With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start getting ready for those barbecues by the pool or those backyard campouts with your kids. If you tend to be a mosquito magnet, here are some natural homemade mosquito repellent recipes you can easily make so those outdoor activities are itch-free.
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Homemade Mosquito Repellent Recipes to Keep Your Backyard Barbecues and Campouts Itch-Free
1. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Mix
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Lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the most popular homemade mosquito repellent ingredients out there. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approved the use of eucalyptus oil as an effective mosquito and general bug repellent.
The mixture contains compounds that repel mosquitos and similar insects for up to three hours. Make sure to re-apply the mixture every two to three hours for best results.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil
- 10 parts witch hazel, sunflower oil, or any carrier oil ( such as coconut oil or olive oil)
Instructions:
- Take a small container and pour in the lemon eucalyptus oil.
- Add either the witch hazel, sunflower oil, or the carrier oil of your choice and mix thoroughly.
2. Rubbing Alcohol and Essential Oils Mix
This bug spray mix is another popular alternative because it uses ingredients that can easily be found at home. The mixture works great not just to repel mosquitos, but also to soothe bug bites you might already have.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of alcohol
- 2 teaspoons of any essential oil
- 1/2 cup of water
Instructions:
- Pour the water into a spray bottle, followed by the essential oil.
- Add the tablespoon of alcohol and mix it thoroughly.
3. Mouthwash and Salt Spray Mix
This is another homemade mosquito repellent that uses ingredients you already have at home. You can use this on the skin or even spray it around your tent if you are going camping.
Mouthwash contains numerous chemicals such as ethanol, menthol, and eucalyptol that naturally repel bugs. While these chemicals may vary depending on the brand, a majority of mouthwashes typically share these ingredients.
What You’ll Need:
- A bottle of Mint Listerine or any mint mouthwash
- 3 cups of salt
Instructions:
- Pour the mouthwash and salt together in a spray bottle.
- Mix thoroughly until the salt dissolves completely before using it.
4. Lavender Oil, Vanilla, and Lemon Juice Spray
While the smell of lavender might have a soothing effect on us, it is actually very repelling to mosquitos. This homemade mosquito repellent not only keeps bugs away, but also soothes irritated skin from bug bites. Plus, it also acts as a great air freshener!
This particular mix contains limonene, eucalyptus, and camphor that are effective against mosquitos and other bugs. The citrus found in lemon, on the other hand, has a high acid content that keeps them from biting your skin.
What You’ll Need:
- 10 drops of lavender oil
- 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of water
Instructions:
- Mix lavender oil with vanilla extract in your spray bottle.
- Pour in the freshly-squeezed lemon juice.
- Add the cup of water and shake it thoroughly before using it.
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5. Apple Cider Vinegar and Essential Oils Mix
Apple cider vinegar itself isn’t a bug repellent. Mixing it with essential oils like peppermint, cinnamon, or lavender oil, however, makes it a very effective bug spray.
Essential oils are known to keep mosquitos away. Adding a mix of apple cider vinegar raises the skin’s pH levels, forcing mosquitos to look in another direction.
What You’ll Need:
- 10 drops of essential oils of your choice
- 2 ounces of apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup of water
Instructions:
- Pour the apple cider vinegar into a bottle before adding in water.
- Add the essential oil to the mix.
- Shake the bottle thoroughly before every use as the oil might separate from other ingredients.
6. Tea Tree Oil Mix
Tea tree oil, otherwise known as melaleuca oil, is a popular Australian essential oil known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. These properties make it an effective quick-relief remedy for those itchy bumps while also keeping insects away.
Make sure to apply it every two to three hours.
What You’ll Need:
- 4 ounces of coconut oil or olive oil
- 8 drops of tea tree oil
Instructions:
- Pour the tea tree oil into the container.
- Add either the coconut oil or the olive oil.
- Mix the two ingredients thoroughly until they combine.
7. Cinnamon Oil Mix
Cinnamon is more than just a great ingredient for your favorite coffee break pastry. As an essential oil, itis also an effective ingredient to one of the easiest homemade mosquito repellent recipes you could make.
In fact, a study conducted in Taiwan showed that more than being a mosquito repellent, cinnamon oil is also effective at killing off mosquito eggs before they even hatch.
What You’ll Need:
- One-fourth teaspoon of cinnamon oil
- 4 ounces of water
Instructions:
- For every 4 ounces of water, mix one-fourth teaspoon (or 24 drops) of cinnamon oil.
- Make sure to follow this ratio to product a diluted 1% solution. Doses that are too concentrated might irritate the skin.
- Spray the mixture onto your skin, clothing, furniture, and even the plants in your backyard.
8. Fresh Herb Mix
If all these essential oils are a bit challenging for you to find, then fresh herbs also make for an excellent alternative. They contain low toxicity and have properties that help repel those mosquitos and other tiny pests.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons of mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons of marjoram
- 1 tablespoon of lavender flowers
- 2 tablespoons of rosemary
- 2 tablespoons of sage
- 1 quart apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of anise hyssop
- 4 cloves of garlic
Instructions:
- Chop all the ingredients into tiny pieces. If possible, grind the herbs to produce a paste.
- Combine the ingredients in a jar and apply to dry skin as needed.
Want more homemade mosquito repellent recipes you can try? Check out this video from Bright Side:
Mosquitos and other bugs can really take the fun out of outdoor activities. These homemade mosquito repellent recipes will help make sure that your next backyard barbecue or campout is as itch-free as can be.
Are there other homemade mosquito repellent recipes you know about? Share them with us in the comments section below!
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