If you’re a mosquito magnet, here’re some tried and tested mosquito repellent recipes that are pretty effective, inexpensive, and free from harmful chemicals!
Mosquitoes are a real nuisance and a major public health concern around the world. They grow quickly in idle conditions and disseminates life-threatening illnesses to human beings like the Zika virus, yellow fever, dengue, and malaria. Fortunately, various commercial mosquito repellents are available in the market to keep them at bay. But if you are afraid to use those chemical-filled sprays loaded with unpleasant aroma on yourself and your kids, read this article to find out some tried and tested mosquito repellent recipes that are natural and can be prepared at home without any hassle.
Tried and Tested Mosquito Repellent Recipes
1. Olive Oil and Aloe Vera
According to this study, the combination of olive oil and aloe vera not only deters mosquitoes pretty well but also moisturizes the skin and soothes the irritation caused by mosquito bites too.
Supplies
- A Clean Aloe Vera Leaf
- A Cup of Virgin Olive Oil
- Mixing Bowl
- A Spoon
- Knife
Directions
- First, strip the outer layer of clean aloe vera leaf and take out the gel with a knife.
- Now, mix virgin olive oil and gel in a bowl to make a smooth paste.
- Next, spread a thin layer of this mixture on your exposed body parts before going to bed or whenever you step outside.
2. Essential Oils
Essential oils are the go-to ingredient of various homemade mosquito repellents recipes. They can ward off Culex pipiens pallens and Anopheles species of mosquitoes easily. Essential oils of lavender, thyme, rosemary, camphor, catnip, jasmine, lemongrass, cedarwood, chamomile, cinnamon, and sandalwood are some of the popular choices.
Supplies
- 4-5 Drops of Essential Oil
- 2-3 Tsp of Olive Oil
- A Bowl
- A Fine Mist Spray Bottle
- Small Funnel
- Spoon
Directions
- Combine 4-5 drops of any of the above essential oil and 2-3 tsp of olive oil into a bowl.
- Transfer the prepared solution into an empty fine mist spray bottle with a small funnel.
- Now, spray it evenly on your exposed skin before going to sleep or stepping outside.
3. Catnip Herb
If you don’t want to use essential oils, try catnip herb to get rid of pesky mosquitoes. This aromatic herb works by activating a chemical sensor in mosquitoes named ‘TRPA1,’ which treats catnip as an irritant. Plus, the potent scent of catnip is a significant factor as well in deterring mosquitoes.
Supplies
- One Cup of Fresh Catnip Leaves
- Two Quarts of Water
- A Cooking Pot
- A Container
- Squirt Bottle
Directions
- First, crush the fresh catnip leaves, then add them into a cooking pot filled with a cup of water. Then, put the pot on the stove and simmer it for half an hour.
- Next, strain the boiled liquid and mix it with a cup of water into a container.
- After that, pour the solution into the squirt bottle and apply it to the uncovered body parts.
Precautions to Consider
Before trying the above mosquito deterring hacks, read the below precautions carefully.
- Pour a little bit of the above solutions on an inconspicuous part of your body to rule out the possibility of any allergic reactions.
- People having open wounds or underlying skin-related disorders must avoid using any of these remedies or store-bought mosquito repellents.
- Don’t use the above mosquito repellents on newborn babies.
- Always dilute the essential oils with a suitable carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.
- Discard the above-prepared solutions when they smell bad or less potent.
How to Prevent Mosquitoes in and Around Your Home
Along with the above tried and tested hacks, it’s vital to incorporate the following preventive measures in your day-to-day life to keep the mosquitoes at a minimum inside and outside the home.
- Standing water is an ideal place for mosquitoes to breed. That’s why, you must vacate any unused tires, pool covers, old cans, buckets, and plant pots frequently.
- Refill the water of pet food bowls, garden fountains, and rain barrels regularly or at least twice a week.
- Sometimes it’s difficult to empty a standing water source. In that case, treat its water with larvicides. You can also add larvae-eating fishes to your water garden.
- Wear light-colored clothes as mosquitoes are pulled to dark-hued materials. Plus, wearing full-sleeved shirts and long pants is recommended.
- Cut down the grass, hedges, and bushes from your yard to eliminate the shelter that mosquitoes need to survive during sunny hours.
- Gutters often get accumulated with leaves and debris, thereby becomes a perfect spot for mosquitoes to thrive. That’s why clean out the gutters once a week.
Final Thoughts
Known for spreading fatal diseases, mosquitoes are a real menace to humankind. With the help of the above tried and tested mosquito repellent recipes, the bloodthirsty arthropods will never bother you. Don’t forget to share this helpful article with your family and loved ones.