Are you tired of pesky mosquitoes ruining your outdoor gatherings? Look no further! This guide on natural mosquito repellents offers simple, natural, and effective ways to keep mosquitoes at bay using ingredients you probably already have at home. These easy-to-make solutions are Grandma’s secret and are not only affordable but also safe for the whole family. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a mosquito-free environment with these tried-and-true methods.
Vinegar-Based Mosquito Repellents
Vinegar makes an excellent base for homemade mosquito repellents because of its strong scent. Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar work well.
To make a simple vinegar spray, mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water in a spray bottle. Add several drops of essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint to make it even more repellent. The oils help mask the vinegar smell too.
You can also mix 1/2 cup vinegar with 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of dried herbs like lavender, rosemary, basil, or sage. Let it steep for a week so the vinegar absorbs the herbal oils. Strain out the herbs and use the liquid as a spray.
The acetic acid in vinegar helps repel mosquitoes and other bugs. Spray it directly on skin or clothing when going outside. Reapply every 1-2 hours for continued protection. Store leftover spray in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Vinegar sprays are very affordable to make and safe for the whole family. The scent dissipates quickly after coming indoors too. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant aroma.
Vodka or Rubbing Alcohol as Mosquito Repellents
Vodka and rubbing alcohol can be used to create natural mosquito repellents when mixed with certain herbs and essential oils. The alcohol helps extract and spread the oils from the plants to repel mosquitoes.
Some popular recipes include mixing a cup of vodka or rubbing alcohol with several tablespoons of rosemary, mint, lavender, citronella or lemongrass. You simply add the herbs to the alcohol and let it sit for 1-2 weeks so the oils can infuse. Strain out the plant matter and you’ll be left with a liquid mosquito repellent.
The nice thing about vodka and rubbing alcohol repellents is they are very inexpensive to make at home. The downside is they evaporate quickly, so will need frequent reapplication to remain effective, about every 30-60 minutes. Carry it in a travel size spray bottle and refresh it often.
Vodka works best for these repellents, as it lacks the medicinal smell of rubbing alcohol. But both can extract essential oils. Experiment with different herb combinations to find your favorite scent.
Lemongrass Mosquito Repellents
Lemongrass is a natural mosquito repellent due to its strong scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Here are some ways to use lemongrass as a homemade mosquito repellent:
- Place lemongrass stalks around your patio, deck or yard. Use scissors to cut fresh lemongrass stalks into 4-6 inch pieces and place them around areas you want to keep mosquito-free. The smell will help repel the mosquitoes.
- Make lemongrass oil by steeping chopped lemongrass in a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil. Let it steep for a week or more, then strain. You can rub a bit of the scented oil onto your skin or clothing when going outside.
- Make lemongrass tea by steeping the stalks in hot water. Let it cool and pour into a spray bottle to mist yourself or areas of your home. The lemongrass smell repels mosquitoes.
- Grow lemongrass plants around your yard or garden. The mosquito-repelling fragrance will spread naturally and create a barrier.
Lemongrass is an easy, natural way to repel mosquitoes without needing to use harsh chemicals on your skin or property. The strong lemon scent confuses and repels mosquitoes so they leave you alone.
Citronella Candles great way to get rid of Mosquito
Citronella candles are a popular natural option for repelling mosquitoes and other bugs when spending time outdoors. The citronella oil in the candles gives off a strong scent that helps mask human odors, making it harder for mosquitoes to find you.
Price: $12.99
Buy NowCitronella candles work best when used correctly:
- Place citronella candles around the perimeter of your outdoor area, spacing them out every 6-10 feet. This helps create a “barrier” to keep mosquitoes at bay.
- Position the candles upwind so the scent gets blown outward over the area you want to protect.
- Light candles at least 15-30 minutes before going outside, allowing time for the citronella scent to spread.
- Look for candles made from 100% citronella oil, for best mosquito protection.
Used properly and with reasonable expectations, citronella candles can provide a zone of protection against mosquitoes for small outdoor gatherings. Combine with other precautions as needed.
Fan and Basil: Best trick to fly away mosquitos
Mosquitoes are poor flyers, so using a simple fan can help keep them away. The breeze from a fan makes it hard for mosquitoes to fly steadily or land on you. Set up box fans or oscillating stand fans on your patio or deck to create a mosquito-free zone.
You can boost the mosquito-repelling power of fans by adding some fresh basil. The strong scent of basil leaves can deter mosquitoes and other insects. Place some basil plants around your fan setup. Or rub crushed basil leaves directly on your skin for extra protection. The basil releases natural oils that help mask human scents that attract mosquitoes. The fan will help spread the basil aroma in the air. Combining a fan breeze and pungent basil creates an effective push-pull repellent using only household items.
Garlic Spray: Powerfull mosquito repelente
Garlic is a powerful mosquito repellent due to its strong scent which mosquitoes dislike. Here is a simple recipe to make an effective garlic spray at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 cups water
- 2 tsp mineral or vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Crush the garlic cloves and add them to 2 cups water in a pot. Bring to a boil then lower heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the garlic oil to infuse into the water.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Strain the garlic cloves out of the water. Add 2 tsp of mineral or vegetable oil into the garlic water. The oil helps the spray adhere to surfaces.
- Pour the garlic water into a spray bottle for easy application.
- Spray around areas mosquitoes are problematic like doorways, windows, patios, and garden edges. The garlic smell repels mosquitoes while the spray keeps the scent localized.
- Reapply after rain or every few days. Store unused spray in the fridge for up to a week.
This simple homemade garlic spray takes advantage of garlic’s natural mosquito-repelling abilities. The spray can be applied safely around the home and garden areas.
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other articles. Discover 3 Homemade Mosquito Repellent Recipes That Work Wonders and learn about 7 Essential Oils That Act as Natural Insect Repellents. Find more easy and natural solutions to keep your outdoor spaces bug-free and enjoyable.
