DIY Natural Mosquito Repellent
No one loves mosquito bites. So it makes sense that we use mosquito repellent. The problem with traditional mosquito repellents is that typically they contain harmful chemicals that may affect our health.
Why Use Natural Insect Spray?
There’s been some debate whether DEET – a chemical that is an effective way to repel mosquitos – is safe. Some studies have shown that minimal use of DEET isn’t harmful. Other studies say otherwise. The CDC Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry states, “Some children exposed to insect repellents or lotions containing DEET have experienced the same type of neurological effects observed in adults (i.e., agitation, hypertonia, seizures, ataxia, restlessness, and uncontrolled limb movements).”
My thoughts are that if I have a choice of minimizing my family’s exposure to chemicals, I’ll take that option. Why potentially risk their health if there are alternatives?
As I stated earlier, DEET has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to repel mosquitos. But that doesn’t mean that non-DEET sprays can’t work. It often just means you need to apply the natural sprays more often versus DEET-based sprays which can last for several hours.
The Role of Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated coconut oil is an oil that has had its long-chain fatty acids removed. This prevents it from solidifying and keeps it in liquid form. Regular coconut oil, like those used for cooking, has the fats intact so it will become solid in certain temperatures. You don’t want this in a spray.
A USA Today article noted a government research study that showed that coconut oil-based bug repellents were more effective than DEET. That’s good news since the recipe below uses coconut oil!
Natural Mosquito Repellent Using Essential Oils
Essential oils can be a natural way to repel mosquitos. There are many versions you can make. The recipe posted below uses lavender and lemongrass, but you can experiment and customize your insect repellent using the essential oils of your choice.
There is no one recipe that may fit everyone. That’s because we all have varying biochemistries that will respond differently to the phytochemicals in the essential oils. So that’s why you may want to make a few different blends of mosquito repellent and see which ones work the best for you.
How Often Should I Apply Natural Mosquito Repellent? What Kind of Bottle Should I Use?
With natural mosquito repellent using essential oils, you’ll also want to spray yourself more often like every 60-90 minutes. Though natural sprays don’t last as long as DEET-based ones, I figure this small inconvenience is something I’m willing to do to avoid putting chemicals on my body.
Make sure you use a glass spray bottle. Plastic bottles can interact with essential oils and leach into the solution.
DIY Natural Mosquito Repellent
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Fractionated Coconut Oil
- 15 drops Lavender essential oil
- 10 drops Lemongrass essential oil
Instructions
- Add essential oils to a 2 oz. glass spray bottle.
- Add the fractionated coconut oil. Mix well.
- Spray on the skin every 60-90 minutes.
Notes
Essential oils can be changed out for the oils of your choice. See the article for other essential oils that can repel mosquitoes.
Mosquito Repellent Essential Oil Combinations to Try
In addition to the lavender/lemongrass blend, you can try these other options mixed in with a base of fractionated coconut oil. Just follow the main recipe above and change out the oils.
Option 1
- 15 drops lavender
- 10 drops eucalyptus
Option 2
- 25 drops geranium
Option 3
- 12 drops rosemary
- 8 drops cinnamon
- 5 drops cedarwood
Other essential oils that repel mosquitos include Melaleuca (Tea Tree), Arborvitae, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, and Clove. You can also purchase doTERRA’s propriety TerraShield bug repellent blend.
Using Essential Oils to Repel Other Pests on Plants
Essential oils can not only help repel mosquitos but other pests as well. This information sheet below shows you how you can make a spray to repel various bugs on plants indoors and outdoors.
How to Get Essential Oils in Your Home
You can purchase doTERRA directly through my site on doTERRA by CLICKING HERE.
Or, if you’d like to learn more about dōTERRA essential oils and how to get it into your home, please contact me via this easy 5-question contact page HERE. You can also email me at biculturalmama@gmail.com to find out how to get them at a 25% discount. I use dōTERRA essential oils because it’s the only brand I trust. Not all essential oils are of the same quality. Many contain harmful synthetic fillers. So make sure you know where your oils are sourced from, and if they’ve been tested for purity.
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