The summer season brings with it the joy of warmer weather, longer days, and fun outdoor activities. However, it also brings along some unwanted guests – mosquitoes.

These pesky insects not only cause itchy bites but can also transmit dangerous diseases like dengue fever, malaria, and Zika virus. While chemical-based mosquito repellents are readily available, they contain harmful substances that can harm the environment and our health. Fortunately, natural essential oils can effectively repel mosquitoes without any side effects.

Here are 30 essential oils you can use to naturally keep mosquitoes away.

1. Citronella Oil

Citronella oil is a well-known natural mosquito repellent. It is extracted from the leaves and stems of different species of lemongrass.

The strong and pungent scent of citronella masks other scents that are attractive to mosquitoes, preventing them from landing on your skin.

2. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil’s floral scent is pleasing to humans, but mosquitoes hate it. The high concentration of linalool, a component of lavender, makes it an excellent mosquito repellent.

Apart from keeping mosquitoes away, lavender oil also has a calming effect and can soothe insect bites.

3. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil has a cool and minty aroma that’s refreshing to humans but repulsive to mosquitoes. The strong scent masks attractants, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their target.

Peppermint oil also has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit the skin.

4. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Lemon eucalyptus oil is obtained from the leaves of the lemon-scented gum eucalyptus tree. It contains citronellal, a compound that has proven mosquito-repellent properties.

Lemon eucalyptus oil is a natural alternative to DEET and can provide protection against mosquito bites for up to six hours.

5. Geranium Oil

Geranium oil has a sweet and fruity scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. The citronellol, geraniol, and linalool present in geranium oil work together to repel mosquitoes.

Geranium oil also has astringent properties that can tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

6. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is well-known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can also repel mosquitoes due to its strong odor. Tea tree oil can also be used to soothe bug bites and prevent infection.

7. Clove Oil

Clove oil has a warm and spicy scent that mosquitoes detest. The eugenol present in clove oil is a potent insect repellent that can protect you from mosquito bites.

Clove oil also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can provide relief from pain and inflammation.

8. Patchouli Oil

Patchouli oil has a distinct musky scent that can repel mosquitoes. The patchouli plant produces an odor that’s similar to wet soil, which mosquitoes avoid.

Patchouli oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can promote healthy skin.

9. Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass oil is obtained from the leaves of lemongrass, a grassy plant with a strong citrusy scent. The citral present in lemongrass oil can deter mosquitoes.

Lemongrass oil can also be used to treat fungal infections and reduce muscle pain and inflammation.

10. Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon oil has a sweet and spicy scent that mosquitoes dislike. The cinnamaldehyde present in cinnamon oil is a potent mosquito repellent. Cinnamon oil can also be used to boost the immune system and lower blood sugar levels.

11. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil has a fresh and herbaceous scent that mosquitoes avoid. The camphor present in rosemary oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects. Rosemary oil can also promote hair growth and reduce stress and anxiety.

12. Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood oil has a warm and woody scent that can deter mosquitoes. The cedrol present in cedarwood oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects. Cedarwood oil can also be used to treat acne and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

13. Catnip Oil

Catnip oil is obtained from the leaves of the catnip plant. The nepetalactone present in catnip oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects. Catnip oil is also known for its sedative and calming effects on cats.

14. Thyme Oil

Thyme oil has a strong and herbaceous scent that mosquitoes don’t like. The thymol, carvacrol, and linalool present in thyme oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Thyme oil can also be used to relieve respiratory problems and boost the immune system.

15. Rose Geranium Oil

Rose geranium oil has a sweet and floral scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. The citronellol, geraniol, and linalool present in rose geranium oil can deter mosquitoes. Rose geranium oil can also be used to balance hormones and relieve stress.

16. Neem Oil

Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, a plant native to India. The azadirachtin present in neem oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects. Neem oil also has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can benefit the skin.

17. Basil Oil

Basil oil has a sweet and spicy aroma that mosquitoes dislike. The eugenol, camphor, and thymol present in basil oil can deter mosquitoes. Basil oil can also be used to treat respiratory problems and reduce stress and anxiety.

18. Oregano Oil

Oregano oil has a pungent and spicy scent that mosquitoes avoid. The carvacrol and thymol present in oregano oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects. Oregano oil can also be used to treat digestive problems and boost the immune system.

19. Ylang-Ylang Oil

Ylang-ylang oil has a sweet and floral scent that can deter mosquitoes. The linalool and geraniol present in ylang-ylang oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects. Ylang-ylang oil can also be used to reduce stress and depression.

20. Sage Oil

Sage oil has a minty and herbaceous scent that mosquitoes don’t like. The camphor, thujone, and terpinen-4-ol present in sage oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects. Sage oil can also be used to improve memory and ease menopausal symptoms.

21. Lemongrass Eucalyptus Oil

Lemongrass eucalyptus oil is a blend of lemongrass and eucalyptus oils. It has a citrusy and camphoraceous scent that’s unpleasant to mosquitoes. Lemongrass eucalyptus oil can be used as a natural alternative to DEET-based mosquito repellents.

22. Pine Oil

Pine oil has a fresh and woody scent that mosquitoes dislike. The alpha-terpineol, beta-pinene, and limonene present in pine oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Pine oil can also be used to relieve respiratory problems and reduce stress and anxiety.

23. Vetiver Oil

Vetiver oil has a sweet and earthy scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. The veticol, alpha-vetivone, and beta-vetivone present in vetiver oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Vetiver oil can also be used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

24. Frankincense Oil

Frankincense oil has a warm and spicy scent that mosquitoes don’t like. The alpha-pinene, limonene, and myrcene present in frankincense oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Frankincense oil can also be used to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.

25. Ginger Oil

Ginger oil has a pungent and spicy scent that mosquitoes avoid. The zingiberene, beta-sesquiphellandrene, and alpha-farnesene present in ginger oil can deter mosquitoes. Ginger oil can also be used to relieve nausea and aid digestion.

26. Juniper Berry Oil

Juniper berry oil has a fresh and woody scent that can deter mosquitoes. The alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and limonene present in juniper berry oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Juniper berry oil can also be used to stimulate circulation and relieve muscle pain.

27. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has a fresh and camphoraceous scent that mosquitoes dislike. The cineole, alpha-pinene, and limonene present in eucalyptus oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Eucalyptus oil can also be used to relieve respiratory problems and ease joint pain.

28. Bergamot Oil

Bergamot oil has a citrusy and floral scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. The linalool and limonene present in bergamot oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects. Bergamot oil can also be used to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

29. Wintergreen Oil

Wintergreen oil has a minty and cooling scent that mosquitoes dislike. The methyl salicylate present in wintergreen oil can repel mosquitoes and other insects. Wintergreen oil can also be used to relieve pain and inflammation.

30. Lemongrass Citronella Oil

Lemongrass citronella oil is a blend of lemongrass and citronella oils. It has a citrusy aroma that’s refreshing to humans but repulsive to mosquitoes.

Lemongrass citronella oil can be used as a natural alternative to chemical-based mosquito repellents.

Conclusion

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance during the summer season, but with the help of essential oils, you can keep them at bay. Natural mosquito repellents not only avoid the harmful effects of chemicals but also have added skin and health benefits.

Whether you prefer a floral, herbal, or woody scent, there’s an essential oil that can work for you. Mix and match different oils to create your unique blend and enjoy a mosquito-free summer.