Homemade Mosquito Repellent
This time of year can be the worst for pesky mosquitos. I live in the mountains of Southern Oregon where fire season has been particularly bad this year. To escape from the thick smoke, I went to the Oregon coast for some fresh ocean air, only to be met by clouds of mosquito swarms instead of clouds of smoke.
The ocean was gorgeous, fresh, cold, and wild and sleeping outside with the ability to breathe fresh air, was so worth it! But, there were insane amounts of mosquitos to contend with 24 hours a day. My beloved bought one of those silly tennis racket looking mosquito zappers and looked like he was playing tennis with a ghost as we relaxed at our campsite. I brought my own proprietary insect repellent creation and it kept the mosquitos at bay. It also doubles as a air freshener and perfume - great for camping, travel, and outdoor activity.
Try this Natural Insect Repellent Recipe. I had planned on offering this special formula as one of the products in my elaa skincare line, but instead I decided to share the formula recipe with you so you can make it yourself at home. It's healing and healthy for skin, it smells great, and it's completely safe and non-toxic for everyone, even little ones.
Homemade Mosquito Repellent
This homemade insect repellent is a formula I created for the elaa product line, but it's quite simple and you can easily make it yourself. If you only have two or three of these essential oils at hand, that's fine, just increase their concentrations.
Ingredients
3 oz Lavender Hydrosol (you may also use distilled Water or Witch Hazel)
1 oz Jojoba oil (you may also use olive oil, grape seed oil, or fractionated coconut oil)
1/4 teaspoon Citronella Essential Oil
1/8 teaspoon Lemon Eucalyptus (you may also use Eucalyptus Essential Oil)
1/8 teaspoon Lemongrass Essential Oil
1/8 teaspoon Cedarwood Essential Oil
1/8 teaspoon Rose Geranium Essential Oil
Instructions
Mix all ingredients together and pour into in a 4 oz spray bottle. Shake well before use. Spray onto exposed skin. Close eyes when spraying around face or head. Reapply as needed.
Essential Oil Bug Repellent
In case you don't have the above ingredients available, here's another blend with a few other essential oil options. This can be used in various ways.
Ingredients
8 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
4 drops Thyme Essential Oil
4 drops Lavender Essential Oil
4 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Instructions
Add oils to small dropper bottle.
Here are several ways to use this natural insect repellent recipe :
1) Place a few drops into a diffuser, or soak a cotton ball or tissue and place next to you as you sleep.
2) Dilute 5 drops per 1 tablespoon of oil for a body rub or add the blend to any lotion, oil, or body butter you have.
Mosquito Bite Relief
If prevention is too late and you've already been bitten, try applying 1 drop of Lavender Essential Oil directly to the skin for mosquito bite relief. It helps to relieve pain and itching, and promotes healing.
