Repel mosquitoes with homemade repellents.
Although mosquito repellents made with DEET and Permethrin are effective, they cannot be applied directly to the skin without possible harm. Homemade repellents can be just as effective and less risky. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control states that oil of lemon eucalyptus has been proven to protect just as well as low concentrations of DEET. You can use oil of lemon eucalyptus as well as several other essential oils found to repel mosquitoes. Does this Spark an idea?
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
Pour 2 oz. of a carrier oil in a medicine cup or baby food jar. Carrier oil choices include olive, almond oil and jojoba oil. Drip in 10 drops of oil of lemon eucalyptus. Stir with a cotton swab or a coffee stirrer. Use cotton balls to soak up the homemade mosquito repellent and wipe over exposed skin for protection when outdoors.
Citronella
Citronella oil in the form of citronella candles repels insects, including mosquitoes, without causing them any harm, reports the Environmental Protection Agency. Make your own citronella mosquito repellent by pouring 4 oz. of distilled water into an empty spray bottle. Add 1 oz. of citronella essential oil to the spray bottle and shake to combine. Spray over exposed skin and clothing before going out of doors.
Alcohol-Based Repellent
Certain alcohols can be used in place of a carrier oil to create a homemade mosquito repellent rub for your skin. Pour 2 oz. of 190-proof alcohol in a medicine cup or baby food jar. Add 5 drops of rosemary essential oil, 5 drops of tea tree essential oil and 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the alcohol. Add two or three cotton balls after stirring to soak up the repellent. Wipe on exposed skin.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass and citronella both belong to the genus Cymbopogon and Poaceae family. Use lemongrass instead of citronella to repel mosquitoes. Pour 4 oz. of soybean oil in a spray bottle. Add 30 drops of lemongrass essential oil and 10 drops of basil essential oil. Shake the spray bottle to combine the oils. Spray over the skin when walking, hiking or playing outdoors.
Tags: spray bottle, essential drops, exposed skin, mosquito repellent, baby food, cotton balls, homemade mosquito