Mosquitoes are pesky insects that cause irritating, itchy bites on the human skin. These tiny insects breed in stagnant water and seek out people to feed on their blood.

Mosquito-borne diseases can also be life-threatening, so it is crucial to keep them away from your home and surroundings. Several methods are there to control mosquito populations, but some natural ingredients work wonders to keep mosquitoes at bay. Here are two key ingredients that can help you get rid of mosquitoes naturally.

Citronella Oil

Citronella oil is an essential oil extracted from the Cymbopogon genus of plants. It works as a natural mosquito repellent and can be used in various forms, such as candles, sprays, diffusers, and so on.

Citronella plants are usually grown in tropical regions such as Asia, and the oil is extracted from the plant’s leaves and stems by steam distillation. The essential oil has a fresh citrusy scent and is an active ingredient in several commercial mosquito repellents.

You can make a citronella candle by mixing citronella oil with beeswax or soy wax and a wick. You can also use citronella oil in a diffuser or mix it with water to make a spray that can be applied on clothes and skin for a refreshing scent.

Incense sticks made from citronella oil are also available in the market. These sticks are very convenient to use as they can be placed in any corner of the room, and the fragrance keeps the mosquitoes away.

Citronella oil works by masking the scents that attract mosquitoes. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale and the lactic acid that our bodies emit. Citronella oil serves as a distraction to mosquitoes and keeps them away from us.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is another essential oil with natural mosquito repellent properties. It is extracted from the lavender plant, which has fragrant purple flowers.

The essential oil has a sweet, floral scent and is commonly used in aromatherapy for relaxation and stress relief. However, it also works as an effective mosquito repellent, and studies have shown that it can reduce mosquito bites by up to 93 percent.

You can use lavender oil in several ways to keep mosquitoes away. You can make a spray by mixing lavender oil, witch hazel, and distilled water, which can be spritzed on clothes and skin.

You can also use lavender oil in a diffuser or add a few drops of the oil to your bath water. Lavender plants can also be used as an alternative to the oil. They can be grown in your garden or on your windowsill and act as natural mosquito repellents.

Lavender oil works by disrupting the mosquito’s olfactory senses. The scent masks the carbon dioxide and lactic acid we emit and confuses the mosquito’s sense of sight, making it more challenging for them to find us.

Conclusion

Natural ingredients such as citronella oil and lavender oil can be very effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay. They are safe, non-toxic, and have a pleasant fragrance.

These oils work by masking the scents that attract mosquitoes and confusing their sense of sight.

While these ingredients work wonders to keep mosquitoes away, they are not foolproof.

You should also take other preventive measures, such as wearing long sleeves, using mosquito nets, and getting rid of stagnant water in your surroundings, to reduce the mosquito population in your area further.

By using natural ingredients and preventive measures, you can keep mosquitoes at bay and enjoy your time outdoors without any irritation or harm.