Grilling in the garden with friends and family, relaxing on the balcony or swimming all day at the lake - summer is the most beautiful season! But if it weren't for those annoying insects like mosquitoes, wasps or flies that can make your life hell. We know that the little animals have their benefits for the environment and nature. And yet we don't want to be covered in mosquito bites or be woken up in the evening by the annoying buzzing in the bedroom. In the spirit of sustainability, we have become much more conscious in recent years and are opting for a more ecological lifestyle. To protect yourself from mosquito bites, you don't have to immediately resort to the classic sprays from the store. For example, essential oils against mosquitoes are a more environmentally friendly alternative to keep the pests away without chemicals. Which smells do mosquitoes hate and which oils really help? We'll tell you the answers in our article!
Which essential oils really help against mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes, wasps and the like are in high season in summer. The small insects are not super annoying, but can also be dangerous and transmit many diseases. Most insect repellent sprays contain the active ingredient DEET (diethyltoluamide). It forms a protective film and is currently one of the best-known active ingredients for repelling mosquitoes and insects. However, if the concentration is too high, the risk of side effects is increased and in some cases skin blisters, irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes can occur. Essential oils for mosquitoes, on the other hand, are a more environmentally friendly alternative and a much safer option for our skin. There are certain active ingredients and smells that have a particularly deterrent effect on the “pests” and are wonderful for younatural insect protectionsuitable.
These essential oils are most effective against mosquitoes:
- Citronella oil (lemongrass oil)
- Teebaumöl
- Lavender oil
- Lemon-Eucalyptus
- Peppermint oil
- Rosemary beer
- Neem oil
- Geranium oil
- sage
While essential oils for mosquitoes might help, they may not provide as much protection as DEET insect repellent sprays and may need to be applied more frequently. Since we all have different scent preferences, feel free to experiment and mix mosquito repellent essential oils yourself until you find the scent that is most pleasant for you.
Citronella oil against mosquitoes
Thanks to their fine olfactory organ, mosquitoes, ticks and other insects are attracted to our body odor. So it makes sense that we can keep them away by using smells that they don't like. Citronella oil, also known as lemongrass, has been used as a natural insect repellent in Asia for more than 100 years, making it one of the most effective essential oils against mosquitoes. Several scientific studies have confirmed that mosquitoes cannot stand any citrus aroma. Citronella oil not only helps against mosquitoes, but also has anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and antiseptic effects. Here's how to use lemongrass against mosquitoes.
- Mix around 20-25 drops of lemongrass oil with 100 grams of coconut oil and apply it thinly to the skin.
Make your own citronella candles against mosquitoes
Homemade candles are an excellent way to use essential oils against mosquitoes in the apartment or on the balcony. They give off a very intense scent, which has a rather repelling effect on insects. So that you can enjoy the warm evenings outdoors undisturbed, we will show you how to make your own citronella candle against mosquitoes.
Materials:
- Citronella Beer
- Beeswax or leftover candles
- Coconut fat
Directions:
- Slowly melt coconut oil and beeswax in a 3:1 ratio in a saucepan.
- Add 15-25 drops of citronella oil and stir well.
- Carefully pour the mixture into mason jars or other containers and place wicks in the center.
- Allow to cool and your citronella candle against mosquitoes is ready.
Essential oils against mosquitoes: Lavender oil as a mosquito repellent
Lavender has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries to treat various ailments. It has a relaxing and calming effect and can help with sleep disorders and nervousness. But did you know that we also have the wonderful scentas a natural mosquito repellentcan take advantage of? Another advantage of lavender oil against mosquitoes is that you can not only keep the insects away, but you can also use it against bites. Here's how you can make your own insect repellent spray:
- Mix 10-15 drops of lavender oil with 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract in a small bottle.
- Fill the bottle with distilled water and you're done.
- To use lavender against mosquitoes in the home, add a few drops of lavender oil to an aroma lamp. Alternatively, you can fill a bowl with water and add a few drops of lavender oil. To prevent the insects from coming into the apartment, it is best to place the bowl on the windowsill.
Peppermint oil against mosquitoes
Fresh mint gives our dishes and cocktails a wonderfully refreshing touch in summer. But the aromatic plant can do much more and peppermint oil is one of the most effective essential oils against mosquitoes. While we find the mint scent to be super pleasant, mosquitoes hate the strong aroma and therefore stay away from us. Here, too, you can either add the essential oil against mosquitoes to the aroma lamp or mix it with olive oil and apply to the skin as a mosquito repellent.
Lemon eucalyptus oil against mosquitoes
We all know eucalyptus, but have you heard of lemon eucalyptus oil? It is obtained from the leaves of the Australian rubber tree and has been one of the most popular essential oils against mosquitoes and ticks for years. The strong and very intense lemon smell repels all insects and the oil is often used in scented candles or diffuser mixtures. Lemon eucalyptus oil not only helps against mosquitoes - it can also relieve swelling and pain and is even effective against asthma attacks.
Mix essential oils against mosquitoes yourself: ideas for homemade mosquito repellent sprays
You already know which essential oils help against mosquitoes. Now you're probably wondering how you mix these and use them to make your own insect repellent? To do this, half fill a small 30 ml spray bottle with distilled water and add 1 tablespoon of pure alcohol. Then add anti-mosquito essential oils of your choice, shake vigorously and you're done. Here are a few ideas for homemade mosquito repellent sprays:
- 10 drops lemongrass, 10 drops lemon eucalyptus, 5 drops basil oil and 5 drops tea tree oil
- 25 drops of lavender oil and 25 drops of peppermint oil
- 10 drops of rosemary oil, 10 drops of lavender oil and 5 drops each of citronella oil and peppermint oil
