How To Make A Homemade Mosquito Repellent

Most people like to escape to the great outdoors for summer fun, but there's nothing entertaining about spending a night at the campsite getting bitten by mosquitos. Although itchy mosquito bites can be annoying, they can also have serious consequences. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, mosquitos transmit diseases and viruses, including malaria, Zika, and a whole host of other ailments. While a mosquito bite won't prove to be fatal for most people, it's always a good idea to protect yourself whenever possible.

Although most people turn to store-bought mosquito and bug repellents to keep mosquitos away when spending time outdoors, many of these can cause a great deal of irritation to your skin. Also, they can really put a dent in your wallet, especially for those who spend lots of time outdoors. Luckily, there are several natural DIY mosquito repellents that you can make from the comfort of your own home.

To make a homemade mosquito repellent spray, you'll need distilled water, a base, such as rubbing alcohol or witch hazel, and plenty of essential oil, per MasterClass. The homemade mosquito repellent works by masking your human scent with a strong-smelling essential oil that most mosquitoes find much less appealing. According to Green Matters, citronella, lavender, and lemongrass essential oils effectively prevent mosquito bites. These can also be mixed with other essential oils to prevent tick and flea bites, so be sure to research what troublesome bugs are on the prowl in your area.

When mixing your homemade mosquito repellent, it's essential to keep a few things in mind. First, there's a vast array of mosquitoes in the world, so finding the right mix for the species in your neck of the woods might require some trial and error, via Masterclass. Also, some bases, such as rubbing alcohol or vodka, might irritate sensitive skin, so go out and buy some witch hazel if your skin is easily irritated by similar products.

If you're seeking to limit the number of mosquitos harassing you around your home, there are some economical options to consider before investing in a new screened-in porch. Citronella has long been used as a natural remedy for mosquitoes, and making your own DIY citronella candles is a relatively simple process suitable for beginner candlemakers, per CandleScience. If you're more of a gardener than a candlemaker, however, you can always strategically plant some citronella plants around your patio, deck, and garden.

Another simple mosquito repellent that's incredibly easy to employ around your home is vinegar. While you won't want to douse yourself in vinegar before the entertaining company on your patio, spraying some apple cider vinegar around the perimeter of your patio (as well as on the legs of tables and chairs) is an incredibly effective way to limit mosquitoes at your next gathering, via Green Matters. Combine this approach with citronella candles or tiki torches to give your friends and family a mosquito-free environment where they can unwind.