Lemons contain a natural mosquito repelling compound.
Not only are mosquito bites itchy and irritating, but also they can spread potentially serious diseases like the West Nile virus. If you dislike using harsh chemicals as much as you dislike scratching at mosquito bites, create your own home natural mosquito repellents to protect you, your family and your pets. Does this Spark an idea?
Natural Repellents
Natural repellents that are effective against mosquitoes include rose geranium plants and citrus oils. Rose geranium plants have a long history of use in South Africa as protection against mosquitoes. When bruised, rose geranium leaves and flowers emit a pungent odor that drives the insects away. Citrus oils contain a compound called d-limonene. D-limonene is a natural insect repellent and is effective against mosquitoes, fleas and other bugs.
Creation
To use rose geranium as a natural mosquito repellent, either use rose geranium plants in your home's landscaping, or purchase rose geranium oil at health food and aromatherapy shops. Add a few drops of rose geranium oil to a spray bottle full of water to create your own homemade mosquito spray. For a d-limonene-based repellent, cut up three lemons or oranges, then pour a pint of boiling water over them. Let the water cool and strain it into a spray bottle. The water is infused with citrus oils and repels insects.
Application
Make your pet a mosquito repellent collar by placing a few drops of rose geranium oil on a fabric collar. Add more oil every two weeks to keep the scent strong and able to deter insects. Spray the rose geranium mixture in the spray bottle on clothing and skin before heading outdoors to keep mosquitoes away. If you plant rose geraniums, pluck a few leaves, crush them and rub them and their juice on your skin for a natural repellent. Bruise leaves still on the plants to keep mosquitoes out of your yard. The citrus oil mixture can be sprayed onto clothing and onto skin. You can spritz a dog with it to protect it from mosquitoes, but avoid using it on cats because citrus oils can make them ill.
Considerations
When applying a citrus oil-based mosquito repellent to your skin, wear long sleeves and sunscreen if you plan to be outside. Citrus oils will make your skin more photosensitive, putting you at a greater risk for sunburn. Essential oils lose their potency over time, so do not store batches of homemade mosquito repellent for more than a few weeks. After that, discard them and create a new batch.
Tags: rose geranium, against mosquitoes, geranium plants, mosquito repellent, natural mosquito