Homemade, non-toxic mosquito deterrents using items from your kitchen pantry in urgent situations
In the pursuit of effective yet natural mosquito repellents, two homemade solutions have gained popularity: lemon eucalyptus and lavender oil. Both are recognised by health organisations as safe and effective against mosquitoes.
Tony King, a pest expert and founder of The Pied Piper Pest Control, recommends a homemade lemon eucalyptus repellent. To make it, mix 10 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil with two tablespoons of witch hazel or vodka, and top the remaining amount in the spray bottle with two ounces of distilled water. Shannon Harlow-Ellis, an associate certified entomologist and technical services manager at Mosquito Joe, suggests a different recipe: combine 1/4 cup of coconut oil and one teaspoon of lemon eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle. After steeping, the repellent should be strained and diluted with water in a one-to-one ratio in a spray bottle.
Lemon eucalyptus oil contains an active ingredient called PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), which is as effective as low concentrations of DEET in repelling mosquitoes. However, its protection duration is usually up to about 2 hours, making it suitable for short outdoor activities. In contrast, DEET-based repellents typically offer longer protection, often lasting up to 7–8 hours depending on concentration.
Lavender oil is another natural mosquito repellent. Shannon Harlow-Ellis recommends a new homemade mosquito repellent using apple cider vinegar and herbs, including lavender. To make the repellent, equal parts dried herbs should be filled in a jar, covered with apple cider vinegar, and steeped for a couple of weeks. Linalool in lavender is the active ingredient responsible for repelling mosquitoes.
While both homemade repellents work well to repel mosquitoes, they do not match the longer-lasting protection offered by DEET. Users should reapply lemon eucalyptus repellent more frequently and use caution with young children. For longer periods of mosquito exposure, DEET typically offers superior and extended protection.
In addition to these homemade solutions, garlic is an effective natural mosquito repellent due to the sulfur compounds released by it that are repulsive to mosquitoes. The vinegar in the repellent works to mask body odors, while the herbs contain natural oils that help repel insects.
Drying lavender and enhancing its fragrance can be hung in areas where mosquitoes are typically found. Shannon Harlow-Ellis also recommends using oil instead of fresh herbs, such as 100% Pure & Natural Rosemary Oil or Plant Therapy Thyme Thymol Essential Oil, for a more potent and long-lasting repellent.
For those preferring plant-based options, homemade lemon eucalyptus and lavender repellents can be a valuable natural alternative for short-term use outdoors. However, for longer periods of mosquito exposure, DEET typically offers superior and extended protection. Always remember to follow the instructions when using these homemade repellents, especially when it comes to the safety of young children.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Insect Repellents and Protective Clothing. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/insect-repellents.html
- Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). Insect Repellents. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
- Mosquito Joe. (2020). Homemade Mosquito Repellent. Retrieved from https://mosquitojoedesmoines.com/homemade-mosquito-repellent/
- National Pesticide Information Center. (2020). Lemon Eucalyptus Oil. Retrieved from https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/lemoneucalyptusoil.html
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (2020). Mosquito Repellents. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/sites/PMG/files/292637.pdf
