, and lavender are some of the most well-known varieties. The following are the most practical:
Citronella essential oil:
This oil naturally repulses mosquitoes. It is one of the most widely used ingredients in available insect repellents. The oil has the potential to be just as effective as DEETs if used in the right ratio.
Lavender Essential oil:
The aroma of lavender oil is pleasant and fragrant. It may include ticks, bed bugs, moths, spiders, flies, lice, and gnats. Anti-inflammatory properties soothe itching and treat insect bites.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil:
It is a mosquito-repelling oil that has governmental approval. You enjoy the powerful citrus scent, but mosquitoes detest it. If used correctly, it will protect you for roughly 3 hours.
Cinnamon Essential Oil:
Although it has a sweet and spicy scent, mosquito eggs are effectively terminated by it. It is especially advised for the Asian tiger mosquito and can also terminate adult mosquitoes.
How do you use essential oils to repel mosquitoes?
Essential oils can be applied in a variety of ways to deter insects. You can realistically utilize essential oil in the following ways to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:
Using a Diffuser:
It’s easy to utilize an essential oil diffuser. You can take these actions,
- Place your diffuser in the middle of the room
- Lift the top of your diffuser to add water and essential oil. If you are not sure about opening your diffuser, check your user manual first.
- Pour room temperature distilled water into the diffuser
- Add 3 to 10 drops of your preferred essential oil for mosquito protection, depending on the size of your room and your tolerance for aroma.
- You can add other oil and mix it up if you feel necessary
- Put back the lid over the reservoir
- Turn on the diffuser
Making a Repellant Spray:
You’ll need a 100ml spray container, witch hazel or apple cider vinegar, distilled or boiling water, and mosquito-repelling essential oils to produce the spray. You can take these actions,
- Open the sprayer of the bottle.
- Add a total of 8 to 10 drops of the preferred essential oil. One type of oil or more can be added.
- Fill the bottle halfway with witch hazel or apple cider vinegar.
- Fill the remaining space with distilled or boiled water. The water must be at room temperature.
- Put back the spray and close the bottle
- Give a little shake
- Label your bottle
Shake the bottle every time before using it. Avoid your eye areas. It is better if you spray some on your hand first and rub it on the desired area.
Make a Roller:
You’ll need a 10 ml roller, a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil, and essential oils to produce a roller. Following these actions,
- Open the container
- Add the carrier oil to the container
- Add a total of 8 to 10 drops of essential oil. You can combine different oils or just add one kind.
- Give a little shake
You can apply this on the back of your neck, elbow, knees, ankles or wrists.
Burn the oil:
This is only relevant if you are outside building a campfire. adopt these steps,
- Gather the firewood
- Slather essential oils in the firewood
- Light the fire
Final Thoughts
Essential oils can be used to deter mosquitoes. Some of the oils have governmental approval. It is a safe and natural cure that also leaves a lovely smell in its wake. The repellents you may buy at the store are made of harsh chemicals. Both adults and newborns can safely use natural repellents.