Summer is upon us, which means we’re all looking forward to spending more time outdoors. But with that comes the unwelcome buzz of mosquitos. Instead of resorting to chemical repellents, consider using essential oils which not only help repel mosquitos but also smell great and provide additional health benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the best essential oils for mosquito repellents and how to use them effectively.
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Why Use Essential Oils as Mosquito Repellents?
Essential oils bring numerous benefits to the table, including their natural mosquito-repelling abilities. These benefits include:
- Eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to chemical repellents
- Enhanced mood and overall wellbeing
- Additional health benefits, such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
- A pleasant aroma that can be customized to your preferences
Top Essential Oils for Repelling Mosquitos
Each essential oil offers unique properties that make it effective in repelling mosquitos. Here are some of the most popular choices:
1. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Derived from the leaves of the Eucalyptus citriodora tree, this oil contains citronellal, which is known for its mosquito-repelling properties. According to studies, lemon eucalyptus oil is an effective and natural alternative to DEET-based repellents.
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil boasts a calming and relaxing scent. It can be used as an insect repellent due to its active compounds, including linalool and linalyl acetate. These compounds irritate mosquitos, making it unappealing for them to bite.
3. Citronella Oil
Extracted from the Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus plants, citronella oil has a strong, citrus-like scent that helps mask our naturally occurring body odors that attract mosquitos. It contains compounds like citronellal and geraniol that can repel insects effectively.
4. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is invigorating and has menthol, which provides a cooling effect. This potent essential oil can keep mosquitos at bay due to its strong scent, which can be overwhelming for insects.
5. Thyme Oil
Thyme oil has a warm, spicy aroma and contains compounds like thymol and carvacrol. These compounds are known for their insecticidal properties, making it an effective mosquito repellent.
Using These Essential Oils to Keep Mosquitos Away
There are various methods to incorporate essential oils as mosquito repellents, including:
- Creating a spray: Mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with water and a carrier oil, such as witch hazel or sweet almond oil, in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray it on your skin or clothes before heading outdoors.
- Using a diffuser: Add a few drops of essential oil to an outdoor diffuser or oil burner to keep mosquitoes away from your outdoor gathering areas.
- Applying a diluted blend: Mix your chosen essential oils with your carrier oil of choice and apply the blend to your pulse points or other areas more prone to mosquito bites.
- Making a mosquito-repellent lotion or body oil: Mix essential oils with unscented lotions or body oils to apply all over your body for added protection against mosquitos.
Keep in mind that some essential oils can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted. Always perform a patch test before using any oil directly on your skin.
What Essential Oils Repel Mosquitos Example:
Imagine you’re hosting a backyard barbeque on a warm summer evening. To keep uninvited mosquitos away from your guests, create a custom mosquito repelling spray. Mix 8-10 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil, 5 drops of lavender oil, and 5 drops of citronella oil with 3-4 tablespoons of witch hazel and 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray around the gathering area, on outdoor furniture, and even offer it to your guests to apply on themselves.
Now you can enjoy your outdoor activities without itching, biting invaders, thanks to the power of essential oils. Not only will you keep mosquitos at bay, but you’ll also benefit from the calming, invigorating scents and the additional health properties these oils offer. Don’t forget to explore other Oshu Oils guides to learn more about essential oils and aromacology. And if you found this article helpful, be sure to share it with friends and family, so they can enjoy a mosquito-free summer, too. Check out the Oshu Oils range of essential oils to create your perfect mosquito-repelling blend today!
