Enjoying the warm afternoons and nights, but not as warm as the day, is one of the best things about summer… if it weren’t for the mosquitoes that attack our arms and legs.
There are many mosquito repellents on the market. However, if you prefer to do without the long list of chemicals they contain, you can make your own alternatives. with purely natural ingredients.
Essential oils that are mosquito repellents
There are several essential oils that can be used as natural mosquito repellents. The best known are the citronella and the lemongrassbut there is still more:
You don’t need countless ingredients or chemistry knowledge to make a homemade and effective mosquito repellent. We explain how you can make your own anti-mosquito product easily and in a very short time.
Quick recipe for homemade insect repellent
You can process the oils mentioned above in a Effective mosquito spray in a few simple steps.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons of alcohol with at least 40% alcohol volume (vodka or pomace is fine)
- 15 drops of essential oil
- 100 ml of boiled water
- 1 spray bottle
With the selection of essential oils, You can give a personal touch to your insect repellent. Either you choose one oil alone or you mix different oils, for example, 8 drops of lemongrass, 3 drops of tea tree oil, and 4 drops of lavender oil.
Elaboration:
- Place the alcohol and essential oils in a clean spray bottle, boiled if necessary.
- Add the boiled water to the bottle and shake it vigorously. Your homemade mosquito repellent will be ready. Before each application you must shake the mixture again.
How to make homemade alcohol-free mosquito spray
Mosquitoes do not like the aroma of lemons in combination with cloves at all, so this mixture has also proven to be a Effective protection against annoying mosquito bites.
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon
- 5 drops of clove oil
- 5 drops of lemon oil
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Water
- 1 spray bottle
Elaboration:
- Squeeze the lemon and mix the juice with the oil.
- Add the baking powder and mix everything until you get a creamy paste. Then add water until the mixture is liquid, and shake vigorously before using.
Keep in mind that lemon juice makes the skin more sensitive to light. For this reason, You should only use this mosquito repellent after sunset. In addition, it must be kept in the refrigerator for a maximum of 4 days. Remember to shake the mixture before each use.
How to make a homemade mosquito spray with witch hazel
Instead of alcohol, You can also use witch hazel water for your homemade mosquito repellent, This way you will be taking care of your skin at the same time.
Ingredients:
- 20 drops of essential oils
- 150 ml witch hazel water
- 1 spray bottle
Elaboration:
- First fill the bottle with witch hazel water and then add the essential oils.
- Shake the mixture well before each use.
Is homemade insect repellent effective?
Homemade mosquito repellent It is ideal for warm summer afternoons. In most cases you will not miss a more powerful product.
However, if your place of residence has a severe mosquito infestation and they are aggressive, you may need a pharmacy product.
If you travel to tropical areas, You should also use pharmacy mosquito repellent to protect yourself against diseases such as malaria.
On the other hand, keep in mind that mosquito spray does not work against ticks.