Nothing puts a damper on summer like a nasty mosquito bite! While sitting outside on a warm summer night is always one of the highlights of the year, these annoying bugs can drive you back inside. Not only are mosquitos frustrating, but store bought bug spray can be incredibly dangerous and bad for your health. That is on top of being bad for the environment, your pets, and every other living thing around. Enter DIY natural mosquito repellent to the rescue!
While dangerous conditions like Zika virus, yellow fever, dengue fever, and malaria can all be transmitted by mosquitos, you don’t have to just live with them because you want to stay all natural. You can protect yourself with simple at-home bug spray recipes!
Are you looking for a DIY natural mosquito repellent? Here is everything that you need to know about making your own perfect blend.
The Problem with Mosquito Repellents
The bulk of mosquito repellents that you will find on the shelves of your local pharmacy or big box store will likely contain DEET (N, N- Diethyl-meta-toluamide). While this is known to be a very effective option, it is also dangerous. In fact, this stuff has been labelled as “slightly toxic” by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Although “slightly toxic” sounds a bit better than just plain “toxic” but that doesn’t really make it any better.
Of course, nobody wants to cover their body, clothes, and kids with any amount of toxic spray. Fortunately, you don’t have to!
Why You Are Attracting Bugs
Have you ever noticed that bugs are more interested in you than anybody else? While people might tell you that you are paranoid, you might be right! Some people are just more attractive to mosquitos than others. And you might be even more attractive than you know.
A couple of factors can make you more interesting to bugs. One big thing is sweat. If you are extra sweaty, you are going to be attracting more mosquitos. While you can’t prevent overheating, simply mopping your face every now and again will make a slight difference.
Of course, try to stay cool as well! Having a fan is very helpful because it will keep you cool. It has the added benefit of blowing air around. This is important because carbon dioxide attracts mosquitos. When you are talking, you are emitting a signal that there is tasty food nearby for mosquitos—your blood! Using a fan will blow carbon dioxide away from you and make you less attractive to mosquitos.
Last but definitely not least, drinking is another thing that makes mosquitos more attractive to you. Apparently mosquitos like a drink just as much as the next guy. When you have alcohol in your blood stream, mosquitos want to give you a bite!
The Most Effective DIY Natural Mosquito Repellent
Easily the most effective DIY natural mosquito repellent is clothing. By covering your skin, you effectively prevent bites. While shorts and t-shirts are everyone’s go-to summer picks, it is actually much better to opt for lightweight full coverage clothing. Wearing light colored and lightweight options like linen are perfect for protecting your skin from sunshine and mosquito bites. Covering your skin, especially at night when mosquitos are out, is the easiest and most effect pick.
DIY Natural Mosquito Repellent Essential Oils
Another great way to reduce irritation is with essential oils. An easy blend is to use a dozen drops of lavender essential oil along with four tablespoons of pure vanilla extract. Set this mix to the side and blend one cup of warm purified water with four tablespoons of pure lemon juice. Once you have a well blended mix, add in the essential oil blend.
Another incredibly effective option is eucalyptus oil. In fact, eucalyptus oil has named as one of the best natural mosquito repellants by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Lemon eucalyptus oil, in particular, is incredibly effective for preventing bug bites. The best way to use lemon eucalyptus oil is to add around 30 drops of it (this isn’t an exact science and using a little bit more isn’t a big deal so don’t worry if you lose count). Add in one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Once you have these mixed up, add in four ounces of either witch hazel, rubbing alcohol, vodka, or cooking oil. They are all effective so go with what’s handy!