Users of essential oils have found many applications for these naturally derived oils ranging from stress relief to being a sleep aid to repelling insects. The idea of using plants to repel insects and treat the bites they leave behind goes way back. Ancient Greek and Roman scholars wrote about using plants on skin and clothing to repel bugs, so it’s no surprise that essential oils are still a popular way to repel mosquitoes and soothe bites!
But not just any essential oil will get the job done.
Read on to learn how to ward off and stem the itch of mosquito bites with essential oils.
What Essential Oils Repel Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes have a strong sense of smell, and just as smells of carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and body odor can lure them in, certain herbs and overwhelming floral scents will send them buzzing in the opposite direction. Not only do they dislike these smells, but these smells also can overwhelm their senses and disorient them, so the effect is powerful.
Many natural scents that are appealing to humans repel mosquitoes, including lavender, peppermint, basil, and eucalyptus. You might find you already choose these scents as perfume or cologne, in candles or sprays.
Essential Oils that Repel Mosquitoes
- Peppermint
Peppermint oil masks natural human smells. Peppermint oil for mosquitoes can also be used as a bite treatment that cools that bite, which soothes the area and reduces inflammation. - Lavender
Not only does lavender oil have a calming effect when placed on a bite, but its sweet and strong floral fragrance deters mosquitos. - Basil
This herb can be used as an essential oil on your clothes and skin to ward off mosquitoes. Apart from using the oil extracted from basil leaves, planting this herb in your garden can help repel mosquitos. - Cedarwood
You may have heard of installing cedar closets to repel moths. Cedarwood oil, or the oil extracted from the cedar tree, can do much more than keep moths at bay. Cedar repels a wide variety of insects including mosquitoes, ants, flies, and mites. - Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. Tea Tree oil can be applied directly to the skin, or combined with other natural oils, like coconut oil, to treat and soothe the bite. - Chamomile
Chamomile helps fight against inflammation and infection. Try making chamomile-infused ice cubes by brewing chamomile tea, then freezing it in an ice cube tray. The cold combined with the chamomile will help soothe the itch! - Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
This natural mosquito repellent can also be safely applied directly to your skin or used as a spray mixed with water to keep the pests away.
With so many essential oils that repel and treat mosquito bites, you can test different scents to find what you enjoy. Mosquito repellents with natural essential oils work by using other scents to camouflage your body’s scent. Since every person’s smell is different; what works for you might not work for your friends or family. Try mixing oils or using different essential oils each night to discover what works best. Then, keep this essential oil nearby, either as a spray, oil, or even plant, to help you fight the bite!
Rely on Quality Essential Oils
Like any product, not all essential oils are equal in quality. To get the best results from your essential oil, make sure you are using natural products that do not contain unnecessary additives. Always read the ingredients to make sure you’re getting a pure essential oil that will best help you keep mosquitoes away.
Related Blog: The Best Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Away
How to Use Essential Oils to Repel Mosquitoes and Treat Bites
Essential oils, while natural and plant-based, can be very potent, that’s why we recommend mixing them with water or another liquid to dilute the scent. We also recommend following the instructions for safe use from your essential oil provider of choice.
Essential oils can be utilized in multiple forms to repel mosquitoes. Some of our favorite ways to use essential oils are topically, in a diffuser, and as a spray.
- Topical – Essential oils can be applied directly to your skin. Just be sure to avoid your eyes and sensitive skin to avoid irritation. We also recommend mixing your essential oil with a carrier oil, such as vegetable or coconut oil, to help it apply more easily and be gentler on your skin.
- Diffuser – Mix your essential oil with water in a diffuser to repel mosquitoes from an area. This is a great way to keep mosquitoes away at night or to prevent them from getting to a larger group gathered, say, on your back patio.
- Spray – Create a spray by diluting the oil with water, witch hazel, or even vodka if you want an extra strong repellent. This can be used on your clothing or sprayed in an area to keep mosquitoes away. This is a great alternative to topical essential oil use if you want an easier application that is more diluted.
Use More Than Homemade Essential Oil Solutions for Effective Mosquito Repellent
While at home essential oil solutions are a great way to deter mosquitoes from a person or small area temporarily, Mosquito Squad’s natural mosquito treatment harnesses essential oils to repel mosquitoes for up to 14 days. This natural treatment deters mosquitoes (and ticks, too!) to prevent them from growing in numbers in your yard.
For a natural mosquito control option that repels mosquitoes and other harmful insects, contact Mosquito Squad today for a free quote, or call us at (877) 332-2239!