Mosquitoes are some of the most annoying insects out there, especially in the summer when we want to enjoy the outdoors.

Not only do they cause itchy and irritating bites, but they can also transmit dangerous diseases like malaria, Zika, and West Nile virus. Although there are plenty of mosquito repellents available in stores, most of them are made with harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin and harm the environment.

That’s why making your own mosquito cream using natural ingredients is not only safer but also more affordable.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make your own DIY mosquito cream:.

1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup shea butter
1/4 cup beeswax
20 drops of citronella essential oil
10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops of peppermint essential oil
10 drops of lemongrass essential oil

Instructions

Here’s how to make your own DIY mosquito cream:.

In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together until they are fully melted.
Remove the mixture from the heat and add the citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass essential oils. Stir well.
Let the mixture cool down slightly but not enough to solidify, pour it into a glass jar or container. Leave it uncovered to allow it to cool down and solidify completely.
Once the cream has solidified, it’s ready to use. Apply a small amount of the cream onto your skin before heading outdoors.

Why These Ingredients Work

Each ingredient in this DIY mosquito cream plays a specific role in repelling mosquitoes:.

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that helps soothe and heal bites.
Shea butter is also a moisturizer that can help protect the skin from insect bites.
Beeswax acts as a natural emulsifier that helps bind the other ingredients together and provides a protective barrier on the skin.
Citronella essential oil is one of the most well-known natural mosquito repellents and is often used in commercial mosquito repellents.
Eucalyptus essential oil contains compounds that repel mosquitoes and can also help relieve itchiness from bites.
Peppermint essential oil has a strong scent that mosquitoes don’t like and can also help soothe bites.
Lemongrass essential oil has a fresh lemon-like scent that mosquitoes dislike and can also help relieve inflammation from bites.

Other Natural Mosquito Repellents

If you don’t have all the ingredients to make your own mosquito cream, here are some other natural mosquito repellents:.

Citronella candles
Lavender essential oil
Neem oil
Clove essential oil
Lemon eucalyptus essential oil
Tea tree essential oil

Tips for Preventing Mosquito Bites

In addition to using mosquito repellents, here are some other tips for preventing mosquito bites:.

Avoid outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover your skin.
Use mosquito nets when sleeping or resting outdoors.
Remove any standing water in your yard, as this can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

Conclusion

With this DIY mosquito cream, you can keep mosquitoes at bay without exposing yourself to the harmful chemicals found in commercial mosquito repellents.

By using natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, and essential oils, you can make a safe and effective mosquito repellent that will also moisturize and protect your skin.