These recipes are safe to use for kids, on skin, in the yard, and as a natural bug spray. The research is inconclusive on how effective neem oil is as a mosquito repellent, so people living in or traveling to areas where mosquitoes carry diseases should not rely on it alone. In a small 2015 study on six male volunteers, researchers tested neem oil to compare its mosquito-repellent properties with those of DEET mosquito repellent. The clove oil mixtures protected against yellow fever mosquitoes for up to 96 minutes. Lemongrass is an herb with a subtle citrus flavor. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Some essential oils may be as effective as a synthetic repellent, such as DEET, but they often have a shorter protection time because they evaporate from the skin more quickly. Burning thyme leaves can also help repel mosquitoes, providing about 85% protection for up to 90 minutes. Here’s our process. People can find lemongrass essential oil in natural health stores and online. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is available to buy in natural health stores and online. Natural mosquito repellents can be an effective way to repel mosquitoes and prevent bites. The authors of a 2011 study tested the effectiveness of eucalyptus oil with a coconut oil base. However, using natural mosquito repellents can be an effective and environmentally friendly way to avoid mosquito bites in areas where the risk of mosquitoes spreading disease is low. Some people may find that their skin reacts to essential oils, so it is important to do a patch test on a small area of skin first. A study in 2011 found that peppermint essential oil was effective against mosquito larvae and provided 100% protection against bites from adult yellow fever mosquitoes for up to 150 minutes. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Citronella is a well-known mosquito repellent. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD). Discover how to make homemade mosquito repellent using natural and non-toxic ingredients with essential oils, apple cider vinegar, and other natural ingredients. Neem essential oil is available for purchase online. Get Creative with Any One of These 100 Easy DIY Coaster Projects, 74 Ugly Christmas Sweater Ideas So You Can Be Gaudy and Festive, 44 Pretty Practical DIY Placemats Perfect for a Dining Party, 33 DIY Journal Ideas That Will Inspire You to Start Writing, 24 Aloe Vera Recipes for Glorious Hair and Skin, 17 DIY Christmas Gifts to Help You Start Making Spectacular Presents, 24 Winter Indoor Activities to Keep You From Going Crazy, How to Grow and Make Your Own Herbal Incense, The Beginner’s Guide to Turning Wool Into Yarn, 50 Products You Can Make at Home to Save Money (and be Healthier), 100 Unique and Effective Homemade Body Butter Recipes. However, cloves may also help prevent bothersome mosquito bites. For now, feel free to continue reading. A concentration of 20% neem oil provided 70% protection for 3 hours between dusk and dawn. The researchers applied the oil topically. Thyme is available at garden centers, and the essential oil is available online. The results of a 2011 study suggest that catnip essential oil is effective in repelling yellow fever mosquitoes. In a field study that took place in Guinea-Bissau, burning neem leaves provided 76% protection against mosquitoes for 2 hours. Natural repellents and some essential oils may be effective in keeping mosquitoes away because they block their sense of smell, making it harder for these insects to land on a human to feed. Learn how to get rid of…, © 2004-2020 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. It is a popular ingredient in tea and several Asian cuisines. However, it has a shorter protection time than DEET as it evaporates more quickly. People can also make repellents at home by combining essential oils with water or carrier oils, such as coconut or soybean oil, to either use as a room spray or apply topically. Eucalyptus essential oil is available for people to buy online or in health food stores. People can purchase natural mosquito repellents that include the essential oils above. In a different study, extracts from the catnip plant effectively repelled two species of mosquito, including the common house mosquito, for at least 2 hours. All rights reserved. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, Respiratory failure in COVID-19 usually not driven by cytokine storm, Link between food insecurity and cardiovascular death found, COVID-19: High blood sugar raises death risk in those without diabetes, Drug to reduce bleeding could treat COVID-19, COVID-19 live updates: Total number of cases passes 60 million, Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC. The findings of both field and laboratory studies show that lemon eucalyptus oil can effectively protect against several species of malaria-carrying mosquito as well as the yellow fever mosquito. 29 DIY Calendars to Keep Your Days and Months Organized, 14 DIY Hanging Baskets to Display Your Floral Masterpieces, 22 DIY Birthday Card Ideas to Help You Be Festive on the Cheap, Infusion, Decoction, or Tincture? However, citronella oil evaporates quickly, meaning that it is only effective for a short time. In this article, learn about the best natural mosquito repellents and how they work. Wormwood. Many people use St. John's wort to help…, Moth larvae can eat through clothes and other fabrics, and the insects can trigger allergic reactions, which may be serious. In a dose by dose comparison, citronella is initially as effective as DEET. People can use catnip essential oil as a natural mosquito repellent. Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray | DEET Free | Plant Based, All Natural … Other research found that heated eucalyptus leaves provided roughly 72% protection against mosquitoes for 2 hours during a field study. In this article, learn about some home remedies that may help manage shortness…, A bed bug mattress cover may help prevent bed bugs from getting into a mattress or escaping an infested one. People can purchase basil plants from their local garden center or find basil essential oil online. People traveling to areas where mosquitoes carry diseases may wish to use a more effective synthetic repellent than citronella. 23 Spectacular DIY Tree Toppers You Can Make Yourself! People can purchase catnip plants from their local garden center and look for the essential oil online. Researchers have found that a commercial formula that contains glycerin, lecithin, vanillin, coconut oil, geranium, and soybean oil has similar effects to DEET and can repel mosquitoes for up to 7 hours. The authors of a 2011 review looked at several studies testing basil as a repellent. Laboratory studies have shown that topical applications of compounds of thyme essential oil can provide 89.0–97.3% protection against the common house mosquito for up to 82 minutes. However, Greek catnip oil is another natural mosquito repellent that you may want to try. Research has shown that the topical application of 100% citronella can provide complete protection against three types of mosquito for up to 120 minutes in a laboratory setting. What causes shortness of breath, and is this issue treatable at home? If you are heading outside for picnics, sporting events, yard work, or relaxing on the patio, chances are you’ve seen a bug or two already. Homemade Mosquito Repellent. Ingredients: 10-25 drops essential oil (Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Cedar, Catnip, Lavender, Mint: all of … Basil is a common ingredient in many cuisines, but it may also be a moderately effective mosquito repellent. If you’re a mosquito magnet, you’re … Best bed bug mattress covers: How do they work? Other research found that topical application of lemongrass essential oil provided 74–95% protection for 2.5 hours against two types of mosquito during a field study. The authors also noted that in a laboratory study, basil essential oil provided up to 100% protection for more than 6 hours against yellow fever mosquitoes. It is a popular product in the cleaning and cosmetics industries due to its fresh scent. In the study, the researchers placed the leaves on a hot plate over a stove to fumigate the area. DEET provided a similar level of protection, but it lasted for about 8 hours. People looking for alternatives to synthetic mosquito repellents may find that some natural repellents are effective in protecting them from bites. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that people use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent that contains one of the following ingredients: However, using natural mosquito repellents can be an effective and environmentally friendly way to avoid mosquito bites in areas where the risk of mosquitoes spreading disease is low.