Mosquitoes are not only annoying, but they can also transmit dangerous diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
While there are many synthetic mosquito repellents available in the market, some people prefer natural alternatives due to concerns about the chemicals used in these products. In this article, we will explore the top 30 natural mosquito repellent products that you can use to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.
1. Citronella Oil
Citronella oil is derived from the leaves and stems of the citronella grass. It has a strong odor that masks mosquito attractants and repels them. You can use citronella oil by applying it directly to your skin or by burning citronella candles.
2. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is derived from the lemon-scented gum eucalyptus tree. It contains a compound called PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol) which has been found to repel mosquitoes. This natural oil is effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay.
3. Neem Oil
Neem oil is derived from the seeds of the neem tree. It has insecticidal properties and can repel mosquitoes when applied to the skin. Neem oil is also known for its soothing effects on the skin, making it a popular choice among natural repellents.
4. Lavender
Lavender has a pleasant scent that humans love but mosquitoes hate. You can use lavender essential oil by applying it to your skin or by placing dried lavender in your bedroom to keep mosquitoes away.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is well-known for its antiseptic properties, but it is also a powerful mosquito repellent. You can dilute tea tree oil with water or carrier oils like coconut oil and apply it to your skin for protection against mosquito bites.
6. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has a refreshing scent that mosquitoes find repulsive. You can mix peppermint oil with water and spray it around your living areas to repel mosquitoes naturally. You can also apply it to your skin, but make sure to dilute it first.
7. Basil
Basil is not only a delicious culinary herb but also an effective mosquito repellent. You can crush fresh basil leaves and apply the juice directly to your skin to keep mosquitoes away.
Growing basil plants in your garden can also help in repelling mosquitoes.
8. Garlic
Garlic is a natural insecticide and has mosquito-repellent properties. Consuming garlic can make your body emit a scent that repels mosquitoes.
You can also create a garlic-infused spray by combining garlic and water, and use it in areas prone to mosquitoes.
9. Lemongrass
Lemongrass contains citronella, which is a natural mosquito repellent. You can burn lemongrass candles or use lemongrass essential oil in a diffuser to repel mosquitoes indoors.
Planting lemongrass in your garden can also be effective in keeping mosquitoes away.
10. Rosemary
Rosemary has a strong aroma that mosquitoes dislike. You can create a natural mosquito repellent spray by boiling rosemary leaves in water, straining the liquid, and storing it in a spray bottle.
Spraying this solution on your skin can provide protection against mosquitoes.
11. Cedarwood
Cedarwood has natural properties that repel mosquitoes. You can use cedarwood essential oil by mixing it with a carrier oil and applying it to your skin.
Alternatively, you can place cedarwood chips or blocks in your closet or drawers to keep mosquitoes away.
12. Geranium
Geranium essential oil has been found to repel mosquitoes effectively. You can apply diluted geranium oil to your skin as a natural mosquito repellent. Additionally, growing geranium plants in your garden can help in keeping mosquitoes at bay.
13. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil has strong mosquito-repellent properties. You can create a natural mosquito repellent spray by combining cinnamon oil, water, and a carrier oil. Spray this mixture on your clothes or exposed skin to repel mosquitoes effectively.
14. Vanilla
Vanilla has a sweet scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. You can apply vanilla extract to your skin as a natural mosquito repellent. Alternatively, you can mix vanilla extract with water and use it as a spray to repel mosquitoes indoors.
15. Catnip
Catnip is a natural mosquito repellent that is more effective than DEET, a common synthetic repellent. You can grow catnip plants in your garden or crush the leaves and rub them directly on your skin for protection against mosquitoes.
16. Marigold
Marigold flowers contain a compound called pyrethrum, which is used in many commercial insect repellents. Planting marigolds in your garden can help in deterring mosquitoes.
You can also apply marigold essential oil to your skin for protection against bites.
17. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, has mosquito-repellent properties. You can crush the leaves and rub them on your skin for protection against mosquitoes.
Lemon balm essential oil can also be applied to the skin, but make sure to dilute it first.
18. Thyme
Thyme contains compounds that repel mosquitoes. You can create a natural mosquito repellent by boiling thyme leaves in water, straining the liquid, and using it in a spray bottle.
Spraying this solution on your skin can provide effective protection against mosquito bites.
19. Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena has a strong lemon scent that mosquitoes detest. Crush the leaves and rub them directly on your skin to ward off mosquitoes. You can also use lemon verbena essential oil diluted in a carrier oil as a natural mosquito repellent.
20. Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family and has strong mosquito-repellent properties. Crush the leaves and rub them on your skin to keep mosquitoes away. However, pregnant women should avoid using pennyroyal as it can be harmful.
21. Patchouli
Patchouli essential oil has been found to be effective in repelling mosquitoes. You can mix patchouli oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin for protection against bites. The earthy scent of patchouli also acts as a natural insect deterrent.
22. Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is a natural alternative to synthetic mosquito repellents. It provides effective protection against mosquito bites and is safe for use on the skin.
You can apply soybean oil directly or look for mosquito repellents that contain soybean oil as an ingredient.
23. Sage
Sage has mosquito-repellent properties and can be burned as a natural mosquito repellent indoors. You can also create a solution by boiling sage leaves in water and using it as a spray to repel mosquitoes effectively.
24. Lemongrass and Lavender Oil Blend
A blend of lemongrass and lavender essential oils can act as a powerful natural mosquito repellent. Mix equal amounts of both oils and apply them to your skin or use them in a diffuser to repel mosquitoes indoors.
25. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has mosquito-repellent properties and can be used as a natural alternative to synthetic repellents. Dilute eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin to keep mosquitoes away.
26. Geraniol
Geraniol is a naturally occurring compound found in many essential oils such as rose oil, citronella oil, and lemongrass oil. It has strong mosquito-repellent properties and is often used in natural mosquito repellent products.
27. Clove Oil
Clove oil has mosquito-repellent properties and can provide protection against mosquito bites. Mix clove oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin for effective mosquito repellency.
Clove oil can also be used in candles and diffusers to repel mosquitoes indoors.
28. Allspice
Allspice is a spice derived from dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant. It has a strong scent that repels mosquitoes. You can crush allspice berries and use them in sachets or burn them as incense to keep mosquitoes away.
29. Pimento
Pimento, also known as allspice, has mosquito-repellent properties. You can crush pimento berries and apply the juice directly to your skin. Alternatively, you can use pimento essential oil diluted in a carrier oil as a natural mosquito repellent.
30. Lemon Peel
Lemon peels contain natural compounds that repel mosquitoes. Rubbing lemon peels on your skin can provide temporary protection against mosquito bites. You can also boil lemon peels in water and use the solution as a spray to repel mosquitoes effectively.