Mosquitoes are not only annoying, but they can also transmit harmful diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. Many commercial insect repellents contain chemicals that may have adverse effects on human health.

Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that can help repel mosquitoes without the use of harmful ingredients. Essential oils and plants have been proven to be effective in warding off these pesky insects. In this article, we will discuss 30 essential oils and plants that can repel mosquitoes and how to use them.

1. Citronella

Citronella oil is a well-known mosquito repellent. Its strong scent masks the attractants that mosquitoes are drawn to, making it difficult for them to locate their targets.

You can use citronella oil by adding a few drops to a diffuser or mixing it with a carrier oil and applying it to your skin.

2. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is another effective mosquito repellent. It contains citronella, which we already mentioned, and has a fresh, lemony scent. You can use lemongrass oil similarly to citronella oil, either in a diffuser or applied directly to the skin.

3. Peppermint

The strong aroma of peppermint oil can help repel mosquitoes. It also has a cooling effect on the skin. Mix peppermint oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to exposed areas of your body to keep mosquitoes away.

4. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil is known for its refreshing scent and mosquito-repelling properties. It contains compounds that act as natural insecticides. Dilute eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your body to prevent mosquito bites.

5. Lavender

Lavender oil has a delightful floral scent that is loved by humans but hated by mosquitoes. It has both insect-repellent and calming properties. Apply diluted lavender oil to your skin to repel mosquitoes and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

6. Tea Tree

Tea tree oil has antiseptic and repellent properties. It is often used to treat various skin conditions but can also keep mosquitoes away. Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil and use it as a natural mosquito repellent.

7. Basil

Basil is not only a versatile culinary herb, but it can also repel mosquitoes. Plant basil near doors and windows or use its essential oil to deter mosquitoes from entering your home.

8. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and has a strong lemon fragrance. It is not only great for making tea but can also keep mosquitoes at bay. Crush fresh lemon balm leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

9. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that can be used as a natural mosquito repellent. Burn rosemary leaves as incense or add a few drops of rosemary oil to a carrier oil and apply it to your skin to keep mosquitoes away.

10. Catnip

While catnip may attract cats, it repels mosquitoes. Catnip contains a natural compound called nepetalactone, which is ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, a common chemical insect repellent.

Plant catnip around your yard or apply catnip oil to your skin.

11. Lemons

Not only are lemons refreshing, but they also repel mosquitoes. Cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on your skin or place lemon slices around your outdoor seating areas to keep mosquitoes at bay.

12. Geranium

Geranium oil has mosquito-repelling properties and a pleasant floral scent. Mix a few drops of geranium oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin for effective mosquito protection.

13. Cedarwood

Cedarwood oil has a woody scent that repels mosquitoes. Its natural properties help keep these pests away. You can dilute cedarwood oil with a carrier oil and use it as a mosquito repellent.

14. Thyme

Thyme not only adds flavor to your recipes but can also keep mosquitoes away. It contains a natural compound called thymol, which acts as a mosquito repellent. Crush fresh thyme leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

15. Marigolds

Marigolds not only beautify your garden but also repel mosquitoes. Their strong scent masks the attractants that mosquitoes are drawn to. Plant marigolds around your outdoor living spaces to keep mosquitoes away.

16. Neem

Neem oil is derived from the neem tree and has insecticidal properties. It can repel mosquitoes and other insects effectively. Dilute neem oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin to keep mosquitoes away.

17. Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family and has a strong fragrance that repels mosquitoes. Crush pennyroyal leaves and rub them on your skin or place them around your home to repel mosquitoes.

18. Lemongrass Geranium

Lemongrass geranium, also known as “citronella geranium,” has a lemony scent similar to lemongrass and repels mosquitoes effectively.

Plant lemongrass geranium in pots around your outdoor areas or use the essential oil as a mosquito repellent.

19. Clove

Clove oil has been used for centuries to repel mosquitoes. Its potent aroma acts as a powerful deterrent. Dilute clove oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin or place clove oil-soaked cotton balls around your home to repel mosquitoes.

20. Lemon Eucalyptus

Lemon eucalyptus oil is derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree. It contains a compound called PMD that has been approved by the CDC as an effective mosquito repellent.

Dilute lemon eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil and use it as a natural mosquito repellent.

21. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has a strong and delightful scent that repels mosquitoes. Mix cinnamon essential oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin or use cinnamon sticks as natural mosquito repellents around your home.

22. Geranium Mint

Geranium mint combines the insect-repelling properties of geranium and the refreshing scent of mint. Plant geranium mint in your garden or use its essential oil to keep mosquitoes away.

23. Lemongrass Citronella

Lemongrass citronella, a hybrid of both plants, is a powerful mosquito repellent. Its pleasant scent is loved by humans but despised by mosquitoes. Use lemongrass citronella essential oil to keep mosquitoes at bay.

24. Sage

Sage has a strong aroma that can repel mosquitoes. Burn dried sage leaves as incense or use sage essential oil diluted with a carrier oil as a natural mosquito repellent.

25. Camphor

Camphor has a strong and distinct smell that repels mosquitoes. Place camphor tablets or balls around your home or use camphor essential oil to repel mosquitoes.

26. Alliums

Alliums, such as onions, garlic, and chives, contain compounds that repel mosquitoes. Plant alliums in your garden or crush their leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

27. Patchouli

Patchouli oil has a unique and earthy scent that is disliked by mosquitoes. Dilute patchouli oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin to keep mosquitoes away.

28. Lemongrass Eucalyptus

Lemongrass eucalyptus combines the mosquito-repelling properties of lemongrass and eucalyptus. Use lemongrass eucalyptus essential oil to create your natural mosquito repellent.

29. Tansy

Tansy has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent. It contains a compound called thujone, which repels mosquitoes. Crush tansy leaves and rub them on your skin or place them around your home to repel mosquitoes.

30. Mint

Mint, such as peppermint or spearmint, has a refreshing scent that mosquitoes dislike. Plant mint in pots around your outdoor seating areas or use mint leaves as natural mosquito repellents.

Conclusion

With the help of these 30 essential oils and plants, you can effectively repel mosquitoes without the need for harmful chemicals.

Whether you prefer the refreshing scents of citronella, lemongrass, or mint or the floral aromas of lavender, geranium, or rosemary, there is a natural mosquito repellent option for everyone. By using these natural remedies, you can protect yourself and your home from mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry.