Mosquitoes are one of the less lovely parts of recreating in nature, as they can bring about a whole host of negative reactions and ailments for the majority of people. While most just suffer the maddening itch of a mosquito bite that lasts a few days, more sensitive people can be left with huge welts and pain that last much longer than the outdoor picnic or camping trip itself. Although any symptoms within this range make seemingly great arguments for reaching for the DEET, you can get excellent results by using a combination of ingredients provided by Mother Nature to make a DIY mosquito repellent.
There are basically three things mosquitoes hate: oil, alcohol, and strong herbs and spices. If you’re having a backyard barbecue, you’re in luck, because you should have all of these items handy. But you’ll still need to mix them before you apply, so let’s get down to the nitty-gritty
Carrier Oils / Alcohols
These substances are called carriers because they effectively absorb other substances and carry them without evaporating, making them a great choice for a long-term substance. Carrier oils and alcohol that are safe for external use include:
- olive oil
- sunflower oil
- vegetable oil
- coconut oil
- witch hazel
- vodka
Related article: Avoid Mosquito Bites With These Tips
Essential Oils
If you are going to use essential oils as part of your DIY mosquito repellent, it is very important that you dilute them properly into your carrier oil or alcohol. A good proportion would be 10-20 drops of essential oil per 2 tablespoons of carrier. Due to the potency of essential oils, improper dilution could result in skin irritation or other reactions. Pregnant women should never use essential oils without first consulting their physician! These essential oils are great mosquito repellents:
- eucalyptus
- cinnamon
- castor
- citronella
Pour your ingredients in a spray bottle, and shake vigorously to mix together. If you will only be using the DIY mosquito repellent on your skin, using an oil carrier will be fine, but it will not come out of your clothing. If you want a more all-purpose repellent, use an alcohol carrier instead. Because the ingredients are natural and will be absorbed by your skin or dissipate with sweat, you will need to reapply this kind of repellent every hour or so. While this may seem tedious, you can rest easy knowing that your body is not absorbing any toxic chemicals, and neither is the Earth in the process. The mosquitoes won’t be around to let you know how they like it!
Related article: How to Eliminate Mosquitoes in Your Yard Without Chemicals
Featured Image from Erik Karits/Unsplash
