It was 3 summers ago when my youngest child really became a kid that loved the outdoors. He was finally getting big enough to really enjoy outdoor toys.
So we bought him a trampoline and a swing set, and he was off. That was also the summer that mosquitoes discovered him. We spent months trying to protect him from them.
Finally, it got so bad, I took him to the doctor to see if they had any treatment that would keep mosquitoes off of him. It was terrible.
But after I found out they didn’t, I began getting creative. I started using natural mosquito repellents, and I’m happy to report that with a little strategy, things seems to be improving each year.
Here is what draw mosquitoes to you and how to beat them, naturally:
Why Do Mosquitoes Love Me?
If you are one of those people that mosquitoes just naturally draw to, bless your heart. I understand, and I feel for you. Being chewed on by an insect is terrible!
But there are certain characteristics about you that they probably love. They are:
1. You Are a Sweater
Sorry to call you out like that, but if mosquitoes are naturally drawn to you it might be because you have a higher body temperature and sweat a lot. Don’t feel bad, I feel certain this is why they are drawn to me too.
Actually, it’s a running joke in my house, where most women ‘glisten’ I full blown sweat! All you can do is use some of these natural repellents and hope for the best.
2. You’re a Good Time Charlie
What I mean by this, is if you drink alcohol you are officially making the mosquitoes favorite blood list. The reason is that mosquitoes like alcohol.
So if you consume it, you are a two for one special. They get blood and beer (or other alcohol) in one little swipe from you.
3. You Are a Talker
I have one child that talks all-the-time. I guess he gets it honest.
But he has a problem with mosquitoes loving him too. What this boils down to is the more you talk, the more carbon dioxide you exhale.
Well, it just so happens that mosquitoes love carbon dioxide and are drawn to it. You know how they buzz around your head the moment you put the light out. So you could try to talk a little less when you are in the great outdoors.
4. You’re Just Their Type
I’m talking blood type here. If you are blood type O, then you are on a mosquito’s radar. They are naturally drawn to this blood type over any other type.
So if that’s the case, there is no changing that, and you really need to study up on beating mosquitoes naturally.
23 Natural Mosquito Repellents
1. Black Pepper
It may throw you off to think that black pepper can deter mosquitoes, but it can. You can either sprinkle black pepper around where you are, or you can go with black pepper oil.
However, be sure to apply it as the essential oils specialist directs because they are pretty powerful and can cause serious skin irritations and other problems.
2. Anise
You can grow this in plant form or go with the essential oil. If you grow the herb, you get a couple of bonuses because you could cook with it, use it for mosquito repellent on you, or also use it to protect your yard from bugs.
But if you use the essential oil, it is obviously a little easier to take it with you wherever you go this summer.
3. Geraniol
This is another repellent that would be good on the go. It is an alcohol that has been extracted from other mosquito fighting plants like citronella and roses.
So if you would like something that smells delicious and deters mosquitos at the same time, then this might be a good option.
4. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon is another essential oil. Be sure that you speak to an essential oils expert before using it, as it is potent stuff.
But when used correctly, it can kill mosquito larvae and deter adult mosquitoes as well. Not to mention it smells wonderful.
5. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
This is used in most store-bought mosquito repellents. It was actually approved as an ingredient by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as a mosquito repellent.
Plus, some studies have been done on it, and it has been claimed to provide 95% mosquito protection for up to 3 hours.
6. Mint
Mint is a wonderful herb. It can be planted in little pots around your porch areas and yard so it doesn’t take over your yard area.
But it can also be used to make tea and other flavorful items. So if you want a mosquito repellent that smells nice, tastes nice, and looks nice, then you might want to consider using mint.
7. Catnip
This is another herb that you can grow in your yard to deter mosquitoes or can use yourself as a natural mosquito repellent.
But be advised, every cat in the neighborhood will love you because I’ve yet to meet a cat that doesn’t like catnip.
8. Garlic
via Sharebly
Grow it, eat it, or take it in a pill form. Bottom line, mosquitoes hate garlic. Which means the more you consume or have around you, the less likely they are to hang around.
So keep it on hand. Garlic also has a lot of great health benefits to it as well, so it’s a win for you all the way around.
9. Neem Oil
This is an essential oil that has mixed reviews. In some studies, they say that neem oil can give you great protection from mosquitoes for around 3 hours. While other studies still aren’t convinced that this is accurate.
However, if you decide to use it, be sure to speak with an essential oils specialist to find out how to properly use it. It should NOT be used topically as it can cause serious skin irritations.
10. Cedar
Cedar essential oils are great at deterring mosquitoes. It is also easy to take with you and use on the go and smells wonderful too.
But remember to always seek out the counsel of an experienced essential oils specialist before use. You need to understand how each essential oil works and the correct (and incorrect) ways of applying it.
11. Tansy
This is a beautiful golden flower that would definitely add some color to your property. Be advised though, that it can invade your property.
So be wise in where you plant it. If you don’t want it to consume a certain area, you might be better off planting it in a pot.
12. Cloves
Cloves are good for so many things. You can cook with them (they taste great on a ham), or you can use them for a toothache too.
But I bet you didn’t know that cloves could help deter mosquitoes. Well, they can. So keep them in a little sachet in your pocket every time you are outdoors. You’ll smell great and be bug-free.
13. Lavender
Lavender looks gorgeous and smells great too. You can grow it pretty easily, and it should deter mosquitoes.
But for use on yourself, you can either choose to use lavender essential oils (under the direction of an essential oils expert), or you can crush the leaves and rub them on your skin.
14. Organic Soy Oil
If you can find organic soy oil, it is another one that can help deter mosquitoes. Keep in mind that some people have soy allergies so you’ll need to make sure you aren’t one of them.
But even if you are going to purchase mosquito repellent, try to find the brands that are soybean oil based because they are usually more effective.
15.Lotus
Lotus is a plant that grows in water. This is great because mosquitoes breed in water. This means, the more you grow, the fewer mosquitoes you will have around your property.
But not only does it deter adult mosquitoes. It also kills the larvae. So it truly is a two for one deal!
16. Thyme Oil
If you’ve ever used thyme to cook, then you know it is some potent stuff. You can use the essential oil to deter them from your body.
But if you don’t want to apply it, you could always toss thyme leaves into a fire if you are hanging out around a fire pit this summer.
17. Greek Catnip Oil
I already shared with you that catnip would be a great herb to have around you or on your property because of how well it works to deter mosquitoes.
However, Greek catnip oil is another natural mosquito repellent that you may want to try. It has actually been said to be 10 times more effective at fighting mosquitoes than DEET, and should keep you mosquito free for 2-3 hours after use.
18. Wormwood
This is a very powerful herb. It has tons of benefits like fighting mosquitoes and helping to fight off cancer.
So if you are looking for a herb that you want to grow, carry around, or cook with, then you may have just stumbled across the right one.
19. Eucalyptus
I already mentioned that the CDC has signed off on lemongrass eucalyptus oil, and it has been proven effective in store-bought mosquito repellents.
Well, eucalyptus is part of that equation. This means you can use the essential oil or grow the plant to make it work to keep you mosquito free.
20. Rosemary
Rosemary is a beautiful herb that is super strongly scented too. It is also very powerful to cook with.
Which is why it should come as no surprise that mosquitoes don’t like it. You can carry the herb around with you, grow it in your yard to deter mosquitoes, consume more of it to deter mosquitoes, or even use the essential oil as a convenient and portable mosquito fighting method.
21. Marigolds
Marigolds are wonderful little flowers. You can plant them in your garden to help deter pests and snakes.
But you can also grow them to deter mosquitoes. If you’ve ever grown marigolds then you know they give off a distinct smell. A distinct smell that mosquitoes dislike.
22. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of those oils that just seems to be good for everything. You can put a little dab on your shoulder in crowded areas to deter lice from jumping on you.
But you can also use it to deter mosquitoes, as an anti-inflammatory, and as an antiseptic. You get a lot out of this one product.
23. Citronella
This is one that most everyone knows, but citronella really is probably the most effective natural deterrent of mosquitoes.
So if you would like to keep mosquitoes away from you, grow citronella in your yard, make your own Citronella candles, or carry some citronella leaves around with you because mosquitoes hate the scent.
Well, you now have 23 natural options for mosquito repellent this summer. They will all work a little differently for each person because you may have 2 of the factors that attract mosquitoes, while another person may have only 1 or all 4.
So just keep trying them out until you find the right combination of natural repellents that work for you and your family.
But I’d like to know what you use as a natural insect repellent? What combinations have you found to be most effective in protecting yourself and your family?
We love hearing from you so please leave us your comments in the space provided below.
