A relaxing summer evening outside is often ruined by clouds of mosquitoes. You can use various sprays to keep them away, but commercial products are often full of harsh chemicals. If you’re unsure about their safety, why not make your own repellent with natural ingredients? Here are six ideas:
Coffee
Coffee plants contain chemical compounds resistant to all kinds of insects, including mosquitoes. You can make your coffee spray with used grounds, so it’s also a great way to recycle. Prepare a coffee with the used beans and cool. Put into a spray bottle and squirt it around the areas where mosquitoes tend to congregate.
Basil
Get some basil essential oil and mix 30-35 drops with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Squirt around the areas where mosquitoes hang out. You can also plant a basil plant in your garden or grow one inside, and it will ward off mosquitoes.
Rosemary
In studies, rosemary has proven to be deadly to mosquitoes. To make your own household and body spray, you’ll also need a “carrier” oil like coconut oil. Mix 200ml of coconut oil with 200 grams of real rosemary, which you should rub between your fingers first to release its essence. Put this mixture into a container and shake once every day for two weeks.
Lemongrass
Already a common ingredient in commercial bug sprays, lemongrass on its own is very effective at warding off mosquitoes. Mix 2 cups of water and 20 drops of lemongrass essential oil and apply on yourself like you would with any other spray.
Tea tree oil
To make a household spray, mix 2 cups of water and 40 drops of pure tea tree oil and squirt around. Tea tree oil is also very effective at treating insect bites. If you get itchy, rub some undiluted oil into the bite. It will reduce the swelling and itchiness.
Lavender + vanilla
Lavender and vanilla are good on their own for repelling mosquitoes, but using them together makes an even more effective spray. You’ll also need unflavored vodka for your recipe – anything cheap is fine. Mix 10 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of pure vanilla extract, and 14-ounces of vodka in a spray bottle. You can use the spray on your skin.
