Mosquito Repellent recipes
Mosquitoes don’t like the smell of: jojoba oil, witch hazel, neem, lavender, geranium,
citronella, eucalyptus, lemon grass, pennyroyal
All Natural Homemade Insect Repellent
Place the following ingredients into a large glass container.
Plastic can be used, but the odours of the lemon and Rosemary will be permanently
infused into the plastic.
One fat juicy lemon with a heavy rind sliced paper thin.
One Tablespoon of crushed Rosemary sprinkled over the lemon slices.
Pour 32 ounces of near-boiling water over the lemon and Rosemary.
Cover with a clean cloth and let the liquid "steep" for at least 15 hours.
After the "steeping" time, pour the liquid through cheesecloth into a clean quart size
canning jar, cover and store in the refrigerator.
Transfer 4 - 6 ounces at a time into a spray bottle with a fine mist applicator.
Spray liberally over skin and coats.
Avoid contact with the eyes.
Repeat the application as frequently as required.
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Natural Mosquito Repellent Ingredients
If you are making large amounts of mosquito repellent, a good rule of thumb is to mix the repellent so it's
5-10% essential oil, so mix 1 part essential oil with 10-20 parts carrier oil or alcohol. For a smaller batch
use:

10-25 drops (total) of essential oils

2 tablespoons of a carrier oil or alcohol
The essential oils that work well against mosquitoes are:

cinnamon oil

lemon eucalyptus oil

citronella oil

castor oil
Safe carrier oils and alcohols include:

olive oil

sunflower oil

any other cooking oil

witch hazel

vodka
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Natural Mosquito Repellent Recipe
Mix the essential oil with the carrier oil or alcohol. Rub or spray the natural insect repellent onto skin or
clothing, using care to avoid the sensitive eye area. You'll need to re-apply the natural product after about
an hour or after swimming or exercise. Unused natural insect repellent may be stored in a dark bottle, away
from heat or sunlight.
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for mosquito bites and also beneficial repelling other bugs like fleas try my tea:
a cup of dried catnip (much more powerful than deet, but safe for people and pets) expensive in
eo form, but up to 1t. eo - or no more than 10 drops for individual use.
up to a cup of dried geranium leaves/stems (or up to 1t. eo - no more than 10 drops for ind. use)
infuse in hot distilled water for one hour, then cool and strain/bottle. for eos add to cool distilled
water and bottle. shake then spray liberally on skin and on clothing. will not stain natural fibers.
such a lovely scent!
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For normal skin
For oily skin
2 1/2 tbsp. grape-seed oil
1 tsp. shea butter
1 tsp beeswax
2 1/2 tbsp. distilled water
or lavender hydrosol
1/4 tsp. borax powder
8 drops citronella essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops lemongrass essential oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil
2 drops sage essential oil
2 1/2 tbsp. evening-primrose oil
1 tsp. shea butter
1 tsp. beeswax
2 1/2 tbsp. lavender hydrosol
1/4 tsp. borax powder
8 drops citronella essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops lemongrass essential oil
5 drops sage essential oil
2 drops tea-tree essential oil
1.
In a double boiler, heat the
grape-seed or evening-primrose
oil, shea butter and beeswax to
about 140ºF or until all of the
ingredients have melted.
Remove from heat.
2.
In a separate pot, heat the
distilled water or lavender
hydrosol to about 140ºF and stir
in the borax powder until
dissolved. Remove from heat.
3.
Stir the water or hydrosol
solution into the hot-oil blend to
make an emulsion.
For sensitive skin
2 1/2 tbsp. grape seed oil
1 tsp. shea butter
2 1/2 tbsp lavender hydrosol
1/4 tsp. borax
5 drops citronella essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops lemongrass essential oil
3 drops tea-tree essential oil
2 drops sage essential oil
4.
Allow to cool until slightly
warm; then mix in the essential
oils. Store in a clean plastic
squeeze bottle in a cool place.
Application:
Shortly before you go outside, apply mosquito repellent that's appropriate for your skin
type to all the exposed parts of your body. Reapply after about two to three hours. If
you will be perspiring heavily, be sure, be sure to reapply the mosquito repellent more
frequently, for greater protection.
Ingredient Benefits:
Grape-seed oil for nourishing the skin: This oil has a nourishing and protective
effect on normal and sensitive skin types. Grape-seed oil's fine, thin consistency does
not clog pores.
Evening-primrose oil for easing inflammation: A natural anti-inflammatory, evening
primrose oil aids in healing irritated skin, making it good for people with blemishes or
skin problems.
Lavender hydrosol for sensitive skin: Lavender
hydrosol, a thin, watery liquid that is a by-product of
lavender oil production, can help heal sensitive, slightly
chapped skin and protect it against environmental
irritants.
Essential oils to ward off biting insects: The
essential oils in natural mosquito repellent are the active
constituents that help to ward off bugs and insects. Teatree oil, which is a potent antiseptic and anti-bacterial
essential oil, has a slightly medicinal scent. The light
flora aroma of lavender oil has a refreshing, soothing
effect, while the citrus like fragrance of both citronella and lemongrass oils is a mood
lifter. Finally, sage oil acts as an antiseptic and skin toner.
Natural ingredients for better consistency: The thin consistency of mosquito
repellent can be thickened by adding a little bit of beeswax and shea butter, which
makes it easier to apply. The addition of borax powder helps to stabilize the water-oil
emulsion.
Hydrosol - The condensed water that is left behind when plants are steam distilled to
make essential oil. A little like waters made from roses and lavenders and other herbs,
except more pure and a little more concentrated. You can make your own waters, just
by steeping an herb in warm water and straining. Or, you can purchase hydrosols. See
below. What is a hydrosol?
Source http://www.a1-natural-beauty.com/Mosquito_Repellant.html
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RE: Mosquito Repellent Recipes
This is the info I found on catnip oil. I'm going to try putting it in an oil base, too.
Catnip Oil: Research by Iowa State University and the US Forest Service announced
that nepatalactone, the essential oil in catnip, can be used as a very effective
mosquito repellent. The authors stated that nepetalactone is about 10 times more
effective than DEET. The researchers believe that catnip repels mosquitoes by an
irritant reaction.
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How to make: in a hand-held spray bottle, mix 1/4-1/2 tsp. (1.25 - 2.5 ml.) of
essential oil of catnip (Nepata cataria), 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol, and 1 cup of
water.
How to use: Shake well and then spray lightly on clothing, arms, and legs, being
careful to avoid eyes or open cuts. Do not use on the skin of small children. Some
persons may be sensitive to catnip oil. Keep the contents of the spray away from
children and pets, and be careful around cats! :-)
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I found this one while researching recipes for cleaning products, I'll be trying it this
weekend!
Mosquito Deterrent recipe
Submitted to Recipe Goldmine by Barbara Louise - Albuquerque, New Mexico
Source: a gardening forum
Put some water in a white dinner plate and add just a couple of drops of Lemon
Fresh Joy dish washing soap. Set the dish on a porch or patio. Not sure what attracts
them, the lemon smell, the white color, or what, but mosquitoes flock to it, and drop
dead, or fall into the water, or on the floor within about 10 feet. Works just super!
(05/06/2008)
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WRKO radio has a recipe- 1 part clove oil- 1 part peppermint or spearmint oil- 15
parts water(quote)(/quote) (07/08/2007)
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Lavender essential oil works well. You can combine 10 drops of lavender oil, 5 drops
of lemon oil and 2 drops geranium or eucalyptus oil and mix it with 2 tablespoons
oil(almond oil is best but any other vegetable based oil will do). You can also soak
some strips of paper with it and hang it by the door or windows to keep them away.
It's safe for kids and pets and smells so good! (04/24/2008)
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Rub Vicks Vaporub on exposed skin to repel mosquitoes. By truerblue (04/21/2005)
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I found a great one for my kids. My girls seem to attract every kind of crawly, flying
biteing bug. we have mosquitos, horseflys, and deerflies which all bite and bite bad.
I hate using the chemicals on them because my youngest suffers from asthma. I
found a recipe that calls for 1 part vinegar, 1 part oil, i used mineral oil but you can
also use baby oil to make the smell better. mix together in a spray bottle and spray
away. they will smell a bit like vinegar but has worked quite well and keeps those
pesty things from getting anywhere near them. You can also spray this mixture on
tents, chairs etc. wont hurt them at all. (07/13/2005)
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know that certain Herbs and plants ward off mosquitos. I have never mixed them
together and if you try you should be careful.
Marigold
Basil
Lavender
Geraniums
Lemon Thyme
Citronella Grass
Chamomile (12/14/2005)
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Insect Repellent
Here is an easy repellent to make that has a shelf life of around six months. Label jars
“mosquito,” “tick,” etc. for quick identification.
1o to 25 drops essential oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (olive oil is fine)
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel (optional)
Combine the ingredients in a glass jar. Shake to blend. Dab a few drops on your skin or
clothing.
Here are some suggestions for your choice of essential oils:
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Bug Repellent Essential Oils
Caution: Pregnant women should consult with their doctors before using.
Ticks First Choice: Rose Geranium
Other: Palmerosa, bay, eucalyptus, European pennyroyal
lavender, tickweed (American pennyroyal)
Mosquitoes: Pennyroyal, lemon balm (citronella), thyme, lavender
Blackflies: Sassafras, lavender, eucalyptus, pennyroyal, cedar, lemon balm (citronella),
peppermint
Head Lice: Tea tree, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, rose geranium
Fleas: Orange oil
A note about wasps and yellow jackets: Don’t wear perfume, hair spray, or scented
deodorant. Avoid wearing bright colored clothing.
Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/custom-made-insectrepellent.html#ixzz0ziDajZBr
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ESSENTIAL OILS AS NATURAL REPELLENTS
The most common -- and most effective -- natural insect repellents are various
essential oils. Clove oil and citronella (rose geranium) are the most effective against
mosquitoes, but be careful with clove oil and use it sparingly -- it can be a skin
irritant. Other fairly effective essential oils include: Lemon grass, eucalyptus, castor
oil, peppermint, tea tree oil, lavender, and cedar. You can buy cedar oil in spray-on
bottles at your local pet store.
It's important to remember when using essential oils: Don't use them internally!
They need to be used externally on your skin and garments. Be sure to test any oils
on a small patch of skin before applying widely to your body to avoid allergic
reactions or skin irritations.
You can make your own insect repellent sprays by combining rubbing alcohol (or
witch hazel, vodka, or olive oil) with one of the listed essential oils (about 10-to-1,
alcohol-to-oil ratio). Shake well before each use.
To make a lotion, use: 2 ounces distilled water, 2 ounces olive oil, and about 120
drops essential oil. Put the water into a deep mixing bowl, and using a wire whip,
begin beating quickly while slowly drizzling in the olive oil. After oil is mixed into the
distilled water, stir in the essential oil of your choice (citronella is probably the most
effective for insect repellent use).
You can also add a few drops of your choice of insect-repelling essential oils to your
shampoo or liquid soap to help counteract the perfumes in these products.
Keep in mind that the following criteria reduces the effectiveness of all insect
repellents: Clothing rubbing on your skin, natural evaporation, your skin's natural
ability to absorb anything applied to it, sweat or rain washing off the repellent, and a
windy environment.
Some folks claim that garlic is an effective insect repellent, but I think it works best
for repelling friends (and maybe a vampire or two).
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Bugger OFF Insect Repellent Recipe
Similar to Burt's Bees
Ingredients: (Makes 2 ozs. measured)
1/2
1/4
1/2
1/4
1/4
oz.
oz.
oz.
oz.
oz.
Distilled Water
Witch Hazel
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Citronella Essential Oil
Rosemary Essential Oil
1/4 tsp. Grapeseed Oil
5 drops Vitamin E Oil
Mix all ingredients and pour
into a glass or aluminum spray
bottles. Shake well before
each use.
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Homemade Natural Insecticide and Repellent
Recipes
Having access to natural insecticides is easier than you think. There are natural alternatives that
do not make you glow in the dark after you have applied them to your home and garden.
Homemade natural insecticide does not only help our planet but they also cut the
immediate risk to our families and loved ones. Many natural insecticides can be easily
and quickly made up at home.
Not only are natural insecticides less toxic in general, but also many of them are more
effective than their commercial counterpart. Making your own can save you some money
in the long run, as commercial insect repellents can be costly and not necessarily
affective.
Garden mix. Take the dried leaves of lavender, tobacco, rosemary, and Pyrethrum
daisy. You can then mix all of these together and use it as a powder, or they can be
steeped overnight in water and then strained into a spray bottle. Each of these plants
can be used individually but often gardeners will combine them.
During the summer months we spend more time outdoors children are often in the grass
playing late into the evening and many of us worked in our gardens once the
temperature has cooled down. It seems as the sun goes down the bugs come out.
Check out this recipe for natural insecticides homemade insect repellent that can be
safely used instead of those toxic commercial sprays. This just a sampling of what can
be made to help you in your quest to eradicate pests around your home.
Soak the following in water:
Lemon peels and/or orange peels
Mint leaves and/or sage leaves
Lavender leaves
If you can soak them all overnight, in the morning you'll have a strong mixture. After
straining this use 1/2 of this mixture and add some witch-hazel to make up the other half.
Simply lightly spray yourself down with this mixture and you should be good to go in the
evening. This natural insecticide is safe on the children and pets as well.
A natural insecticide that works as a flea repellent for dogs that will save you a lot of
money can be whipped up in the kitchen in a matter of minutes. It should be noted
however that this repellent should not be used on cats as citrus is toxic to them in large
amounts.
You basically make a tea out of citrus peels, it doesn't matter what type, lemon peels, or
orange peels, any type of citrus peels will work. You put the peels in water and boil. After
they have cooled, you strain the liquid and then rub it into his or her coat, during the final
rinse of the bath. This kills fleas as well as acts as a repellent for any that might be
lurking around the yard. Do not use on cats, as it is toxic to them!
As we all know citronella has been added to candles and sprays for quite some time.
Citronella is an excellent repellent and can be classified in homemade natural
insecticides. Also chamomile seems to make mosquitoes run the other way. Combining
about 1 ounce each of these two plants leaves together and boiling them in a gallon of
water, is a highly effective repellent.
Another natural insecticide that has been around for centuries in the Middle East is
Neem oil. Although in the United States it has gained in popularity in the past few years.
Neem oil is biodegradable and very low toxicity and seems to be in everything from
toothpaste to pharmaceuticals. This natural insecticide works as a systemic that is
absorbed into the plant and then ingested by feeding insects.
Neem oil is highly effective as an natural insecticide for the treatment of head lice, but it
may be used in the garden, you can mix 1 ounce of Neem Oil to 1.3 gallons of water to
spray around your yard.
Utilizing homemade natural insecticide within the garden and around your home may
take a little effort in their preparation but in the long run and not only will save money, but
you are reducing the risk to your family and the environment. There are many more
powerful natural insecticide products that will do the job, you just need guidance as to
which formulas will be effective for you. The great thing is that you will have an unlimited
supply of product which has cost next to nothing and does an excellent job as well.
Natural Insecticides Homemade
For radiation free insecticide recipes go here!
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Homemade Recipe
20 drops Eucalyptus oil
20 drops Cedarwood oil
10 drops Tea Tree oil
10 drops Geranium oil
2 oz. carrier oil ( such as Jojoba )
Mix together in a 4 oz. container. Apply to skin as needed avoiding the eye area. Keep out of
reach of children. Test on a small area of skin for sensitivities . Experiment with different
percentages of essential oil.
GR
Vanilla
One of the best natural insect repellants that I've discovered is made from the clear real vanilla
(not the grocery store vanilla extract which is mostly alcohol). This is the pure vanilla that is sold
in Mexico. It's cheap there if you know of someone that lives there or in the US close to the
border. If not, health food stores usually carry it or can order it for you. I use it half vanilla and half
water and find that it works great for mosquitoes and ticks, don't know about other insects. It's
nice that you don't smell like a chemical plant but a cookie! I cannot use chemical insecticides, so
I love the way this works and I hope you and your kids will also.
Sharon
the best insect repellents I have found and I am in the woods every day, is Vick's Vaporub. I rub it
on my pants and legs to ward off ticks. If you can tolerate the smell it's pretty good.
Barbara
Marigolds in the Yard
There are several things to do when trying to protect yourself and kids from those nasty bugs in
the yard during the summer. One thing to do is plant marigolds around the yard, the flowers give
off a smell that bugs do not like, so plant some in that garden also to help ward off bugs without
using insecticides. Try putting a bounce dryer sheet on your belt or in your sock, the sheet will
mask your smell and ward off the bugs.
Sandy
Marine's Choice
I don't know how "organic" you want to go, or if it's just DEET you're trying to avoid. But here in
Jacksonville, NC, home of Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base, our "tough guy" Marines who
spend a great deal of time "camping out" say that the very best mosquito repellant you can use is
Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil mixed about half and half with alcohol. I've tried it, and I have to admit
it works just as well if not better than the commercial sprays. Actually, I just saw an ad on TV this
week for Avon's own Skin-So-Soft insect repellant. I'm assuming it's made about the same way,
but it may turn out to be less expensive in the long run to mix your own. An added plus is that it
smells great too.
Carol D.
Vanilla
One of the best natural insect repellants that I've discovered is made from the clear real vanilla
(not the grocery store vanilla extract which is mostly alcohol). This is the pure vanilla that is sold
in Mexico. It's cheap there if you know of someone that lives there or in the US close to the
border. If not, health food stores usually carry it or can order it for you. I use it half vanilla and half
water and find that it works great for mosquitoes and ticks, don't know about other insects. It's
nice that you don't smell like a chemical plant but a cookie! I cannot use chemical insecticides, so
I love the way this works and I hope you and your kids will also.
Sharon
Moth Balls
To the person who needed natural insect repellent. This is not natural but if you put out moth ball
in the yard where children can't find them, they are great for mosquito. Or make a mixture of 1part
baby powder, 1 part flower of sulfur(found at drug stores), 1 part cornstarch. Mix in a resealable
bag and sprinkle on the ground. Repels most bugs.
Rose M
from HGTV
I am testing a preparation suggested by HGTV's Paul James. "Finely chop a dozen garlic cloves
into 4 ounces of mineral oil. Soak for a day or 2, strain it and add 4 drops of dishwasher liquid.
Dilute with half cup of water and pour into sprayer." I used a coffee filter to strain it (sort of messy)
and it smells out loud. So far I have used it on two plants and it appears non-damaging.
Incidentally, I planted garlic cloves next to each rose bush and that appears ot have repelled
insects. That is a widely known practice, I gather. Incidentally, I use old soap and garden spray
bottles with no harmful residue.
Alvin
Catnip Concoction
Make your own by filling a quart jar with some herbs from the mint family like catnip, spearmint,
pennyroyal and then cover with apple cider vinegar. Shake twice a day for two weeks. Strain and
either rub on or spray on.
Gary
Lavender Oil
I just read about a pleasant solution, though, that worked for me last weekend in the mountains
(lots of biting bugs, but they pretty much left me alone.) Use lavender oil, and dab it on your pulse
points (I used it on my wrists, behind my ears, temples, behind my knees, and on my ankles).
Smells wonderful, but apparently the insects don't think so.
JT
Bug-Proof Your Yard
There are many insect repellents that contain "pyrethum," which is actually a natural extract of the
marigold plant. It is very safe for use around children and pets, but it is quite expensive.
You may also want to regularly spray your plants and grass with a soap and water solution. This
will have 3 effects: 1) it will dehydrate most bugs and kill them without chemicals, 2) it will help to
keep your grass and plants clean of pollution and make them healthier and 3) it will soften your
soil which mean you won't have to water as much. Use a hose-end sprayer filled with 1 cup of
any cheap dishwashing soap for your grass or 1 tablespoon of soap in a hand-held sprayer for
your plants.
Glenn P.
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Multi-bug repellent!
Here is an essential oil recipe that work well in my neck of the woods, on most biting
bugs.

1/2 cup glycerin (available at drug stores) as a base

1/2 cup witch-hazel to thin it out (available at drug stores I like to use the one
with lemon)

3 ozs jojoba oil

20 drops Eucalyptus essential oil

20 drops of Cedar-wood essential oil

10 drops each of these essential oils: citronella, tea tree, penny-royal and
catnip

5 drops Geranium essential oil
***************Notes: penny-royal should not be used on pregnant
women****************
Combine the works in a 12 ozs fine misting bottle and shake well before using. Avoid
eyes. It stays active on me for about 4-5 hours. If swimming the oils will melt away in
about 1 1/2hours you will then have to re-apply. As essential oils are volatile I make
up a fresh batch every time I head up north RVing.
Apply to skin as needed avoiding the eye area. Keep out of reach of children. Test
on a small area of skin for sensitivities . Experiment with different percentages of
essential oil.
This concoction doesn't smell too bad and the whole idea behind it is to smell like a
tree and not like a blood-donor. I find that on me it especially works well against
black flies.
For the children's version I dilute the blend by adding an extra 2 ozs jojoba oil. We've
been using this spray on my granddaughters since they were 3, they are now nine
and five and we found that it worked well on them too, without hurting their precious
tender skin.
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Make your own Catnip Concoction
1) Fill a quart jar with fresh catnip (or an herb from the mint family like spearmint,
peppermint, penny-royal etc. or a combination of them)
2) Cover with a good quality apple cider vinegar.
3) Shake twice a day for 10 days to 2 weeks.
4) Strain and either rub on or spray on. (naturally avoiding eyes)
I have quite a few large bunches of catnip and the rest of the mint gang growing
around the yard and once the herbs start getting their leaves I start a new jar every
week. This spray will stay active, on me, for about 2-3 hours.
This is the repellent I use around the house daily.